How to wash a down comforter in a washing machine

Comfortable sleep and rest are unthinkable without a good duvet and pillow. If you're used to a natural down duvet, you'll be hard-pressed to part with it in favor of a synthetic alternative. However, natural down duvets are much more difficult to wash. So, how can you make this process easier, and whether you can machine-wash a down duvet? This is worth exploring.

Peculiarities

Even though a duvet has a pillowcase and a duvet cover, it still needs to be washed. Over time, down becomes saturated with sweat, dust, and moisture. This environment fosters the development of dust mites and microbes, which is dangerous for your health and can lead to allergies and sleep disturbances. Drying the duvet in the sun or near another heat source will not solve the microbial problem, so washing is essential.

But how do you wash a duvet? Unlike a pillow, it's larger, and the down isn't always easy to remove. Duvets are often quilted to prevent the down from bunching up, making it difficult to open a particular section; it's easier to buy a new one. One solution is to take it to a dry cleaner, where they'll not only wash it, but also thoroughly dry it and sort out the down. However, we need to know: can you machine wash a duvet at home?

It's impossible to answer this question definitively, as it all depends on the size of your duvet and the size of your washing machine drum. If your machine's drum is rated for less than 7 kg, you shouldn't attempt to wash a double duvet. When wet, the blanket will be very heavy and will exert maximum load, which will cause wear and tear on the parts.

Please note! A blanket that is too large may not wring out in a small drum, and it will also stretch poorly in a small volume of water.

Therefore, it can be concluded that washing a down-filled duvet should be done in an automatic washing machine with a load capacity of at least 7 kg, ideally 9-10 kg. Otherwise, hand washing is recommended.

Before washing, also check the sewn-in label. It should indicate whether the blanket is machine-washable or not. It's also important to check the blanket for damage before washing, ensuring there are no holes or that the down hasn't fallen out during the drum rotation. Down can clog the drain filter, causing the machine to stop working.

Let's start the wash

So, let's begin answering the question: how to wash a down duvet in a washing machine? First, let's choose the right detergent. A gel or laundry shampoo works best. Test the gel beforehand to see if it rinses out properly by washing some towels or rags. The better the gel rinses out in warm water, the better the duvet will wash. Let's look at how to wash a down duvet step by step.

1. Washing a down duvet begins with soaking. Place the duvet in the bathtub and fill it halfway with warm water.
2. Dissolve a few capfuls of gel in water with three tablespoons of vinegar essence and let the blanket soak for 15 minutes. Don't leave it for too long, otherwise the down filling may be damaged.
3. Next, we drain the water from the bathtub and leave the blanket at the bottom for a while to allow some of the water to drain, otherwise the item will be unliftable.
4. Carefully transfer the down blanket into a large basin, and from there into the depths of the washing machine.

Carefully distribute the bulky blanket inside the washing machine to avoid imbalance after starting the program.

5. Let's throw in a couple of them along with the blanket laundry ballsThey won't replace washing powder, but they will help. Prevent the litter from clumping. If you don't have any, tennis balls will do; a couple will do.
6. Close the door and open the detergent drawer. Pour in a couple of capfuls of gel and close the detergent drawer. It's not recommended to add fabric softener; it's better to use a gel that already contains fabric softener.
7. Now select the washing cycle. Experts recommend only the most gentle programs, such as "Delicate Wash" or "Hand Wash." LG washing machines have a special “Down Blanket” program. If you have such a machine, choose this program without hesitation.
8. If necessary, adjust the water temperature and spin speed. The water temperature should not exceed 40°C.⁰Well, it’s better to limit the spin speed to 800, maximum 1000 rpm.
9. We wait until the program ends, and then take steps to dry the freshly washed down blanket.

Washing such a blanket in a washing machine requires your attention. Ideally, you shouldn't leave the washing machine unattended for long periods of time. An imbalance may occur during the cycle, causing the machine to generate an error and stop the wash. Therefore, to avoid prolonging the process, it's best to monitor it and restart the washing machine if an abnormal situation arises. If the wash cycle has completed successfully, open the door and feel the swan's down blanket. You may need to repeat the spin cycle, but don't get carried away.

Dry the item correctly

We've more or less figured out how to wash a down duvet in a washing machine. It's safe to say that washing a duvet is possible, but only in a front-loading washing machine suitable for this purpose. Let's assume you have a front-loading machine and have successfully washed the duvet. Next, you need to dry it properly to avoid damaging it, but how do you do that?

Experienced homemakers point out that drying a down duvet in direct sunlight is absolutely not recommended. This destroys the down's core, rendering the filling unusable. The best drying conditions are shade on a very hot summer day. And a breeze is even better.

If the wind is too strong, it is better to avoid drying the blanket so that dust and debris do not settle on it.

Some people dry their down comforters by spreading them out on the balcony. This is a good option, but only if the comforter isn't exposed to direct sunlight, and of course, unless your home is in a polluted part of the city. If drying your comforter outside isn't an option, try drying it indoors on a fold-out drying rack. Hanging your comforter on a line isn't recommended, as this will definitely cause the filling to bunch up.

Place the dryer at least 1.5 meters away from a heat source, radiator, stove or heater and wait until the down blanket is dry. Don't forget to fluff the filling every 2-3 hours to prevent the fluff inside from sticking together or clumping. You also need to turn the blanket over a couple of times.

So, how do you wash a down comforter in a washing machine? We believe we've answered this question in detail in this post. If you have any additional information on this topic, based on your experience, or any questions, please leave a comment. We hope the information presented in this article is helpful. Good luck!

   

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