The Low-‘Down’ on Comforter Cleaning

By Jeff Gardner | Apr 25, 2011

When it comes to comforter cleaning, down-filled comforters pose some unique challenges. However, I’ve discovered a few techniques that can make this task a bit easier:

• Prior to washing it, always inspect a down comforter to make sure the fabric on the outside is relatively new and in good shape. Also, be certain that all of the stitching is secure; otherwise the washing process will very likely ruin the comforter.

• During the rinse cycle, I recommend using two to three times as much fabric softener as you normally would. This will help return some of the oils back to the comforter’s down feathers, and it will help prevent them from clumping up.

• When drying a down comforter, it’s OK to start the drying process on high heat. However, once you notice the comforter starting to fluff up a little bit, it’s absolutely critical to switch to low heat for the remainder of the drying process. Down comforters must be dried mainly on low heat for a long period.

• Also, when drying down comforters, it’s a good idea to add something into the dryer drum to help beat apart the feathers and avoid clumping. Originally, I used a few pairs of white baby shoes to do the job. Today, I use balls with little cones all over them, which were specifically designed for just this purpose. Of course, many laundry owners have found success using tennis balls, too.

• At my store, we dry down comforters until we think they’re almost dry – then we hang them overnight and let whatever moisture is still inside break loose a little bit and completely air out. The next morning, we dry them for another 30 minutes on low heat. This ensures that all of the moisture is out of the comforter. With down, it’s crucial to get out all of the moisture, because any moisture still held inside the comforter will rapidly begin to develop a stale odor, and within a short period of time, mold will begin to grow. And once mold gets into the fabric of a down comforter, you simply can’t remove it. Mold is irreversible. You might be able to kill it, but you can’t get that discoloration out.

Hopefully, the advice above will help keep your wash-dry-fold business running smoothly and profitably.

(For more on comforter cleaning, read “The Laundry Doctor” column in the May issue of PlanetLaundry magazine.)