How to Clean and Care for a Down Comforter or Duvet

Warm, snuggly, and comfortable—down is the perfect filling for bedding. When it comes time to wash your down-filled comforter or duvet, dry-cleaning is an option (it prevents shrinkage), but it's not always a must, and you'll want to avoid putting harsh chemicals on down. First, check the care tag: If the fabric is delicate or if the comforter has embellishments, you’ll probably need to leave the cleaning to a professional. Fortunately, if the cover of your duvet or comforter is 100% cotton or a cotton-blend, you can usually wash and dry it yourself. It’s not a quick process, however, so schedule your bedding laundry day for an open afternoon.

Project Metrics

As a rule of thumb, down-filled bedding should be washed once a year. Of course, if your bedding becomes soiled, more frequent washings will be necessary.

Working time: 1 hour

Total time: 4 hours

Skill level: Intermediate

What You'll Need

For the best results, a queen- or king-sized comforter or duvet should be washed in an extra-large capacity front-loading washer and dryer. You can find these oversized machines at most laundromats, but be prepared to spend more than standard options—some laundromats charge as much as $6.00 per load. If you're washing a twin comforter or duvet, and have a full capacity, front-loading washer and dryer at home, you can forego the trip to the laundromat.

Supplies

• Gentle laundry detergent
• Two clean socks, each with a tennis ball knotted inside
• Fabric softener sheets (optional)

Tools

• Front-loading washing machine and dryer (extra-large capacity for bigger comforters or duvets)
• Rack or clothesline for drying

Instructions

1. Put Bedding in the Washer

   Put your comforter or duvet in the washing machine and make sure it’s not folded or crumpled. Spread the bedding out as much as possible in the machine.

   

2. Put Socks in the Washer

   Add the socks with tennis balls to the load. These help keep the down from bunching and also add a bit of extra agitation to remove dirt, sweat, and body oils from the bedding.

   

3. Add Laundry Detergent

   Pour a small amount of gentle laundry detergent into the machine’s soap dispenser. Use half the recommended amount for an average load—you don’t want to end up with soap-stiffened down. Do not add bleach.

   

4. Set the Cycle

   Set the washer to the gentle/delicate cycle with warm water. If possible, set the machine for an extra or extended rinse cycle.

   

5. Run the Washer

   Turn the washer on and let it run through the full cycle.

   

6. Check for Soap Residue

   Once the cycle is complete, check your bedding for any remaining soap. If you see suds or feel any leftover soap, rewash the bedding, this time without any detergent. Soap residue will cause clumps in your down, so make sure it is thoroughly rinsed.

   

7. Remove Bedding from the Washer

   Be gentle when removing the bedding from the washer. Down that is wet is heavy and you don’t want to rip your comforter or duvet's cover. You might notice a slight odor from the wet down—this is normal. The smell will disappear once the down is dry.

   

8. Place Bedding in the Dryer

   Put the bedding into the extra-capacity dryer. Spread the comforter or duvet out as much as possible, then add the socks with tennis balls to the load. Their beating action will help keep the down from clumping. If you are using fabric softener sheets, toss only one on top of the bedding.

   

9. Start the Dryer

   Set the dryer to the lowest heat setting, and turn it on.

   

10. Check the Dryer and Fluff

    Every half-hour, stop the machine and take the bedding out. Give it a gentle fluff to keep the down evenly distributed. Make sure it doesn’t feel too hot as down can scorch.

    

11. Continue Drying

    Expect it to take three or more hours for your down-filled bedding to completely dry. If you end the process before the down is entirely dry, it’s quite possible you’ll end up with mildew and odor. You’ll know it's dry when the down feels light and evenly spread throughout the comforter or duvet.

    

12. Finish Drying on a Clothesline

    To finish the drying process, you can opt to hang the bedding on a clothesline in a warm, dry area inside or outside of your home. A bonus for white comforters and duvets is that the sun's rays can brighten the fabric and lighten stains.

    

13. Make Your Bed

    If you have a duvet, slip it back inside its cover once completely dry and make your bed with your freshly cleaned bedding.

    

Storing Down Comforters and Duvets

Some people enjoy down bedding year-round, while others prefer to store it away during warmer months. If you do decide to pack your down items away, they must be clean and thoroughly dry before they're stored. For protection, wrap the down bedding in cotton—a laundry bag works wonderfully—and place it in a well-ventilated closet.

Repairs

Fixing a hole in your comforter or duvet is worth the effort as they can be expensive to replace. For smaller holes, an iron-on patch is a quick and effective solution. If you have a larger tear, try hand-stitching the fabric together or adding a patch made of similar material.

Treating Stains on Down Comforters and Duvets

If you have any stains on your bedding, it's a good idea to spot treat them before machine washing. To address the fabric directly, adjust or shake the down filling away from the spot. Next, wet the area using a spray bottle with water, then apply a stain remover of your choice. Pat the fabric with a clean, white rag and let it sit for 20 minutes. If the stain needs more work, try rubbing the fabric together or using a toothbrush to scrub away the soil. Repeat if necessary, then begin the washing process.