How do I wash a down comforter in a machine.Should I take some special precautions?

Answer 1

If the cover is washable (cotton, cotton polyester or something like that) I would wash it in a large front loader at a laundromat, warm (NOT HOT) water, permanent press or wash & wear cycle if available. Put it in a gentler cycle than normal.

Comforter will be flat, shapeless & lumpy when you put it into the dryer. After it's about 1/2 way dry, take it out and through the fabric, gently separate the fluff lumps inside with a pinching & pulling motion with your fingers, shake the comfortor out, throw it back into the dryer and repeat the shake-out and finger fluff manipulation procedure, etc. after blanket is a little drier. It should come out looking like new when you finish.

One thing about down is that you can't prevent a few of the feathers from coming-out between the stiching. Just takes patience.

Answer 2

If the tag says it is machine washable you should be fine. I would not try to cram a king or even queen sized comforter into a standard machine. I have a over-sized washing machine and I can wash my queen size down comforter just fine. Just be sure that you remove it right away and put into the dryer. Also you can put in a few clean tennis balls in the dryer with the comforter to help fluff it back up. Lastly, make sure you dry it completely. Usually I dry mine for a while and take it out and reposition it. The last thing you want is for the down or feathers to mildew.

Answer 3

I would take it to the dry cleaner, or use those special dry cleaner sheets for the dryer. If the down gets wet, the comforter will get clumpy.