Can I wash my white down comforter with bleach?

No. Avoid using chlorine bleach on down comforters. It can damage the fibers of the down and reduce its loft. If your comforter is a down alternative synthetic material, you can add bleach with your detergent.

How do you clean down or feather pillows?

You can put down and feather pillows in the washing machine, cleaning them on a gentle cycle with cold water. Remove them from the washing machine and fluff them—don't wring them out— while they're still wet. Put them in the dryer on a medium heat setting.

How do you smooth out a lumpy comforter?

There are a few ways to do this. First, try holding it by the edges and shaking it out. If that doesn't work, lay the comforter flat and use your fingers or the palms of your hands to massage the filling and break up the clumps. A third option is to hang it over a clothesline in the backyard. Gravity and the wind moving through the comforter will naturally readjust the filling.

How to Wash a Comforter So It's Fresh and Clean

Even a delicate down comforter can be washed at home if you follow these tips.

By

Sharon Tanenbaum

and

Mary Marlowe Leverette

Updated on October 11, 2023

Fact checked by

Isaac Winter

Snuggling under a warm, fluffy comforter traps the warmth of your body for a comfortable night's sleep. Eventually, though, you'll need to learn how to clean your comforter. To do so, take a minute to look for the care tag to find out about the fiber content.

Most comforters or duvet inserts can be washed at home, but some have outer coverings that require dry cleaning. If the comforter is washable, follow the steps below to wash the comforter at home or at your local laundromat. Here's how to wash a comforter so you can sleep soundly tonight under clean and cozy bedding.

A rolled duvet and pillow lie on a dresser against the background of a blurred window. Household. — Olga Nikiforova/Getty Images

How Often to Wash a Comforter

Many down and down alternative comforters have removable covers that can be washed to remove body soil and stains every time you change the sheets. A thick comforter without a removable cover should be washed at least seasonally and more often if you allow pets on the bed or if someone in the household has been sick. Always wash a comforter before storing it for the off-season.

Considerations Before You Get Started

First things first: You need to determine if you can wash your comforter at home. Check the comforter tag for more details.

In most cases, down-filled comforters and comforters filled with synthetic down-alternative are easy to clean and dry at home, especially if you have a spacious washing machine.

If you don't have a large-capacity washer, head to your local laundromat. A smaller household washer could compress and distort the filler, says Allen Rathey, president of Housekeeping Channel.

You can also wash a comforter by hand in the bathtub, but the comforter will become very heavy and can take several days to dry. For down comforters, the feathers are a bit more temperamental than synthetic poly-fill. Always use a gentle detergent or down wash to prevent stripping the natural oils from the feathers.

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

For a Down-Alternative Comforter

Large capacity front-loading washer or top-loading washer without a center agitator
Automatic dryer, clothesline, or drying rack

For a Down Comforter

Large capacity washer
Automatic dryer or drying rack

Materials

For a Down-Alternative Comforter

Enzyme-based stain remover
Heavy-duty detergent
Soft-bristled brush
Distilled white vinegar
Wool dryer balls

For a Down Comforter

Gentle detergent or down wash
Soft-bristled brush
Wool dryer balls

Instructions

How to Pretreat Stains on a Comforter

Just as you would with any dirty laundry, pretreat stains before washing the comforter—this also goes for your favorite quilts by the way. Pretreating allows the stain remover to begin breaking down the stains and loosening them from the fibers, so that the wash water can flush them away.

Spread It Out
Spread the comforter out on the bed or a large, clean table or counter so you can easily see any stains.
Add Stain Remover
Place a dab of an enzyme-based stain remover or heavy-duty detergent on each stained area.
Brush Fabric
Use a soft-bristled brush to work the stain remover into the fabric.
Repeat on Other Side
Turn the comforter over and repeat the process on the other side.
Wait 15 Minutes and Wash
Allow the stain remover to work for at least 15 minutes (or as long as directed on the label) before washing the comforter, following the steps below.

How to Wash a Down-Alternative Comforter

Set the Wash Cycle
After pretreating the stains, select the gentle cycle and cold or warm water setting on the washer. If you do not have a large capacity washer, use one at the local laundromat to prevent overloading your washer. The comforter needs room to move through the water in the washer in order to get clean.
Add Detergent
Add your regular detergent to the drum or distribution drawer of the washer. Use no more than 2 teaspoons of a high-efficiency detergent or one laundry detergent pod. Excess suds and detergent residue are difficult to remove from the comforter's filling.
Add Vinegar
Pour 1/2 cup distilled white vinegar into the fabric softener distribution drawer or add it during the final rinse to help remove any detergent residue.
Load in the Comforter
Wash it alone to prevent excessive wrinkling and lint from other fabrics. After the washer cycle is complete, remove the comforter and give it a good shake to help remove wrinkles.
Dry the Comforter
- Place the comforter in an automatic dryer with a few wool dryer balls. The dryer balls will help fluff the interior filling. Dry the comforter on medium-low heat.
- You can also hang the comforter from a clothesline or drape it over a drying rack. If air-drying, shift and fluff the comforter every few hours to help redistribute the filling fibers.
- Do not place the comforter back on the bed or store it until it is fully dry.

How to Wash a Down Comforter

Set the Wash Cycle
Start by pretreating any stains. Then select the gentle cycle and cold water setting on a large capacity washer.
Add Detergent
Add just 2 teaspoons of down wash to the washer drum or detergent drawer. Do not use any type of fabric softener. It can damage the feathers.
Load the Comforter
Wash the comforter by itself to prevent excessive wrinkling or lint transfer.
Rinse
When the cycle is complete, add a second rinse cycle to help ensure that all of the detergent residue is removed from the down. Remove the comforter from the washer and give it a good shake.
Dry the Comforter
Place the comforter in an automatic dryer with several wool dryer balls. Dry on low heat and remove it from the dryer every 15 minutes to manually break up any clumps of feathers. Drying can take a couple of hours.
Air-Dry (Optional)
If you do not have an automatic dryer, spread the comforter over a drying rack. Place it in a warm room and add a circulating fan to speed drying. Fluff the comforter often to break up clumps and turn it frequently for even drying.

How to Keep Your Comforter Clean Longer

Use a removable duvet cover on your comforter and wash it regularly.
Always use a top sheet, which serves as a barrier between you and your comforter. A sheet is much easier and quicker to wash than a comforter.
Flip the comforter often to allow trapped moisture in the filling to thoroughly dry after each use.
Freshen the comforter between washings by hanging it on an outside clothesline on a breezy, sunny day.
Place the comforter in an automatic dryer on air-only between washings to remove dust and crumbs.
Use a fabric refresher spray between washes to help remove odors. Spray the comforter on both sides.
Blot spills and stains immediately to prevent them from seeping into the comforter filling.
Keep pets off the bed.
Avoid eating or drinking in bed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wash my white down comforter with bleach?

No. Avoid using chlorine bleach on down comforters. It can damage the fibers of the down and reduce its loft. If your comforter is a down alternative synthetic material, you can add bleach with your detergent.
How do you clean down or feather pillows?

You can put down and feather pillows in the washing machine, cleaning them on a gentle cycle with cold water. Remove them from the washing machine and fluff them—don't wring them out— while they're still wet. Put them in the dryer on a medium heat setting.
How do you smooth out a lumpy comforter?

There are a few ways to do this. First, try holding it by the edges and shaking it out. If that doesn't work, lay the comforter flat and use your fingers or the palms of your hands to massage the filling and break up the clumps. A third option is to hang it over a clothesline in the backyard. Gravity and the wind moving through the comforter will naturally readjust the filling.