Keep your comforter as fresh as the day you bought it
|
You love your down comforter, but how do you take care of it? After all, it was not just an investment, but a commitment, and you want to keep its fluffy comfort for years to come. Down is an almost magical substance, but as such, it can require specific care. Your normal, everyday comforter can be tough enough to clean - many washing machines aren't quite big enough, for example - and a down comforter has its own unique needs. The first, most common recommendation when it comes to the care of down comforters is to get a duvet cover. A duvet comforter cover protects the down product, while allowing you to simply remove, wash, and dry the duvet as you would a set of sheets. Presto - you've just washed your down comforter without any of the risks. If kept safely within a duvet cover, the down comforter itself needs washing only every few years (even up to every three to five years). |
 |
Fluffing keeps it fluffy
Down comforters are known for their fluffiness, and down comforters need to be fluffed. This is a regular part of down comforter care. This can be as simple as doing it manually whenever you make the bed, or you can fluff it in a large dryer every so often. Some advise using a tennis ball in the dryer in order to achieve maximum fluffiness.
Some down comforter manufacturers say you should air them out every so often as part of their regular care. If you're going to store a down comforter, make sure it can breathe.
When you do wash them
Though actually washing your down comforter is not necessary most of the time, if you care for it properly, there are conflicting reports on what to do when that rare time does finally come. Some manufacturers insist that their products are indeed machine washable (in a larger, top-loading washer), while others say it should be strictly a job for professionals. It is up to your judgment, based on your comforter, your washer, and your level of confidence. However, if you are washing it only every three to five years, you can probably afford to play it safe and splurge for a pro cleaning.
