There's nothing quite as comfy on a frosty, winter's night than the familiar warmth of a down comforter. Available in countless colors, styles, sizes and materials, these types of comforters are timeless in their appeal and can also be used most of the year round. But how do you clean a down comforter that is used on a regular basis and is it safe to launder one at home?



The argument as to the best way to effectively clean a down comforter is a long running one, with some insisting that dry cleaning is the safest method, while others claim that laundering at home is all right, provided if both are done properly.

Manufacturers of down products will list their recommended methods of cleaning on the label, so it's important to read them carefully before beginning to clean your comforter. There are professional cleaners who specialize in cleaning items made with down and some will also accept comforters sent in by mail.

Cleaning Your Down Comforter at Home

Using a gentle cleaning solution that's specifically formulated for laundering down, it is possible to clean your own comforter at home, but only do so when necessary. Over-washing can damage the down clusters, strip them of their natural oils and even cause the comforter to shrink or become distorted.

Most washing machines and clothes dryers aren't built for handling items as big as down comforters, which become extremely heavy when wet. A front-load washing machine, such as those used commercially, are better for handling the size and weight of the comforter.

Always check the comforter for any rips, tears, or places where the seams are coming apart to make sure no down is lost during the laundering process. Repair any loose stitches before laundering using a matching thread. Next, the washing machine should be set to the most gentle setting, using lukewarm, never hot or cold, water, with a mild detergent completely mixed into the water before adding the comforter.

Use a pair of clean, white canvas shoes, without laces, to help keep the comforter moving around in the washer, keeping the down evenly distributed without letting lumps to form. Use an extra rinse cycle to be sure to remove all of the cleaner and gently pull some of the comforter from the machine to squeeze as much water out of each section as you can before running the spin cycle.

A distinct odor is natural in products made from down and should disappear once the comforter is completely dry. Again, using the clean tennis shoes, or a few tennis balls placed inside clean socks, put the comforter in the dryer on the lowest setting possible. Every so often, carefully take out the comforter to fluff it out and redistribute, this ensures that all areas are dry and free from lumps.

A large down comforter may take three hours or so to totally dry. However, you can speed up the drying process by hanging it in the sun on a breezy day.

Dry Cleaning Your Down Comforter

If your duck or goose down comforter is only used once in a while, or only needs freshening up a bit, consider using a dry cleaning kit at home that uses your clothes dryer. Ask friends or family for their recommendations, although most products are said to be comparable to results achieved with professional dry cleaning.