what would happen if I machine wash my down comforter that is labeled "dry clean only?

Question

I notice that occassionally you see a down comforter for sale that says "machine washable." however, mine says "dry clean only." What is it about some that make them machine washable? Isn't down made from ducks? and ducks like to get wet- so why couldn't my comforter get wet?

Answer 1

While it says "dry clean only" you might be able to wash it. The problem will be with matting the down by getting it wet. That might cause it to lump up. Unless your comforter is an expensive one, I would take the chance and wash it and dry it in the dryer.

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

From experience.... We had a comforter that was faux suede and it basically took all the weight out of the suede part, it made it thin almost like neglige thin. Then on another comforter it made it go from about a 10 in thick poofy comforter to about a 1-2 inch thick matt.
If it says dry clean.... I would pay the 35-40 bucks and have it dry cleaned.
Good Luck, Hope this helps!

Answer 4

I would wash it. Just use an oversized machine at the laundromat, and lots of nickels to dry. Put a sneaker in with it to avoid clumping of the feathers. By the way, people are not concerned with the feathers. They're concerned with the material. By the way, they're not made from duck feathers, but goose, and geese get wet, too.

Answer 5

I wash and dry my down comforter all the time. Use a front loading washer and dryer and I suggest that you stick a couple tennis balls in while it is drying to keep the feathers from clumping. FYI - the comforter may be very heavy and soaking wet when you remove it from the washer, you will need to allow plenty of time for it to dry.

Answer 6

you can not wash down comforters very well.if the festhers get wet,you will have a hard time getting all the lumps out.no matter what you pay for it.fethers are not meant to get wet after they come off what ever bird thay come from.

Answer 7

Most likely if you wash it will get lumpy because the feathers will clump together.

Answer 8

nothing just put it on cold i do it all the time and they come out nice and clean nothing happens to them