has anyone ever machine washed a down comforter before?

Question

I have one that desperately needs dry cleaning that i got for a gift last christmas and i live quite far from a dry cleaner.
Will the washer damage it?

Answer 1

Down washes beautifully.... When drying it, take it out every 20 mins or so and fluff it up... It will take some time in drying...you can even hang it outside after most of the wetness in gone, just keep fluffing and turning..

Answer 2

I have a down throw blanket (small, actually my summer camping bedding) and I work at a wilderness camp so I use and wash it all the time...every two weeks to be exact, after a week straight use in the woods and then being stuffed in my backpack until just before I go back to work. It washes and dries beautifully.

I also have a down blanket for my bed at home. I use it as a summer weight bedspread. I have washed it once.

Comforters I would say could handle it if you have a big enough machine to wash it in and if your washer isn't too harsh with its agitator. If size was an issue, maybe take it to the local laundromat, wash a load of towels in first to remove residue in the machine from any bleach or other products from the last user...and then throw them in a triple load sized machine set on delicate.

Of course it is easy for me to tell you, go ahead and give it a try. But a large comforter is a bigger investment than the pieces I have...and you have to decide whether you want to risk it.

Answer 3

My sister washed hers in our washer with no problem, the problem came when drying. When she put it in the dryer, some the feathers came through the cover each time she would wash and dry it. If this is the first time you are washing it, it should be okay. Repeated washes may make it less fluffy as the feathers come out.

Good Luck!

Answer 4

Dryel works very well. If you don't want to do that, then I suggest you wash your comforter on the delicates cycle of your washing machine. Also, make sure the comforter can move around in the machine. If you have to cram it in, the better chance it will rip on the agitators and you will have feathers everywhere. You can take it to a laundrymat and use one of the double or triple loaders. Do not, I repeat, DO NOT, dry it in a dryer.

Answer 5

You should be able to machine wash it. You will just want to take the conforter out during the spin cycle. Hang it to dry because the spin cycle may destroy it.

Answer 6

i have....like one answer below says, it is best to take it to a laudromat, where they have dryers that will let it move freely. couple of tips:

-put it in a net bag for washing - that way, if feathers come out, they stay put
-when you dry it, put two tennis balls in the dryer with it...the banging of the tennis balls helps to fluff the down

Answer 7

use front loader at laundromat.cold water. agitator may rip cloth. dry with gentle heat & tennis balls to fluff while drying.

Answer 8

don't know if you should wash it see if you can use dryell.