These days, especially due to the homebound times, it’s likely you’re doing more Netflixing, chilling, wining, and dining in bed than usual, so it’s time to clean your bedding and comforter. No intention to shame anyone, but we can say with almost certainty you can’t remember the last time you washed your comforter. Was it…the beginning of this month? That seems like it was six years ago. And if you’ve been putting it off because the label on the comforter says ‘dry-clean only,’ that's kind of a bummer. You can wash mostly all comforter fabrics at home- even if they’re considered dry-clean only. In many cases, you'll be able to wash and dry it in the washing machine. Otherwise, you can wash by hand in your bathroom if you don't have a machine and later you can hang it to dry. 

Read on to find out the best ways to clean your comforter. 

Read the Label on the Comforter

The most important step is to check the comforter's care label for the manufacturer's instructions specific to that comforter. Some materials, like wool or silk, will be damaged or shrink in the washer, so if the label says ‘dry clean only,’ it’s best to let the professionals handle things. If the label gives you the okay to machine-wash, make certain to follow any specific instructions, like using cold water or hand washing.

It's also worth mentioning that down comforters can be washed, as well. It is a common misconception that down comforters need to be taken to a professional laundry, but- unless the label specifically instructs otherwise- you can definitely wash it on your own. Livpure’s all-weather comforters can be washed in a machine comfortably, so you don't have to worry about running to cleaners again and again. 

Remove Any Stains and Repair Tears

Spot-treat any stains before washing. Move the filling from the stained area into a corner and treat it with a cleaning product like diluted Vanish or a combination of sodium hydrogen carbonate and water. You’ll also want to test for any torn seams or loose threads and repair them to prevent further damage within the washer and dryer.

Use the proper washer

Make sure your comforter fits in the washing machine with room to spare. It's definitely best to clean a comforter on its own, no matter how tempting it is to throw in some more clothes and finish everything in the same cycle. You have to give the comforter the maximum amount of room possible. If the comforter doesn’t get enough space, the will get compressed and prevent thorough cleaning. For the case of a good fit, choose an outsized commercial washer at your local laundromat or a big washing machine at your friend’s house, if yours is very small. 

Choose the acceptable detergent and washing cycle settings

Use a gentle or natural detergent, making sure to follow the instructions on the bottle. Select the gentle or delicate cycle and add an additional rinse if possible. The care label on your comforter may also have recommended a temperature setting. Cold or warm water will protect colors and fabrics, while lukewarm will kill dust mites if you don’t plan on machine drying.

Dry Your Comforter with Tennis Balls

Once your comforter has gone through the wash, transfer to the dryer or start the drying cycle. Add laundry balls for better effect and drying. 

Remove Periodically and Fluff It While Drying

Remove the comforter from the dryer every half hour and fluff to redistribute the filling. Return to the dryer and continue the cycle. This makes sure that the comforter dries on all sides.

Try hand-washing 

Comforters are a bit trickier to hand-wash, but if you've got no access to a washer straight away or have a broken one, you'll be able to make it work with a tub. First, make sure your tub doesn’t have any lint or dirt stuck to it. Scrub it down with an all-purpose cleaner or a bleach alternative. Then, top off the bathtub with cold water and add a gentle detergent. Hand-mix the water to make a soapy solution. Leave the comforter in the soapy mixture for about half-hour before removing it and draining the soapy but dirty water.

Refill the bathtub with clean, cold water so place the comforter back within the water to get rid of the other soap suds hanging around. Then drain the bathtub again and roll the comforter up a pair of times to extract the maximum amount of water possible.

To dry your comforter without a dryer, you’ll have to shake out a small amount to be sure the feathers or filling aren’t clumping up before you hang it. It is suggested to drape it over a bath or a drying rack- anywhere it's suspended and may dry as quickly as possible to stay mold and mildew from growing.

If you have got a balcony, drying the comforter in the sunlight is the best you can do. Or place it near a window or fan to hurry along the drying process. Don't forget to fluff it a few times. 

Keep it fresh between washes

It’s even as important to keep your comforter clean between laundry days, especially if you’re using it every day. One expert trick is employing a steamer to cut back on odor, wrinkles, and bacteria between washes. Never iron or starch a down comforter- that can actually melt or damage the feathers and filling. If the comforter needs a small amount of a scent boost, regardless of what the material is, use the other fabric spray you've got readily available. Livpure’s all-weather comforters are made with no artificial chemicals and hence, you do not have to worry about any foul odor. 

How often should you wash a comforter?

Comforters don’t need to be washed as often as sheets need to be washed, but they should be kept clean. Check the tag or your comforter’s care guidelines for more information. Allergy sufferers may want to wash their comforter more frequently. If you want or need to wash your comforter frequently, consider using a duvet cover, which can protect your comforter and be easier to clean than the comforter itself. Household cleaning experts recommend washing the comforter two to three times per year in order to prevent unwanted dust and other allergens from accumulating inside the fibers. With Livpure’s all-weather comforters, you don't need to worry about allergens- the all-weather comforter is made from hypoallergenic materials but is as soft and plush to touch as you want it to be. 

Conclusion

Make your comforter your all-weather friend by keeping it clean and smelling fresh. And the best part is, with our guide, you do not need to run to a professional to get it cleaned. Just do it as you do regular laundry. And when you have a clean, beautiful-smelling sleep environment, you get good sleep and fresh dreams!