HOW TO CARE FOR AND CLEAN YOUR DOWN COMFORTER

We’re sure your comforter will provide you many years of enjoyment and use.  Here are a few tips we’d like to pass onto you regarding and care and cleaning of your new duvet.

First of all – Your comforter was packed very tightly during shipping.  Remove it from the packaging, lay it out across your bed and allow about ½ a day for the comforter to “fluff up”.  The down needs to return to its full loft in order to provide you with the best insulation while you sleep.  If you have a duvet cover, that’s a plus for you.  Putting a cover on your comforter helps protect it from everyday dust and soiling.  It will help your comforter to last much longer and it will cut down on cleaning as all you’ll have to do is take off the duvet cover and wash it according to the instructions on the label. 

If you don’t have a cover and aren’t planning on getting one, here are a few simple rules of thumb on caring and cleaning your comforter.

1.  You should shake out your comforter on a regular basis. This allows the down in your comforter to fluff up and redistribute itself evenly throughout the entire piece.  One of the great qualities of down is that you can restore the loft with a simple shake. If it’s a cool, breezy day you can air your comforter outside to help maintain the loft or you can also put your comforter in the dryer on the fluff cycle (no heat) for 10-15 minutes.  I personally like to air mine outside when I can.  I like that clothesline fresh breezy scent.

2.  Down needs to be kept completely dry to ensure that the comforter gives you proper insulation. Keeping your down moisture free and clean will help keep you cozy and comfortable each night.

3.  Be sure to store your down comforter in a breathable storage bag.  Down needs to be able to “breathe”.  Never store in a plastic storage bag as this will trap moisture and promote mildew.

4.  Some people think it’s okay to wash down comforters in the washing machine.  There is some debate on this.  I suggest getting your comforter professionally dry cleaned.  If you have a duvet cover you only need to do this every 2-3 years or so.  If you aren’t using a cover I suggest dry cleaning every year.  Be sure to inquire as to whether or not the company of your choice has experience in cleaning down products.

If you decide to forego the professional dry cleaning of your comforter, and if there is a label on your comforter that says it can be washed, an oversized front loading washing machine such as those at your local laundry mat is best.  Wash in warm water on the gentle cycle.  Run at least 2 rinse cycles to assure all the soap is out.  DO NOT USE BLEACH OR FABRIC SOFTENER!  Tumble dry on the lowest heat setting possible.  DO NOT LINE DRY!  Add a couple of tennis balls or clean canvas tennis shoes to the dryer to help prevent the down from clumping up while drying.  Periodically remove the comforter, shake gently to fluff.  Return to the dryer until completely dry.  This may take 2-4 hours or more depending on the size and weight of your comforter.

Please visit our store as we offer a variety of goose down comforters for all climates and sleeping environments.  Visit Bright Trends for all your comforter needs