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How to Wash a Comforter And How Often Should You Do It? | Save Money and Prevent Allergies

, Whether you live in a relatively cool area or you have experienced frequent winters, you will know the extra bedding filled with an insulation material such as down or feathers called a comforter is the best kind of bedding one can ask for.

Not only do they provide the best kind of warmth and comfort, but they are also easily available in most markets. A comforter has several different names such as the duvet (  Duvets vs Comforters  ), quilt, etc.

The problem with most bedding and especially ones that have a filling is a huge confusion as to how one should wash them efficiently an in a way so as to not damage their outer covering as well as the filling inside.

To diffuse this confusion and to impart the knowledge on how to properly clean a duvet, we have compiled a list of things that everyone must follow in order to efficiently and effectively clean their comforters.

What Are The Specific Needs of My Comforter?

What Are The Specific Needs of My ComforterWhat Are The Specific Needs of My Comforter

Before doing anything, it should be the topmost priority to read the label that comes with the comforter. Always make sure that before you begin doing the same step for different comforters you have checked the label that comes with that specific product.

Make sure you follow the exact care instructions on the label and do not do anything that goes against it.

Doing so may have dire circumstances which may lead to further complications. Most comforters can be washed with a mild detergent at home while others may require you to get them dry cleaned.

How Often Should I Wash My Comforter?

How Often Should I Wash My ComforterHow Often Should I Wash My Comforter

We would recommend you to wash your comforter after every three months as the accumulation of dust and other insects and even pesky germs can become a problem within a matter of weeks.

However, if there are certain allergies which might bother you and you may be troubled by the comforter due to this, it is recommended to wash your comforter as often as one time a month due to the simple fact that allergies can be persistent due to the accumulation of dust and can cause your allergies to heighten.

Although, please note that in the matter of some drink spills or any other kind of stain, it is recommended to only wash that part of the comforter. We will get to that, later.

How to Wash a Comforter?

You should always remember to not try and was the entire quilt or comforter if it gets stained due to any particular reason. It is advisable and preferable to clean that particular area only. Here’s how:

  • You must mix baking soda and white vinegar and form a paste
  • Apply this paste to the affected area
  • Either gently rub the affected area with a clean cloth or dab it.
  • Use a little water to clean away the stain.
  • Make sure it dries completely, so it is advisable to let it dry out on its own.
  • You must never use detergent or any other kind of hard liquid.

What Else Should I Check For Before Loading?

Before loading the comforter, make sure that there are no loose ends or loose thread hanging from the product and that the seams are strong enough. Not doing this may result in severe or even mild damage to the comforter rendering it either completely useless or discomfort upon usage.

If there are any such anomalies present, make sure to fix them right away or get them fixed by someone who is an expert at it.

How Should I Load into The Machine?

There are certain steps which you can follow to make sure that the comforter is adjusted properly for the proper cleaning action. First of all, check whether your machine is compatible with your comforter, whether it has enough space to accommodate it.

Next, make sure it has been distributed evenly in the machine so that all the areas of the comforter get cleaned properly and that there are no loose ends which remain.

Also, do some last minute checking for any kind of material inside the washer that might damage the machine or the comforter.

How Should the Washing Machine Be Set? How Should the Washing Machine Be SetHow Should the Washing Machine Be Set

If you’ve checked the label that is attached to the comforter, you’ll know the most suitable temperature of the water that must be set, it is usually set to a warmer temperature.

Set it to a higher temperature if you want to get rid of dust mites or bed bugs that might have found asylum in the comforter. Usually, it must be set to 50 to 55 degrees Celsius to get the optimum conditions.

What Must Be Done Next?

Next, it is imperative to use mild detergent and some washing powder which might help to wash away some of the dirt and stains that remain due to some reason. Use a detergent which is known to be suitable for delicate materials such as the duvet or comforter which you shall wash, very hard or rough detergent will erode the colors or even can damage the plush feel.

Make sure that there are some objects present in the washing machine to ensure that the load is well-balanced and no unwanted situations arise due to the unbalanced load.

How Should I Wash A Down Comforter?

Washing a down comforter is relatively easy and simple. You should first load it into the machine. Distribute it evenly inside the machine so that the comforter experiences the washing action completely.

Next, add a mild detergent into the machine so as to ensure that the down or the feathers do not lose their natural insulating coating. Down comforters must be cleaned with special care as they are more delicate when compared to other kinds of comforters or bedding. Make sure that the machine is set to 2 rinse cycles in order to get all of the detergent rinsed out properly.

You can then dry out it using the low settings on the dryer to get the best results which won’t alter the life of the comforter. As the last step, take it out of the dryer and fluff it up so that it dries quickly and evenly.

 Should I Be Concerned If The Down Or Feathers In My Comforter Start To Change Color?

The simple answer is: no. Here’s why: due to the chemical makeup of down and the feathers, it is very natural for them to change color during the washing process and it is certainly not an anomaly which should be worried about.

Remember that not all down and feathers are purely white in color. When the comforter gets wet, you may see some darker shades showing through, however, this is nothing to worry about. As it dries up, you will soon see that the color has reverted back to the old one.

Some people might perceive it to be mold or some other kind of undesirable change on the comforter. However, you must know that it is completely natural and it is nothing to worry about.

How Should I Dry The Comforter Later On?

You can either use the dryer or wring it out. The drying process is probably the more complex of them all. It requires that you use the right kind of precision and care while drying these comforters, otherwise they can become really uncomfortable later on.

You can use a dryer ball or clean tennis balls in the dryer so that the fill is evenly dried. This allows the drier to effectively dry it. Use the low settings on the dryer for the best kind of results. However, if you think there are dust mites or bed bugs in your comforter, make sure use the high heat option.

This high temperature kills these pests and further hinders their growth and reproduction. Remember to fluff up the comforter after each wash. Then carefully hang it outside on a rope so that all the extra pests can run away due to the heat.

 How Do I Reduce The Number Of Times I Have To Wash It?

Well, the most definitive answer to this would use a duvet cover at all times. Especially for down comforters, you should always use duvet covers which are washable. This reduces the number of times you will need to launder them so you won’t have to worry with regard to the cleaning.

Conclusion

Duvets and comforters are essential bedding when it is cold or when you visit a cold area. Washing them every month should be a top priority for all people who own them. This will ensure better health and a better lifetime of the comforter itself.

You are more prone to allergies and other sorts of complications if dust or dirt persists on your comforter. Make sure to follow all instructions carefully. Then you won’t have to worry with regard to your bedding or sleep.

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