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There's nothing quite Index cozy Washable Silk Sateen French Bedding Set a cold, winter's night than the familiar warmth of a down comforter. Available in endless colors, styles, sizes and materials, these types of comforters are timeless in their appeal and can also be Ann Gish Embroidery Pillow Case most of the year round. But how do you clean a down comforter that is used on a consistent basis and is it okay Ann Gish Embroidery Pillow Case launder one at home?

The dispute as to the best way to effectively clean a down comforter is a long running one, with some maintaining that dry cleaning is the best method, while others say that laundering at Pine Cone Quilted Sham is all right, provided if both are done properly.

Manufacturers of down products will list their approved methods of cleaning on the label, so it's important to read them carefully before beginning to clean your comforter. There are professional cleaners who specialize in cleaning items Washable Silk Sateen French Bedding Set with down and some will also clean comforters sent in by mail.

Cleaning Your Down Comforter at Home

Using a gentle cleaning solution that's specially formulated for washing down, it is possible to wash your own comforter at home, but only do so when necessary. Over-washing can impair the down clusters, remove their natural oils and even cause the comforter to shrivel or become distorted.

Most washing machines and clothes dryers aren't built for handling items as large as down comforters, which become very heavy when wet. A front-load washing machine, such as those used commercially, are better for washing the size and weight of the comforter.

Always check the comforter for any rips, tears, or places where the seams are coming apart to ensure no down is lost Ann Gish Embroidery Pillow Case the washing process. Repair any loose stitches before washing using a matching thread. Next, the washing machine should be set to the most delicate setting, using lukewarm, never hot or cold, water, with a mild detergent thoroughly mixed into the water before adding the comforter.

Use a pair of clean, white canvas shoes, without laces, to help Egyptian Cotton Sateen Luxury Duvet the comforter moving around in the washer, keeping the down equally distributed without letting lumps to form. Use an extra rinse cycle to be sure to remove all of the cleaner and gently pull some of the comforter from the machine to squeeze as much water out of each section as possible before running the spin cycle.

A distinct odor is natural in products made from down and should disappear once the comforter is totally dry. Again, using the clean tennis shoes, or a few tennis Sferra Finest Cotton Sets placed Ann Gish Embroidery Pillow Case clean socks, put the comforter in the dryer on the lowest configuration possible. Every so often, carefully take out the comforter to fluff it out and redistribute, this ensures that all areas are dry and free from lumps.

A large down comforter may take three hours or so to totally dry. However, you can speed up the drying process by hanging it in the sun on a breezy day.

Dry Cleaning Your Down Comforter

If your duck or goose down comforter is only used occasionally, or only needs freshening up a bit, consider using a dry cleaning kit at home that uses your clothes dryer. Ask friends or family for their recommendations, although most products are said to be comparable to results achieved with professional dry cleaning.

Natalie Williams is the author of DownComforters101.com. Visit her site for more free tips on getting the right down comforter for your bed.