There is much to love about the change of seasons when autumn leaves fall and winter comes from pumpkins to first snowflakes. The first thing that comes to mind is the warm embrace of a soft, fragrant quilt. There is no better feeling during cold days than a freshly washed comforter.
And while it may seem a strange question to ask at first, how to wash a comforter is a straightforward process, but also one that can ruin its fabric.
Cleaning a comforter isn't usually a fun experience, and for some, it's pretty stressful so as not to lose their favorite quilt. We take the guesswork out of it and explain the best ways to wash a comforter at home, and you'll be enjoying your fresh, clean comforter in no time!
Can You Wash A Comforter?
The comforter is like linen. You need to wash or clean it after some time, even if you use a cover. Can you wash a comforter?
The short answer is: yes.
The long answer depends on the type of comforter and how often you wash it.
First, you should know that there are two types of comforters: down and alternatives such as cotton, polyester, or bamboo. Down comforters are typically made from goose feathers or duck feathers. They're soft, luxurious, and warm—but they're also a little more delicate than synthetic comforters.
Synthetic comforters are made from polyester fill and are less expensive than down. They're also easier to care for because they don't shift around as much as down when you wash or shake them out after use. However, they are not indestructible.
How often should comforters be washed?
You should always follow the care instructions with your comforter when washing it. The labels often state the temperature for washing or whether the comforter is only for dry cleaning.
Polyester is made to be washed in a machine. However, some fabrics may be woven and therefore require special care to avoid damage. That's your best insurance that will stay fluffy and soft for a long time.
If you don't have those instructions, wash your comforter every three months in cold water on a gentle cycle. You can also spot-clean it with a stain remover if there is any reason to think that might be helpful—but be sparing with it as it can damage the feathers or polyester microfiber fill that makes it so fluffy.
While down can be a bit more challenging to clean, some items may still be machine washable. For example, if you get a machine-washable down comforter, use a mild detergent. However, if you have a seasonal comforter, you should go through the cleaning before and after each storage.
Another essential thing to consider is the capacity of your washer. Cleaning a comforter that surpasses its load can damage the appliance.
How to Wash a Comforter at Home Without it Getting Lumpy
Have you ever had that moment where you're snuggled up in your comforter, everything is just perfect, and you realize something is wrong? There are lumps in your bedding! What happened?
The cause of the lumps varies based on filling. For example, a feather-filled comforter can create bumps due to moisture. Which means it's not completely dried.
And then you have synthetic comforters. They can lump, too, and the cause of it can be moisture or a washing cycle. It usually creates bumps when they are exposed to high heat. The fibers tend to thicken and bawl together.
What is Done is Done: How to Fix Lumpy Comforter
The comforters we sleep under are a big part of what makes us feel cozy and comfortable at the end of a long day. But even the best comforter can get lumpy, and that's not only annoying—it can also be uncomfortable! So here are some tips if you're looking for ways to keep your comforter from getting lumpy.
Use your hands
It might be tedious, but fluffing the comforter requires hand de-bawling. Use your hands to separate the lumps gently and break them down. The only way to return the fluff is to break it down and take measures not to let it happen again.
Laundry balls beating
Our grandmothers used to put plastic laundry balls to fluff up and wash curtains and blankets. The same rule applies to comforters, let the laundry balls do their work. While they spin during the washing cycle, they hit the comforter. They soften laundry and prevent the lumping of bulky items such as comforters to create more fluff.
Let sunlight work
In the old days, people put their feather-filled beddings outside and exposed them to the sun. It was common knowledge that the sun kills bacteria, adds airflow, and dries feathers deeply.
You can take a test, put your feathered bedding in the sun, even if it is not washed, and let it sit for a couple of hours. The feathers will fluff up as they soak the warmth from the sun. You can do the same with synthetic comforters.
Shake it well
If you shake your comforter each morning and let it air vent outside, you might prevent lumps from forming in the first place. It will also redistribute the filling evenly. So, shake it till you break it!
Make a mix
There is a trick to re-fluffing the comforter with equal parts vinegar and detergent. Then, add a teaspoon of baking soda to load the machine with a comforter. These are known to be natural disinfectants and, in addition, remove odors.
How to Wash a Comforter Too Big for Washer - By Hand in the Bathtub
Sometimes, the king-size comforters don't fit into the washer. Not because they are oversized, but because the washer capacity does not support their size. To avoid causing damage to a washing machine, you can clean the comforter in your bathtub.
The key here is to pretreat any stains before you wash them. Once you have that out, fill the bathtub with cold or lukewarm water. Next, add a mild detergent, and stir it into the water with your hands.
Then, submerge your comforter and press it down into the bathtub. You want it to soak well, but avoid wringing it at any cost.
Let it soak for 15 minutes, and drain the water from the tub. Press it down until the water has drained. Fill in the bathtub again and repeat until there are no suds left. The best way to dry it is to take it outside. The sun and breeze will do their job just fine.
How to Wash a Comforter in a Washing Machine - Top Load and Front Load
If you read the label on your quilt and it says you can machine wash it, then all is good with the world. Let the washer do the work instead of you is much easier. But there are some things you want to do to prevent its damage and lumping. So let's start:
Both top-load and front-load machines can accommodate the comforter. But you don't want two things:
- you don't want it folded
- and you don't want to wash anything else with it
Before you load a comforter into your machine, make sure you place it spread evenly. The device needs space while tumbling, so don't put anything else except those laundry balls. They can help fluff up the quilt.
Many people use tennis balls for the same purpose, but the green color on the comforter does not look appealing, in case it releases color.
The next step is choosing a mild detergent, like the ones you would choose for sensitive clothes or wool. If you use a harsh detergent, you can damage the fabric inside.
Another fact is that we often don't measure how much detergent we place in the machine. So make sure you do not put too much of it and end up with a damaged comforter and washer.
You want to use the same care while choosing the cycle. Choose a washer cycle that is intended for sensitive clothes or wool. The machine uses cold to lukewarm water instead of heating it. Heat can damage the fibers, so choose the right one.
It's a good rule of thumb to rinse it again, especially with down comforters. You can never tell if every crevice is free of detergent. Press the rinse cycle once the washer finishes.
The machine will wash any excess or remaining suds away. Because otherwise, it can damage the fiber and make it lumpy. If you are not convinced, it has appropriately rinsed after the first time. Turn on the second cycle to ensure all the soap is entirely gone.
Once the washer completes its work, you can put the comforter in a dryer with the sensitive cycle. If you want to be extra careful, you can hang it on a clothesline and let the sun do its work. It's even better because there is sufficient airflow to dry the materials thoroughly.
Mysterious Yellow Stains on Comforter
It's a mystery plaguing you for weeks now, and you can't find an answer: why are yellow stains forming on your comforter? But don't worry! We've got some easy tips for getting rid of them. You might see the same stains on a mattress or a pillow. But before we get into tips, let's discuss what causes them.
Body oils and sweat
More often than not, your body sweats during sleep. After some time, your comforter soaks sweat, body oils, and skin products and builds up stains.
Detergent residue
You might notice a clean comforter turning yellow. That's because it was either damp before you used it or had detergent. It can also result from using certain detergents that use too many chemicals. That is why it's important to rinse and dry it thoroughly.
Old School Secrets to Demystifying and Removing Stains from Comforters
When getting stains out of your comforter, it's essential to have a few options at the ready. However, there are times when you need a little help from the stuff that's already in your house. And when it comes to getting rid of stains on your comforter, there are quick and easy ways to get them out.
Baking soda
The most important effect of baking soda is its primary, or better yet, alkaline, environment when dissolved in water. This is precisely why its application is so versatile. Baking soda helps regulate pH, and baking soda releases water and carbon dioxide in reaction with acids.
It's a magic powder that has applications for many health issues. And it removes stains and odor. You can try it in the kitchen, pour baking soda on a plate, and all the smell will vanish while you cook. Likewise, a teaspoon of baking soda will remove stains and odor while you wash laundry in a washing machine.
For more persistent stains, you can use a mixture. However, before you apply a comforter, be sure to test it first, as it can cause damage to some materials. The mix contains:
- Six spoons of 3% hydrogen.
- Two scoops of baking soda.
- Two spoons of dishwashing detergent.
You apply it to a stain and let it sit for about 10-15 minutes. After that, you rinse the comforter.
White Vinegar
Vinegar is just behind the baking soda for its multi-purpose application. During the war, people rinsed their hair with vinegar to get dandruff-free, glowing soft hair. Its application in cosmetics continues and is used as a natural solution for removing stains. For example, if you wash your comforter in a bathtub, you can add half a cup of vinegar to the water. You can put it in a washing machine afterward, but the point is to soak it in vinegar.
Lemon Juice
Lemon is one of the natural cleaning detergents. It has bleaching properties, disinfects the area, and smells nice. The goal is to squeeze juice from one lemon (no seeds) and add it to your washing detergent. Then, you wash the comforter as usual and rinse it two times.
How to Dry Your Comforter
As usual, we will repeat to check the label of your comforter and drying methods. If it can be machine dried, ensure your dryer can accommodate the comforter. If not, it's best to hang it on the clothesline to let it dry naturally.
But, many comforters allow drying in a machine. So let's take a look at a few easy steps.
- Spread the comforter evenly in the drier to allow space.
- Then add dryer balls to help make the comforter fluffy.
- Set your drier cycle to sensitive or wool, usually the low-heat or none settings.
- If you think your comforter is piled or twisted inside, open the drier every half hour and spread it again.
In essence, whichever way you choose to dry your comforter, ensure it's completely dry before storing or using it.
Takeaway
Many people do not realize they should wash their comforters every few months. The frequency of washings will depend upon the activity level in your home and how often you sleep under a comforter.
There are a couple of essential things that you need to keep in mind as you're washing your comforter. For one thing, make sure to wash it in a large load for the piece being washed. In conclusion, the point is to clean it safely and effectively without damaging the fabric or losing its shape.