Nervous About Washing Your Down Comforter? Do This Instead

Figuring out how to wash a down comforter can feel like a high-stakes chore. It’s bulky, it doesn’t fit in most home washers, and the delicate filling can clump or lose its loft if it isn’t dried correctly. Add in the fact that down comforters are often very expensive, and it’s easy to see why they usually get sent straight to the dry cleaner. But here’s the good news: With the right machine, a gentle detergent, and some patience, you can safely wash a down comforter yourself (though you’ll probably need a trip to the laundromat to do it right).

• Mild or all-natural detergent
• Tennis balls or wool dryer balls
• Extra large capacity front-loading washing machine
• Extra large capacity dryer or sunny outdoor space

Here is the step-by-step method that’ll keep your comforter fresh, fluffy, and good as new.

You’ll need an extra-large capacity front-loading washer to avoid compressing or damaging the down. Home machines are usually too small, so grab the biggest washer at your local laundromat and place your comforter inside.

Select the delicate or gentle cycle and add a small amount of mild or all-natural detergent. Less is more here — too much soap can strip natural oils from the down and affect its fluff.

Run the comforter through two rinse cycles to ensure every bit of detergent is washed out. Residual soap can weigh down the filling and affect how it feels.

Transfer the comforter to an extra-large capacity dryer and dry it on low heat. This part may take a few hours, but slow drying helps protect the down and prevents mold or mildew from forming inside.

Toss in a few tennis balls (or wool dryer balls) to help break up clumps and redistribute the down. Every so often, pause the cycle, take the comforter out, and give it a good shake to help it fluff evenly.

Not sure if it’s done? Hold it up to the light. If you see clumps or darker damp spots inside, it needs more time. A fully dry comforter should look evenly filled and diffused.

If it’s still slightly damp after hours in the dryer, hang it to finish drying. A sunny outdoor spot is ideal, but any area with good airflow will work (the key is letting air circulate around it completely).

A down comforter doesn’t need nearly as much washing as your sheets or duvet cover. In most homes, washing it once or twice a year is enough to keep it fresh, unless there’s a spill, noticeable odor, or allergy concerns. Over-washing can break down the delicate filling and reduce loft over time, so it’s better to clean it thoughtfully rather than frequently.

To protect your comforter (and stretch the time between washes), you can use a duvet cover. It acts like a barrier against sweat, body oils, dust, and accidental spills (and the cover can be tossed in the washer far more regularly). You can also gently fluff the comforter every so often to maintain its shape, and air it out occasionally to keep it feeling light and fresh.