If you sleep under the warmth and comfort of a down comforter, you know how luxurious it can be. But when it comes time to clean it, things can get daunting.

Questions like “Can I wash it at home, or should it be dry-cleaned?”, “Will it lose its loftiness and fluff?” and “How do you dry it without damaging the down filling?” may arise.

If you’re unsure how to wash and dry a down comforter, know you’re not alone!

With the right method, you can keep your down comforter clean, fluffy, and cozy for many years to come. 

In this article, we’ll walk you through, step by step, how to wash and dry a down comforter at home naturally.

What Exactly Is A Down Comforter? 

A down comforter is a popular type of thick, insulated blanket filled with down feathers (the soft undercoating) from ducks or geese. Down is known for its lightweight design while providing warmth, luxury, and durability. 

With proper care and maintenance, these types of comforters can last for many years.

Looking for high-quality natural and non-toxic bedding? We have you covered! 

Check out A Quick Guide to Natural, Non-Toxic Bedding.

How To Wash A Down Comforter 

Although it can seem intimidating, washing a down comforter is very simple.

It just takes the right washing machine, natural and safe laundry products, and some know-how.

To protect your down comforter, avoid washing machines with agitators and opt for a front-loading machine.

For best results, ensure the comforter fills no more than three-quarters of the drum to allow enough space for tumbling and thorough cleaning. 

If your down comforter is too large for your home washing machine, seek out a local laundromat as they often offer large commercial machines big enough to fit a comforter.

The caveat here is finding a commercial machine that is not impregnated with fragrance.

Note: Always check the manufacturer’s tags for full washing instructions. These will give you invaluable information on washing, drying, and which products to use and not to use on your down comforter.

Some manufacturers will give explicit directions to dry-clean only. We do not recommend this due to the harsh chemicals used during the cleaning process. Plus, it is safe to wash down comforters at home.

Learn more in How To Wash Dry-Clean Only Items At Home.

Before Washing

Before washing a down comforter, there are a few things to keep in mind.

First, if you use a duvet cover, remove it and check the comforter for holes or snags. Repair them to avoid losing any down filling while washing.

Next, check your down comforter for stains and spot-treat*. Here’s how:

1. Lightly dampen the stain and pre-treat with a drop of Concentrate (if it is an oil stain), or spray with All Purpose.
   
2. Gently pat the stain with a damp microfiber cloth.
   
3. Repeat until the stain lifts.

For tough stains, be sure to reference our guide, How to Get Stains Out of Everything With Branch Basics. 

*Note: Always pretest first! If you have not used Branch Basics before on a down comforter, test it on a seam or hidden area to be sure it doesn’t affect the color or finish of the fabric. Ideally, let it dry before making your determination. 

Once you know your down comforter is colorfast, this is not necessary.

Washing Instructions 

Properly washing your down comforter is essential to maintaining its loft and softness.

Here’s how to wash a down comforter:

1. Place the down comforter in the washer. Spread it out as best as you can without twisting or stuffing it in the machine.
   
2. Add a small amount of a gentle, human-safe laundry detergent, such as Branch Basics Laundry Detergent or Branch Basics Laundry dilution. 
   
3. Run on the gentle or delicate cycle setting with lukewarm water*. Include an extra rinse cycle to ensure all detergent is removed.
   
4. When finished, remove promptly, shake it out, and begin the drying process.

*Notes: 

• To protect the down filling, avoid using bleach or fabric softeners.
  
• Hot or cold water temperatures can damage the down. Always opt for lukewarm water.
  

How To Dry A Down Comforter 

Drying a down comforter properly is just as important as washing it. 

Use a dryer large enough to allow the comforter to tumble freely, add dryer balls and set it to the lowest temperature setting possible.

Expect the drying process to take up to 4 hours. If it’s still damp, lay it outside or on a clothesline on a warm, sunny day.

You’ll know your comforter is completely dry when it is light and fluffy. 

About The Dryer Balls…

To break up lumps and keep the down filling evenly distributed, add a few Branch Basics Dryer Balls to the dryer.

Our dryer balls are a safe way to soften the comforter’s fabric, reduce wrinkles and static, and are made from 100% wool. They are compostable, biodegradable, non-allergenic, and fragrance and dye-free.

Note: Avoid using dryer sheets, as they contain synthetic fabric softeners and fragrances that coat the down filling.

Over time, these synthetic chemicals degrade the down, reducing its loft and fluffiness. 

Learn more in Dryer Balls vs. Dryer Sheets: What’s the Difference?

Shake It Out

Every 30 minutes or so, take the comforter out of the dryer and shake it. This will break up any clumps and evenly distribute the down.

Repeat this process until your down comforter is completely dry. It should feel fluffy and light when ready.

How Often Can You Wash A Down Comforter? 

The answer is: it depends on how you care for your down comforter between cleanings.

If you use a duvet cover and flat sheet, you should only need to wash your comforter every 2 to 3 years. Without them, we recommend washing once or twice a year.

Between washes, inspect for stains regularly and spot clean as needed.

How Often Should You Wash A Duvet Cover?

You’d wash a duvet cover about as often as you wash a quilt.

If you use a top sheet, one a month should be sufficient to remove dust. If you don’t use a top sheet, twice a month is recommended.

This is why we recommend sustainable, natural fiber, non-dry-clean-only duvet covers and bedding, which are easy to throw in the washer and dryer at home.

What Is The Best Sustainable Duvet Cover?

Like any product sourced from animals or nature, we recommend looking for humanely- and responsibly sourced down.

Some helpful badges to look for Responsible Down Standard (RDS), Global Traceable Down Standard (GTDS), or Downpass. 

Ogalla Comfort offers a healthier down line of products.

Be sure to also look for non-toxic and organic certifications such as OEKO-TEX and GOTS.

Some sustainability advocates recommend avoiding down altogether in favor of synthetic down alternatives

We do not recommend this due to the synthetic nature of down alternatives, which may contain harmful chemicals that can offgas while you sleep.

We also recommend encasing down comforters to cut down on dust mites, especially if you’re prone to allergies.

"Allersoft" offers down encasements in cotton/poly for a tighter barrier, or organic cotton and are sold by many online retailers.

Comforter Care Between Cleanings

Washing your down comforter is just part of its care. If properly taken care of, a high-quality down comforter should last you many years.

To extend its lifespan, follow these comforter care tips and tricks:

• Use a natural fiber duvet cover and a flat sheet to protect your comforter from skin oils, dirt, and stains.
  
• When not in use, wrap your down comforter in a cotton sheet and store.
  
• Follow a down comforter care schedule. For example:
  
  • Daily: Give it a gentle shake to fluff and redistribute the down feathers.
    
  • Monthly: If you use a duvet cover, give it a wash.
    
  • Annually: Check for stains and spot clean as needed.
    
  • Every 2 to 3 years: Wash your down comforter.

Proper care between cleanings is important. 

It’s also important to detoxify both new and previously washed down comforters with natural, human-safe products. Learn more about how to reduce your body’s chemical burden while you sleep in Detoxifying Clothing and Bedding: A Thorough Guide.

Healthier Homes With Branch Basics

Knowing how to wash and dry a down comforter requires the right care and human-safe laundry products.

At Branch Basics, we have two safe and effective laundry products to choose from:

Our powerful new Laundry Detergent powder is incredibly effective and easy to use. 

Just one scoop per load cleans, lifts stains, and removes odors. 

Each bag is enough for 90 loads and includes a reusable scoop. 

Our Laundry Detergent is fragrance-free, and is safe for all washing machines, septic tanks, and sensitive skin.

Included in our Premium Starter Kits (both refillable plastic and glass), our Laundry Solution is made by mixing Concentrate with water to create a truly human-safe, gentle, fragrance-free laundry soap. For extra cleaning power, add a scoop of Oxygen Boost. 

We recommend our Laundry Solution made with our Concentrate for those with extreme chemical sensitivities or injuries.

And don’t forget to grab a set of Branch Basics 100% wool dryer balls to keep all of your laundry soft and fresh!