If a down comforter says to dry clean only can you wash it in the washing machine?

Answer 1

I have washed them in the washing machine many times. They are slightly less fluffy after being wet, but better than going to the dry cleaner with them all the time in my opinion.

Answer 2

hey thats a good question and clever reasoning;) After pondering in the puddles of the internet, I could not find any specific reason why you couldnt wash your down comforter. However, there are discussions on what kind of chemicals that one should use. Woolite was one of the soaps to use and it makes sense because its for sensitive materials. Im going to base my opinion on my tons of clothes I had over the years that gave washing instructions. A common theme comes up. The clothes that needed to be dry cleaned had intricate weavings, decals, elaborate stitching, and of course either made of wool, linen or silk. Perhaps the fabric of your comforter is too vulnerable. Maybe the stitching is not tight enough. Maybe the fabric is too thin to handle the cycle of a washing machine. However, that didnt stop me in attempting to wash certain items. I just used a gentler soap and a gentle cycle. I look at it this way. Besides the fact that dry cleaners are expensive, they are polluters and the stuff they use I heard is carcogenic. Here is the method of cleaning, I picked up on. 1) you use a gentle soap and no softener 2) you use a front loader, head to the local community laundry mat. They have big front loaders that can handle the job. 3) when drying, take it out once in a while and give it a shakey. Problem is that can bunch up and not dry evenly 4)you need something that can bat the comforter around while drying in order to fluff it up. Many people recommend tennis balls, or a few clean shoes. 5)dont use high temperature on the dryer cause it makes the feathers brittle 6) but make sure its really dry or you will rot your blankie;) I LOVE MY FEATHER BLANKIE! cept those odd feathers that come out once in awhile and poke my glutis maximus in the middle of the night.

Answer 3

Every good dry cleaner will tell you just because it reads dry clean doesn't mean it has to be dry cleaned.

There are a few fabrics and items that should be dry cleaned.

I have a comforter and it reads dry clean only I have washed mine in my washer many of times and it is just fine.

I do not put it in the dryer instead hang it over my deck to dry. then put it in the dryer with a few tennis balls to fluff it back up

You will need a washer that can handle the size of the comforter so you don't ruin your washer.

Answer 4

Put it in the washer (if it fits) on a gentle cycle, with mild soap and tumble dry on low setting until most of the dampness it out. Then fluff it up and hang to get the rest of the moisture out. That should do the trick. If you are worried, try some Dryel, it's specially made for at home dry cleaning. Hope this helps.

Answer 5

Dry Clean Only means Dry Clean Only.

Answer 6

I have washed mine in the machine: short, delicate cycle, using detergent for delicates or baby's clothing . Put in dryer, likewise for delicates: NOT HOT, for a short while and then shake it very well and hang to finish the drying process- If no drier, shake very well to re-distribute filling before hanging, then from time to time keep shaking it while air drying to facilitate the process of even distribution (some machine drying will be best any way).

Answer 7

A down comforter is a nice investment. Don't blow it by not following the directions.
Yes, It may be expensive to have it dry cleaner but spend the money.It will be well worth it.

Answer 8

They can be washed in the washer. You should also invest in a "baffled" comforter. It is quilted so the feathers are in a square and they don't get all bunched up when washed.

Answer 9

Ya can, if it will fit. You may ruin it. If you do, do it on gentle cycle and it's probably going to take forever to dry. At least 2 to 3 cycles in the drier.

Answer 10

DUH. No. That's why they put that label on it. If you try to wash it it will bunch up and be ruined. Did you ever SMELL wet feathers? (You do know that "down" means "feathers", right?)