Spring cleaning means washing sheets, carpets and curtains. But in this article, we’re going to talk about washing a comforter. The question we often ask ourselves is: what are the most effective tips for washing a comforter ? Find out in the rest of this article.
What to do before washing a comforter
Before you start washing a comforter, there are a few things you need to consider :
- separate the cover from the comforter,
- You need to check whether you can put it in a washing machine or wash it by hand. This is an important step in determining which detergent to use and whether tumble-drying is recommended,
- sew up the openings to prevent the interior from scattering in the wash.
The different types of washing
There are several types of washing, as follows:
Machine wash
It’s vital to know the maximum capacity your washing machine can handle. A normal comforter is fairly light, but when you put it in the water, the volume and weight multiply, or even triple, depending on the size of your comforter. Your washing machine can be seriously damaged if you exceed its capacity. You need to fill your drum 3/4 of the way for a good-quality rinse and spin.
Washing by hand
If you love washing your clothes with your hands, washing a comforter is totally possible. Here are the instructions you need to follow:
- pour the appropriate detergent into a bathtub filled with water. If you don’t have one, replace it with a large, deep basin,
- soak your comforter for up to two hours, then rub the stained areas,
- Allow the product to work in, then rinse several times with water.
Please note that comforters generally take one or two days to air-dry, if hung up. Alternatively, you can tumble-dry it.
Semi-washing a comforter
Stains on a comforter are generally food stains such as jam or chocolate. This type of stain doesn’t require a full comforter wash. On the contrary, what you need to do is clean the stained areas by gently soaking them in a cleaning product. Alternatively, mix baking soda with water and cover the stain. In both cases, it’s best to wait two or three minutes before rinsing.
We recommend air-drying your comforter. If you use a hair dryer to speed up drying, you risk damaging the comforter if you use it too closely.
Finally, when you’ve finished, retape the underside of the comforter several times to give it some volume.
Dry-cleaning
The majority of comforters that are professionally laundered are those stuffed with feathers. Even if they’re machine-washable, they still require very special care.
If it’s a double comforter, we recommend dry-cleaning at a dry cleaner’s.
How often should I wash a comforter?
If you’ve chosen a hypoallergenic comforter that’s suitable for all four seasons, it should be washed twice a year, if it doesn’t get too dirty.
Don’t forget to expose your comforter to the sun from time to time, and cover it with comforter covers to avoid over-washing.
In conclusion, it’ s important to wash a comforter, whatever its type, especially if you want to preserve it for a long time to come.
For guaranteed washing, the best option is to opt for dry-cleaning.
