How to wash a comforter at home!

Curious how to wash a comforter without having to take it to a laundromat? This article will teach you how to clean it, how often it is recommended to wash it, and other tips to keep it cleaner longer!

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If you are anything like me, you enjoy having a clean house. There is not much better than crawling into bed after a long day and getting a whiff of fresh sheets. But what about your comforter?

It is probably not news to you that our sheets should be washed weekly as they get the majority of the sweat and dead skin particles as we sleep. Your comforter, quilt, or duvet on the other hand does not need to be washed near as frequently because it is more protected from direct contact with skin. However, it can harbor dust mites that can ruin your sleep and make your allergies flair up. Washing it correctly can definitely help!

How often do I need to wash my comforter?

I know, we all hate laundry, but washing a comforter is actually pretty easy and does not need done frequently. Hooray!

New York Times recommends washing comforters every 3-5 years, depending on their dirtiness and fluffiness. Many other sites, like Real Simple, recommend multiple times a year. Honestly, you know you and your personality. If you thrive on having clean things and are pretty particular, try washing your comforter at least once a year, or when you see it has gotten dirty. As for the rest of us that roll our eyes at one more thing to clean, you are in luck! I am giving you permission to wash your comforter every couple of years!

Washing your comforter will help your bed feel fresh and clean while killing dust mites and keeping your allergies at bay. Don’t worry, if you really want to kill those dust mites, you can without washing your comforter.

Should I wash a brand new comforter?

It is up to you! Based on who you talk to and what article you read, washing a comforter as soon as you purchase can be a good idea. Washing everything that we buy at the store is a good idea as it could be exposed to all types of things, including harmful chemicals. But, it is NOT a necessity.

How to wash a comforter?

If your comforter has gotten dirty or you are just ready to tackle this new cleaning project, here are your simple steps.

While you are on your cleaning streak, you might as well wash your pillows too!

Supplies Needed

• Laundry detergent
• Washer and dryer that will hold your comforter. You might need to go to a laundromat.
• Stain remover and toothbrush are optional supplies

1. Look at the Label one the comforter

Before you get started, look at the label on the comforter. Sometimes it will have specific directions from the manufacturer. It is always best to listen to those instructions, such as “Dry Clean Only, use cold water, of hand wash only.

Wool and silk can be damaged or even shrink in the washing machine, so be careful!

2. Put into washing machine

When the washing machine is empty, add the comforter to ensure that it fits and actually has a little room to spare. As tempting as it is, do not add anything else into the washing machine, just the comforter.

If there is not enough room for your comforter in your washing machine, you will need to go to your local laundromat and use one of their large commercial washers.

3. Washing the comforter

You can use a mild or natural laundry detergent to wash your comforter. Select a delicate or gentle cycle to ensure it is washed with proper care. If your washer allows, add an extra rinse cycle to get all of the detergent out of the fabric. If you can’t, run a second washing cycle, but do not add any more detergent. This will ensure all of the soap has gotten out of the fabric and filling.

Opt for cold or warm water as they help protect the colors and fabric on your comforter. Killing dust mites takes heat, so if you are planning on machine drying, this should kill them! If you were wanting to let the comforter air dry, wash the comforter in hot water so it kills the dust mites.

Spray any areas with a stain remover before washing if needed. Hold the stained fabric away from the filling and use a toothbrush to get the stain remover on the fabric.

4. Drying the comforter

After it has gone through the washing machine, transfer it into the dryer. Double check the label for specific directions for drying. It could take a couple of hours to get the comforter completely dry. I recommend pulling it out every half hour and gently fluffing it get the filling evenly distributed.

Obviously, if your comforter doesn’t fit, you will need to let it air dry or take to a larger commercial dryer at the laundromat.

Tips for keeping comforter cleaner longer

• Always use a top sheet between you and the comforter. It is MUCH easier to wash the sheets than the whole comforter.
• If there is a breezy and sunny day, pull your comforter outside and put on the clothes line.
• Never eat or drink on the bed, as this will prevent messes.
• Do not allow pets on the bed.
• Put the comforter in the dryer for 20 minutes on high heat to kill dust mites and give it a good fluffing.

What you need to know…

• Washing a comforter is not something that needs done frequently.
• It is actually pretty simple to wash a comforter at home.
• If your comforter is too large, you will need to take it to a dry cleaner or laundromat.

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you will come back for more!