Down comforters & pillows

[PeterH]

What is the best way to wash and dry down comforters and pillows? I know about the sneakers and/or tennis balls in the washer and dryer to fluff the down, but the cotton outer shells can be so nasty. Is there a safe way to get the outer shells really clean and stain free without damaging the down?

-ph

[ndennis]

I have been washing feather and down jackets duvee's comforters for years. I wash them on hot ( 160). If they have some yellowing and or light stains I use asmall amount of a powdered chlorine bleach. You must have at least three rinses to remove the bleach other wise you will be up that well known creek. Bleach does not cause to many problems in water, but if left on the garment when the garment dries you can get severe deteration of the cotton fibre.

I dry in a 50# drier on hot. You can use any drier but the 50# drier I have has a reverse cycle on it.

I do not do many pillows as they are a pain to dry.

Neil