How to Wash and Dry a Comforter Without It Getting Lumpy

Just as you regularly wash your bed’s sheets, you need to clean your comforter. While you sleep, your body’s oils, sweat, dirt and dead skin cells can find their way on to the comforter, and they will build up over time. The result is a filthy and often smelly comforter that can detract from a good night’s sleep.

 

When you nestle your head on your pillow at night, you understandably want to relax under a clean, fresh-smelling comforter. Washing your comforter is an easy process, but you should follow proven steps for the best results.

 

How Often Do You Wash Comforters?

 

 

While you should wash your bed’s sheets every week, you do not need wash the comforter as frequently. Generally, the comforter should be washed every two to three months.

 

However, if you allow pets to sleep in your bed, you should wash it monthly. Excessive washing can detract from the comforter’s longevity.

 

Can You Wash a Comforter in a Washing Machine?

 

Most comforters can safely be washed in a washing machine, but you should read the manufacturer’s label to ensure that this applies to you. Even if your comforter is machine-washable, you may not be able to wash it at home. Because of a comforter’s denseness and filling, a large capacity washing machine is needed.

 

If you do not have a large washing machine, you can take your comforter to a laundromat. If the comforter is not machine-washable, it should be cleaned by a dry cleaner.

 

How To Wash A Comforter

 

 

The specific steps for washing your comforter depend on what type of comforter you have. The two most common types are down comforters and synthetic comforters. Down comforters differ from synthetic comforters with their all-natural stuffing of the undercoats from birds. For both types, you will need laundry detergent and wool dryer balls.

 

How To Wash Down Comforters

• Use a front-load washing machine only. Top-load washing machines often pack the filling down and can cause damage. Use the cold water setting on the washing machine to avoid shrinkage. You should also use the highest power available for the spin cycle.
• Add your preferred laundry detergent to the machine. Do not use fabric softener. Fabric softener could leave a coating on the interior filling and take away its fluffiness.
• You may also hand-wash a down comforter in a large tub of soapy water. If you choose this method, squeeze the comforter to ensure that the soapy is worked into the filling. Then, allow the water to drain from the tub.

 

How To Wash Synthetic Comforters

 

• You can use either a front-load or top-load washing machine. Choose the setting for either lukewarm or warm water to avoid damaging the comforter’s fibers. Also, use the setting for delicates and add an extra round of rinsing.
• Add approximately half of the amount of detergent that you normally would use.
• After washing the comforter, consider how much moisture it is holding. If it is still saturated, run the comforter through a spin-only cycle before putting it in the dryer.

 

How to Dry Your Comforter

To dry a down comforter, add three wool dryer balls to the machine. The comforter will take up to four hours to fully dry. During that time, check the comforter for clumps every half hour. If you notice lumps in the comforter, break them down.

 

To dry a synthetic comforter, choose the low heat setting and use five wool dryer balls. Using low heat will take longer, but it prevents damage. Be aware that a comforter may feel dry on the outside, but the interior may still be wet. For this reason, it is best to run the comforter through the dryer for an additional 30 minutes after you believe that it is dry.

 

When storing your comforter, make sure it is clean and completely dry to avoid the development of mildew.

 

How to Keep Your Comforter Clean Longer

 

 

Comforters will naturally grow dirtier over time. Even in a bed that is not frequently slept in, dust and other particles can accumulate on it. You can, however, keep the comforter cleaner longer by using a lighter blanket on top of it at night. You also should sleep between the fitted and flat sheets to minimum body contact with the comforter.

 

FAQs

 

What are common mistakes people make when washing their comforter?

 

The type of comforter that you use will determine what temperature setting to use and how much detergent to add to the machine. The comforter type will also impact how many wool dryer balls to use in the dryer as well as what heat setting to use. When these instructions are not carefully followed, shrinkage, damage to the filling and other issues can develop.

 

How do you smooth out a lumpy comforter?

 

 

You can smooth out a lumpy comforter by hand. Simply hold the lump in both hands and massage it until the lump dissipates. You can minimize the presence of lumps by following the recommended care instructions.

 

For example, lumps are more problematic if you use fabric softener with a down comforter. While your comforter is in the dryer, check it for lumps periodically. Breaking the clumps down as the comforter dries yields the best results.

 

Should you take your comforter to the dry cleaner?

 

Dry cleaners typically can clean your comforter. This is a faster and easier process, but it is more expensive than washing it yourself. If your comforter’s label indicates that dry cleaning is required, you must take it to the cleaners. If it is machine-washable, you should determine if you have the right type and size of washing machine to do the job.

 

Keeping your home clean is a major chore, and you do not have to tackle all of the tasks on your own. With professional cleaning services in Boston, our team can do the heavy lifting and leave you with a sparkling home after every visit.