You might find yourself longing to return home and cuddle up under your comforter when it gets cold out and icicles start to form. There’s no denying that comforters are wintertime (and even year-round) essential, but figuring out how to wash a comforter can pose a few distinct challenges.
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Can You Wash A Comforter?
You know that at some point you will need to clean comforters, but can you actually wash them? Stains and spills don’t just magically disappear without some extra care and attention. According to your comforter’s care label, the answer to that query will vary.
Some comforters, particularly down comforters, may be tagged with the phrase “can only be dry cleaned.” It may not always be necessary to dry clean comforters, but you should err on the side of caution and follow the care instructions on the label.
A dry-clean-only tag is generally meant to protect the manufacturer from liability in case the washing process goes awry. Additionally, the dry cleaning procedure makes use of harsh chemicals that may diminish the softness of your down comforter.
You might also think about handwashing and letting it air dry if you’re concerned that washing it and drying it will sabotage your comforter. But before you wash a down comforter at home, pay attention to the care instructions because they’ll probably include instructions for the dryer cycle and water temperature to use.
When Should I Wash A Comforter?
Every time you change the sheets, you can wash the removable covers from many comforters to remove body odor and stains. If you allow pets to sleep on the bed or if someone in the house has been ill, it is recommended that you wash a thick comforter without a removable cover at least once every season. Before putting a comforter away for the winter, always wash it.
Is It Possible To Wash A Comforter At Home?
Especially if you have a large washing machine, down comforters and comforters filled with synthetic down alternatives are simple to clean and dry at home. Go to the laundromat in your neighborhood if you don’t have a large-capacity washer. The filler could be compressed and distorted by a smaller home washer, according to Allen Rathey, president of Housekeeping Channel. The comforter will become very heavy and may take several days to dry if you wash it by hand in the bathtub. You can easily clean it in a washing machine, and by forgoing the dry cleaner, you’ll save money.
Home Comforter Cleaning Instructions: Step-by-step Guide
Your wallet might burn a hole in dry cleaning, but washing your comforter at home won’t. To keep your comforter clean and odor-free, follow these instructions on how to wash it.
Step 1: Check For Holes And Rips
A comforter that is disintegrating might not endure the washing. Be sure to inspect your comforter for any rips and holes before you jump. Prior to placing the item in the washing machine, it is essential to fix any loose threads or tears to prevent further damage.
Step 2: Spot Treatment
Accidents do happen, but they aren’t always cleaned up right away, whether it’s a wine or coffee stain. It’s important to treat spots before washing your comforter because some old stains might not always come out if you just throw it in the washer.
You can easily make a homemade spot remover by creating a paste made of baking soda and water or baking soda and vinegar. Spray the mixture onto the stain and then rub it in to ensure even distribution. Because some stains are harder to remove than others, you might want to leave the spot remover solution on the stain for at least a few hours or overnight, if you can.
Step 3: Pick The Right Machine, Detergent, And Settings
Not all washing machines are created equal, and some are definitely not suitable for washing a comforter. The machine you select should ideally have more than enough space to fit your comforter. In the event that you don’t have access to a commercial machine, a laundromat may be your best option.
Make sure to choose a gentle detergent as well. Similar to dry cleaning, many detergents have chemicals that can be damaging to your comforter, especially if it is made of all-natural down.
It may seem obvious to select the bulky cycle when filling the washer, but doing so can hasten the wear and tear on your comforter. Choose the gentle or delicate cycle to avoid damaging your bedding. Depending on the temperature recommendations on your care label, wash your comforter in cold or warm water. Warm water can effectively remove dust mites and other allergens, while cold water will preserve the softness of down comforters.
Step 4: Wash Thoroughly
Your comforter might be past its prime or it might be spotless despite the fact that you haven’t cleaned it in a year. It will require a thorough washing either way.
Wash your comforter again without soap after running it through the gentle cycle on the washer after loading it. This is a great way to make sure you rinse off all the detergent, and it might even work to remove the tougher stains. During this step, cold water is a safe bet if you’re unsure of the water temperature.
Step 5: Dry Your Comforter
You have a choice between using the dryer or air drying it for this step. A comforter should be dried thoroughly using a delicate cycle and a lower temperature because it is a large piece of bedding. It’s important to keep in mind that it might take longer to dry than your other bedding.
You must make sure that your dryer has the necessary features to accommodate the size of your comforter, just as you would when selecting a suitable washing machine. One trick to speeding up your drying time is to put a few new tennis balls in your dryer. Tennis balls can help retain fluff, reduce wrinkles, and prevent static electricity in comforters, making this method particularly helpful when washing down or other types of comforters. Alternately, dryer balls can be used to speed up the drying process.
It might take a few days for your comforter to completely dry out if you choose to air dry it. You can also re-dry it in the dryer with a few tennis balls after it is completely dry to restore the fluff.
How To Clean A Comforter Without A Washer?
Simply because you don’t have a washer at home doesn’t mean you have to pay high dry cleaning costs or, worse, neglect thoroughly cleaning your bedding. Your comforter can be just as effective and perhaps even more gentle on the materials if you hand wash it.
Use the warm or cold water in your bathtub to wash your comforter if you don’t have a washer. Next, add some detergent to the water and let your comforter soak there for a short while. Make sure the comforter is thoroughly clean by giving it a few spins. Drain the soapy water after 15 to 30 minutes and fill your bathtub with cold water to rinse out the extra soap.
Make sure not to wring out your comforter when you remove it from the tub. To dry, place it flat.
Tips For Keeping Your Comforter Clean For Longer
- Your comforter should have a detachable, washable cover that you use every so often.
- Always use a top sheet to create a partition between you and your comforter. In comparison to a comforter, a sheet is much quicker and simpler to wash.
- After each use, flip the comforter several times to allow any trapped moisture in the filling to completely dry.
- Hanging the comforter outside on a clothesline on a windy, sunny day will keep it fresh between washings.
- Between washings, dry the comforter on air-only in an automatic dryer to get rid of crumbs and dust.
- To aid in odor removal in between washes, use a fabric refresher spray. On both sides, mist the comforter.
- To stop stains and spills from soaking into the comforter’s filling, immediately blot them.
- Keep animals off of the bed.
- Eat or drink away from your bed.
