2006-12-07 04:59:12 · 9 answers · asked by mari 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Cleaning & Laundry
Yes, a down comforter can be washed in a washing machine-providing it will fit in. That's all the dry cleaner will do, they just have a very large capacity regulation water washing machine in the back that they will pop it into. They don't dry clean them and you wouldn't want them to anyway. The chemicals would destroy the feathers, and leave you that wonderful smell to linger for weeks. Ducks and geese do get wet, but they do not do well dunked in chemicals and neither do their feathers. If your machine will not hold the comforter, you need to visit a laudromat that has the extra large capacity front loading machines. Use a baby detergeant or something like Woollight, and don't use a fabric softener. That will coat the feathers and weigh them down so they won't fluff up afterwards. After washing, toss it in the dryer on either air dry or a low heat, along with a couple of tennis balls. You want to be sure to get it dry, but not bone dry- cause you don't want cooked feathers either. When it's just nearly dry, take it out and hang it to finish air drying. At that point it's ready to fluff and return to your bed. If the tennis balls didn't get it fluffed enough in the drying, you can whack it all over with a tennis racket or a plastic bat, to do the job.
I have six comforters here at home, from twin size to queen size. I bought the largest one in Germany 15 years ago, and wash it twice a year every year. It's just fine. The twin covers are all nearly 6 years old, also purchased in Germany, and get the same treatment. They also get aired out once a week, hung out in the clean fresh air for a few hours to freshen up. I have 4 children at home, and so that's about all the pampering the comforters can get. Don't waste the money at the dry cleaners, do it yourself and put the money saved to a better use.
2006-12-07 05:16:09 · answer #1 · answered by The mom 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It of course can be wash in a washing maching but you have to get that comforter dried properly in order for the feathers not to get mildew look at the label and see the recommendations.
2006-12-07 05:03:46 · answer #2 · answered by maria fkun 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I washed my down comforter a few months ago.
I washed it on permanent press, twice.
Then I put it in the dryer on low heat. I didn't use the tennis ball. I shook it out pretty hard to redistribute the feathers.
2006-12-07 06:29:24 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. I do all the time. I wash mine on delicate with cold water, and tumble dry on low heat until it's completely dry. I shake it when it comes out of the dryer to make sure no feathers are clumped.
2006-12-07 05:56:49 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No - needs to be taken to the dry cleaners. If you wash it, the down feathers will be ruined.
2006-12-07 05:01:24 · answer #5 · answered by Angela J 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've washed down comforters, jackets, etc. The key is to place a few tennis balls in the dryer so they can rumble around and get the down to remain unmatted. I also take the stuff to the laundromat as I don't want to overtax my washer/dryer/
2006-12-07 05:07:24 · answer #6 · answered by wanninonni 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
DONT wash it -- it will be ruined -- dry clean only
2006-12-08 07:02:50 · answer #7 · answered by msc 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
NO! You have to dry-clean it.You can however buy a dry-cleaning kit and do it at home!
2006-12-07 05:03:33 · answer #8 · answered by gibbyguys 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No...It will smell horrible and never be the same. I know because I tried it.
2006-12-07 05:05:57 · answer #9 · answered by ♥tessa♥ 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋