Clever tips for washing and caring for down comforters. We will tell you which detergent and which wash cycle you need to clean your feather bed. We also have tips on how to dry the down comforter.
One hears and reads, again and again, that down duvet or down pillows cannot be washed. When washing the down comforter, you often get the problem that the down sticks together. Then they are very difficult to separate from each other and they do not spread evenly. How can this be prevented?
What is down?
Down are the soft and delicate feathers of geese and ducks. Due to their structure, they are good at storing body heat. Therefore, they are an effective insulation material used in sleeping bags, outdoor clothing, and blankets. In addition, they are light, breathable, and durable with good care. However, they can also absorb a lot of moisture. That is why they are often impregnated.
How can I clean my down?
If you have now decided to buy down pillows and down duvets or already have some at home, then you should consider our following tips for down care. Because with the right tip, washing is also possible. You should wash you down pillows once a year and your down comforters at least every two years. Also note the instructions for washing and drying the pillow and duvet.
1) Wash down pillows and down comforters
Here the question often arises: Are down duvets and down pillows washable? And if so how? The answer is yes! You can wash your pillows and duvets. However, there are a few points that need to be considered when washing down comforters. To avoid damaging the down, the down should not be crushed in the machine. The usual washing machines have a capacity of between 5 and 7 kilos. Therefore, you can use it to wash small down comforters, but it could be difficult for larger ones. You should also darn tears and holes before washing the bed linen.
2) Wash down as a delicates or wool wash
You should choose the right washing program for washing the down comforters. The right detergent is also important. If you have a washing machine that can fit a down comforter or pillow, use the delicates or woolens cycle. Also, read our laundry tips.
3) The right detergent for down
Before washing the down comforter, you should choose the right detergent. To keep the feathers supple, you can use an extra detergent for down. Because these are neutral and easy to wash out. Other detergents can remove the oil from the down. As a result, the heat is no longer stored well and the volume is also lost. In contrast, for normal laundry, you can make your own detergent.
4) Wash duvets at 20 or 30 degrees
In no case should the temperature be above 30 degrees? To ensure that the last residue of the detergent is rinsed out, the rinsing process should be long enough after the wash. You might want to turn the washing machine on again and only set it to rinse. Then spin gently, but only use a very low number of revolutions. As a result, the feather bed becomes completely clean. Avoid other common laundry mistakes as well.
5) Always rinse down thoroughly
After the first wash, the white marks are often a problem. Looks like the ceiling wasn’t flushed thoroughly enough. It may be due to the dust that settled on the down during manufacture. That’s why you have to rinse the duvet a few times. Better to have the blanket flushed a few times right away, just to be safe. Also, read our tips on washing and caring for sportswear and functional clothing.
6) Tennis balls loosen the down
Many brands recommend customers use tennis balls when washing down fabrics. They go in the washing machine with the blanket. 3 tennis balls are in the washing machine with a blanket that makes them move. The down is opened up. As a result, sticking is prevented and there is a better effect when rinsing. Also, read tips for washing different jackets.
7) Hand wash down comforter
The question of hand washing or washing machine is often asked. If your washing machine isn’t big enough and you don’t want to clean it, you could wash your down comforter in the bathtub. But this is laborious and not always successful. Because there is a risk that the down will stick together. It is easier with down sleeping bags or down jackets. But if you dare to try, you should also make sure that the temperature is around 30 degrees. Also, use a down detergent and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. In addition, you also have to rinse several times here and only lightly press the down comforter.
8) Dry down pillows and down comforters
To dry down duvets, it is best to simply put them in the dryer. This is set to a low temperature. To prevent the down from clumping, you should also put a few tennis balls in the drum. To dry afterward, place the down comforter or down pillow in a place where it can be dried undisturbed. Also, note our tips for drying laundry properly.
9) Take care of feather beds and down
You should care for down duvets and down pillows regularly so that they remain nice and soft. To do this, regularly shake out and pat out the down duvet when making the bed. Regular airing of the down in the fresh air also ensures natural odor elimination. If with the best will in the world, the down is no longer usable and has become clumped or stinks, you should buy a new down comforter.
