How to Clean Your Comforter Without Damaging It

How to Clean Your Comforter Without Damaging It

As much as it pains me to admit, your comfy, cozy, cloud-like comforter is probably harbouring some gross stuff. In addition to crumbs, sweat, and other fun bodily fluids, it’s almost definitely home to allergens like dust mites that can ruin that good night’s sleep. That’s true even if you have a duvet cover, as it doesn’t offer an air-tight protective seal. That’s why it’s imperative to know how to clean your comforter the right way. Ahead, three tips for washing your bedding that can extend its life by years.


Read The Label

Before you blindly throw your comforter in the washing machine, check the label to make sure it’s machine-washable. Certain materials, like down feathers or certain fabrics like wool and silk, can be damaged or shrink in the washer and require hand-washing or dry-cleaning. Even if the label gives you the okay to machine-wash, be sure to follow any specific instructions, like using cold water or hand-washing only.

Spot Treat

Before you even think about throwing the comforter in the washing machine, make sure you inspect it for any stains. This can be anything from food residue left behind from a late-night snack to inconsistent yellowing from sweat, direct sunlight, or any other offenders that can change the colour of the fabric.

Look At Your Washing Machine

Comforters—especially those made for king-sized beds—are bulky, so putting it in a small washer or dryer may damage both the machine and comforter. If you don’t have the luxury of a large-capacity machine, now’s the time to seek one out at a laundromat, which will be more cost-effective than a dry-cleaner. Once you’ve established that your comforter will fit, resist the urge to throw it in with other items, like towels or whites to give the comforter as much room as possible. If the comforter doesn’t have enough space, the filling may become compressed and the item may not get fully cleaned.

Use A Mild Detergent

Our Everything Soap is safe for use on all washable fabrics including silk, linen, wool, and most synthetics. It's also handy for handwashing some "dry-clean-only" and delicate favourites. Select the gentle or delicate cycle and add an extra rinse if possible, then follow the recommended temperature setting on the label. While cold or warm water can protect coluors and fabrics, hot water will kill dust mites if you don’t plan on machine drying.

Dry It Safely

Once your comforter has gone through the wash, transfer it to the dryer if the label recommends it. Add a touch of our Laundry Fragrance Drops to fill the comforter with a fresh scent. Dry at the temperature suggested on the care label, removing it and fluffing it every half hour or so until it’s completely dry. This will ensure that the comforter dries evenly and that the filling is evenly distributed. While most professionals recommend you wash your comforter once a year, it’s possible to extend the life of your bedding by adding a duvet cover, which can cut your comforter washing responsibilities in half. When you’re not using your comforter, be sure to store it in a cool, dry place—ideally in an antimicrobial bag.

xx LC