subject: Down Comforters Are Machine Washable [print this page] Down Comforters Are Machine Washable Down Comforters Are Machine Washable
Ordinarily, comforters are large rectangular bedding that can also be used as mattress pads aside from providing warmth to the user. They are filled with natural or synthetic materials. Apart from down feathers, wool or silk, comforters can also be made of fur with satin or silk backing. Typically, they are constructed using cotton, silk or blend of polyester fabrics as shell or covering.
Down comforters are designed to last for years. They are machine washable; however ensuring their durability requires a lot of time, energy and common sense.
To have it cleaned every three or five years, it must be protected by a cover. Only the cover is laundered regularly. With a cover, there is no need to top it with bedspread or blanket.
When making your bed, fluff your comforter by providing steady flow of air and redistribute its fill by pushing the down in place. Never store your comforter inside a plastic bag to prevent mildewing. Plastic bags store moisture that may cause decomposition of the feathers.
In washing your comforter, use gentle detergent and low heat drying cycle. Cluster breaking of the down may result with the heat and harsh detergents that can cause the feathers to become dry and inelastic, hence easily cracked or fractured and may also cause shrinkage of the fabric particularly when it is 100% cotton.
It must be machine dried completely for more or less 8 to 12 hours. Complete drying prevents disintegration. Line drying is not encouraged.
It is possible to wash your comforter yourself but you might imperil its life. Typically, home washers are often too small and with agitators at the center that pose unneeded strain on the comforter. Comforters are machine washable however; due to its size it will be more reasonable to leave it to a professional.
