Those delicate clusters you cuddle up in every night don’t require constant washing. In fact, it’s not good for them. Our advice? Use a duvet cover with your comforter and wash that weekly instead.

Then, about once a year, if you simply can’t make it to the dry cleaner, toss your down in a large-capacity washer. (If you don’t have one at home, head to your nearest laundromat.) For the rest? Follow these simple steps.

Wash

1. Place your down comforter in a large-capacity machine.
2. Set the cycle to delicate.
3. Add a small cupful of mild detergent – about half the recommended amount.
4. Rinse the load twice to ensure all the soap is out.

Dry

1. Place your just-washed comforter in a large-capacity dryer.
2. Toss a couple of tennis balls (clean, right-out-of-the-package ones) into the dryer. This will help separate the feathers.
3. Dry on low with cold-to-warm heat. Every so often, remove the comforter and shake it out. Even if it takes two or three hours, be patient. It is important to dry the feathers and clusters thoroughly to prevent mold.

Now that you’re fluent in the practice of down care, visit our Cuddledown Boutique on Monday, February 10, at 3PM ET.

By Julia Ivins, Staff Writer

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