How To Wash a Comforter and Keep It Soft & Fluffy

Caring for your comforter can be accomplished in just a few simple steps. Ultimately, it is effortless to keep your comforter fluffy and soft.  

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Some might argue that the comforter‘s decorative uses far outweigh the functional. In reality, comforters provide a layer of insulation and protection against the humidity of a warm night in Houston. Comforters trap and conceal a multitude of substances: dust, humidity, allergens, and perspiration. All of these can be significant problematic odors and dust allergens.  

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Acknowledgement of the washing fear is justified, but is not required to be speculative. Proper washing is more of a comforter type question; is it down, down-alternative, cotton, or microfiber?  

Hygienically, it is indeed the case that a clean comforter is better. A comforter is best serviced if washed quite regularly, ideally seasonally or every three months, more if the temperature is humid, there are dogs, or there are allergy sufferers in the house.  

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To help alleviate the washing frequency, one can use a duvet cover. This cover saves much time as it keeps the duvet clean and protects it while reducing the need to wash it.

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How to Wash a Comforter

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Knowing how to wash a comforter is essential to avoid wasting time and ruining it. The first step is to check the care instructions. 

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Checking The Care Instructions

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The care instructions inform whether the comforter is able to be machine-washed or not, what water temperature is recommended, and how it should be dried afterward. The comforter may shrink and/or the filling may become damaged if the care instructions are not followed. 

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Looking For Tears And Weak Seams  

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Check for loose threads or small holes before washing the comforter. A small tear would likely worsen if the comforter is washed. The filling may also escape the comforter and become lodged elsewhere. Wash the comforter only after any damage is fixed.

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Washing Machines With Higher Capacities 

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The use of a large-capacity washing machine is the most suitable option for washing comforters, as these items require space for free movement while being washed. While a customer can wash their comforters at home, they are unlikely to wash the comforters entirely. There will be a lack of space to allow the comforters to properly float and wash, which would lead to ineffective washing. Smaller home washers will also suffer the same fate in terms of insufficient water circulation to remove and clean any soiled materials in the comforters. 

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Stain Removal Should Be Done  

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In the presence of bed stains(from a person’s sweat, food, or an animal), it is recommended to use a presoak for 10 to 15 minutes to aid in stain removal during the washing process. 

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Select Genuine, High-Efficiency Detergents That Are Mild 

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Using liquid detergent, which is a mild and high-quality detergent, is recommended so that the comforters avoid damage to their fillings or a loss of fluff in one of the fillings. This is most important in the case of those comforters that are made of down.

There are certain types of fabrics one must avoid: fabrics with powders of any kind, bleach, scented detergents, liquid fabric softener, and any other items that might have a chemical reaction that would heat the wash water.

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Use Gentle Wash Settings

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Generally, and unless the fabric care label indicates differently, you should wash in warm or cold water. Home textiles of greater size, such as comforters, are heavier because they are more voluminous when wet and they soak up a lot of water. As such, more water is required for effective rinsing, since fabric is able to trap other residues (now in the form of sweat and oils) and hold them still, contributing to a moderated buildup of detergent. 

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Use Dryer Balls

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It can take a long time to dry a comforter, whether at home or in a laundromat. Adding a few small, spherical, plastic balls that are designed to be added to the dryer can make it more effective. By allowing warm air to move freely, the balls can aid in drying the comforter. They can also help to stop the down fill from getting all bunched up. Wool dryer balls, or soft, fuzzy, bouncy balls, are also quite effective.

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How to Properly Dry Your Comforter

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There is also the drying part of the whole washing process, and it deserves the same amount of care as the washing part.

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Issues such as mildew, odor, fill compaction, distribution, and loss of fill volume can all be caused by improper drying of washed items.

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Access To A Large Enough Dryer

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For the wash and dry cycles when doing the comforters, large dryers and washing machines need to be accessed. At Laundromats, the washing machines and dryers are often small and can leave the comforters unwashed or leave them damp inside.

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Medium or Low Heat

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In the event the dryer does not have high, low, or medium heat options, it is safer to go with the medium heat as this is the best way to ensure the comforter does not get burned or sustain damage, regardless of the speed.

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Interval Drying of The Comforter

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Dryer lint can compress dryer cycles, causing lumps to form. To ensure the dryer doesn't condition the comforter to a burnt crisp, increased time intervals should be initiated by bringing it out of the tumble. This should be every 20-30 minutes, and help fluff the comforter, an important feature of comfort.

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Select A Few Used Dryer or Tennis Balls

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The job of bouncy balls, used as an alternative, is to separate filling and soften layers to restore volume.

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A Shaded Drying Process

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To avoid fading the color of the fabric, don't let it air dry outside in direct sunlight.

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Ensure Completeness of Drying

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In places like Houston, where the weather is humid, you're going to want to make sure it is completely dry to prevent the onset of mildew.

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Maintaining Comforter Fluff

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In order to minimize incoming compaction of the stuffing, take the comforter out to shake and readjust the fluff on a weekly basis.

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Duvet covers are the best option to keep the comforter from losing protective outer layers and getting soiled.

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For maximized comforter movement and cleaning efficiency, make sure to load the washing machine to a reasonable level.

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In an effort to decrease moisture retention, prefer a cotton bag to a plastic bag while storing.

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FAQs

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Is washing home comforters an option?

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Most home comforters can be washed, provided the washing machine being used has an adequate size. For oversized comforters or down comforters, laundromats or professional cleaning services are preferable.

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What can I do to make sure my comforter does not clump too much?

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To keep the filling distributed evenly and minimize clumping, use a technique where the comforter is shaken during the drying process, and make sure to use dryer balls and re-fluffing regularly.

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What detergent is best for comforters?

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One should use mild liquid detergent without bleach and no fabric softener. Overly aggressive cleaning products will prevent comforters from being fluffy. 

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Can I air-dry a comforter?

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Yes, but in order to avoid mildew, be sure to dry the comforter completely. It's better, though, not to have the comforter exposed to too much direct sunlight. 

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How often should a comforter be washed in humid climates like Houston?

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To help with the prevention of unwanted smells and the formation of moisture and bacteria, a comforter should be washed once every 6 to 8 weeks. 

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Conclusion  

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Properly caring for your comforter is beneficial for your bedsheet as well, as it ensures that they stay clean, soft, and soothing to cuddle in. Regular washing, cleaning without too much fabric softener, and caution with fabric softener will sustain the fluffiness and increase the comforter’s lifespan. Following these several guidelines, the comforter you use to snuggle in during the Houston chilly weather will stay clean and in good condition for a comfortable night’s sleep.

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Skip the hassle of washing your comforter at home schedule our specialized comforter cleaning service today!

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