Care And Storage Of Down Comforters And Pillows

One of the best feeling and luxurious bed items available are down comforters and pillows

. These are filled with down clusters and offer most comfort. Down is the soft part of the plumage of many birds such as geese, ducks and other fowl. Goose down comforters are plush and offer warmth on colder nights. This is due to the insulating properties of the filler material, which is natural and more effective than many synthetic and man-made materials. This is how birds keep warm, despite being in the water and in colder temperatures. This part of the plumage is very soft and works well as fill for pillows and comforters, offering a cozy piece of bedding for a restful night.

This type of bedding is not cheap compared to synthetic materials, although it is affordable. It requires proper care to keep its shape and insulating properties and for it to last longer. Daily care as well as proper cleaning are necessary to keep down pillows and comforters looking their best. Another important issue to keep in mind is proper storage. This is necessary for preventing mildew.

One important thing to do is to fluff comforters and pillows on a daily basis. This helps keep the shape and distribute the down evenly for better insulation. For longer life, it is best to protect these items with a pillowcase and cover or duvet. Regular airing is also recommended to promote airflow through the material. Hanging them outside on a good day or in a breezy area such as a porch promotes airflow.

Although experts recommend washing this type of bedding once every five years, that may disgust many consumers. One thing to keep in mind is that the more washes the product goes through, the more it will lose the shape. Some shrinkage may occur as well, even though down is resilient. This happens because washing a piece frequently will strip the clusters of the natural oils found in them, causing future breakage with long-term use.

However, washing should be done with a very gentle and special cleaning agent for down material. It is preferable that a professional or dry cleaner that knows how to handle the material cleans the bedding pieces. Washing them in a home machine is not recommended, but can be done. Agitator machines will damage the down material; commercial front loaders must be used since they are gentler. One word of caution is to make sure that there are no holes in the fabric and that it is strong enough to be able to handle a washing cycle. If the material is worn, it is not recommended to use a washer because it will break and damage the washer. The same goes for dryers. If the pillows or comforters are made of silk, professional dry cleaning must be done.

Air drying is recommended because a dryer's heat may damage the material. However, each one may take up to three or four hours to completely dry. Not letting the pieces dry properly will cause mildew. Because this is a natural material, it will smell different when wet, but once it is dry it will smell fresh again.

These bedding elements should be stored in a dry environment, away from moisture. A breathable bag just like the one the bedding came in when purchased is all it takes. Dry cleaners' plastic bags are not recommended, as the material needs to breathe to maintain freshness.

by: Christine Harrell

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