How to Wash a Comforter? Wait, do they need washing in the first place? Of course, just like every other linen, clothes, and bedding material, a comforter needs attention as well. Interestingly, the comforter is known by various names all across the world. Also called as ‘Doona’ by the Australians, the Duvet by the English or the ‘Continental quilt’; this humble piece of bedding is known by various names. In India, the same concept is called ‘razaai’, something that is rolled out under the Sun on the terrace before every Winter.
A comforter is much like a quilt that is designed in a manner that comprises of two fabrics stitched together with ‘warm material’ like wool in between. Also known as ‘Duvet’, the purpose of the comforter is to keep you comfortably warm during Winters. Cleaning a comforter is a task one likes to avoid for as mong as possible. This is mainly because the comforter is much like a quilt, with two pieces of fabric sewn together with warm material in between. This is used during the winter months to keep one warm. Some people prefer covering the comforter with a simple removable fabric that can be washed as and when required.
Nevertheless, the comforter will require cleaning at some point during the use period to maintain it. So, how do we do it? The important aspect is that it is not such a big deal after all.
How To Wash a Comforter?
Here is a stepwise instruction to help you with the process of cleaning the comforter at home:
1. Written On The Label
The label of the comforter usually comprises of the instructions that rightly ‘tell you what to do’. Also, take notice of the material that the fabric of your comforter is made of. Silk and wool tend to shrink when washed; these might also damage in extreme cases. Sometimes, the label specifies if the comforter needs to be ‘dry clean only. In this case, it is strictly to be taken care of by the professionals.
In the case of Machine wash, you can go right ahead. Except be sure to properly follow the pre-machine wash precautions as you do it. This usually includes specifications like ‘Cold water’ or Normal water. However, there are specific comforter types that need to be hand-washed only. In this case, do the needful.
2. Do The Repairs
It is most unlikely that the stains on your comforter will not fade away when washed ‘overall’. For this, the best bet is to get down and dirty. This implies that you need to ‘treat’ the stains likewise and then proceed with the overall cleaning process. For this, will need to :
- Treat the stained area with a solution made from Baking Soda and water. Apply this over stubborn stains and cause it to ‘file away gently.
- Another aspect you need to take charge of are the loose ends, threads, torn seams, and repair them. Such ‘wear-out needs to be stitched back to life before you plunge them into the wash.
- If your Comforter is White, you might want to bleach it accordingly. For this, use ½ cup of Bleach in 2 gallons of water. Now, soak your comforter for up to five minutes before you give them a final wash.
3. Machine Matters
This implies that your machine should be rightly prepped for the big wash. What is the capacity of your machine? Can it properly accommodate your comforter along with the water and the detergent? There should be enough space as well for the comforter to spin smoothly so that it washes away the dirt.
Also, ensure that when washing the comforter, do not add any other pieces of clothing along with it. This can cause hindrance in the cleaning process.
4. The Right Detergent and Wash Liquid
Does washing a comforter ruin it? Not if done properly. This mild detergent works the best when washing a comforter. For this, it is recommended to follow the instructions properly. Also, make sure you select the right wash cycle option in the washing machine. This will help wash your comforter properly. Be sure to set the right temperature when going for the heavy wash, as this is an effective step when it comes to ensuring the proper cleaning procedure.
Note: While cold water is best for the fabric of your product, hot water is best for clearing the dust mites and debris; but can shrink your fabric.
5. The Dry Step
Can you dry the comforter in a dryer? Absolutely. After the washing, it is recommended to ensure that proper drying of the comforter takes place. For this, Fluffer rings or dryer balls are recommended. If you don’t have either, using the Tennis ball at the start of the dry cycle can offer the required results. The step is recommended if you do not wish for the insides of the comforter to ‘crumple together’ at a place. As for the drying, use high temperatures as mentioned on the label of the comforter. For best results, it is recommended that the comforter be dried out in the Sun for best results. It also helps in removing any dampness and wetness at certain parts of the comforter, if any.
6. Fluff It Out
Fluffing is often one of the most important yet neglected steps of washing and drying a Comforter. This is recommended as it will make sure that the insides of the comforter are well-distributed all over the Fabric space. For this, you need to ‘Fluff-out’ the comforter after every half-hour during the dry cycle. Fluffing also ensures that the comforter dries out evenly during the entire process.
Other Important Tips
- If Your Comforter has a cover, it needs to be washed once a year
- If The Comforter does not have a cover, it can be washed 2-3 times a year.
- It is recommended that the comforter needs to be protected using a cover for better maintenance.
- There are also available specific anti-allergen covers for people who need them. These are best for protection against mites and other allergens.
- After a wash, or when not in use, you can store away the comforter inside an air-tight Linen bag. Keep this away in a cool, dry area away from the dust and other allergen factors.
- Be sure to wash your comforter at least once a year, preferably just before you store them away.
- If Your Comforter has a cover, it needs to be washed once a year
7. Get the Hands to Work
Can I wash the Comforter at Home? Yes, you can. For this, you need to follow these steps:
- Take a nice big, clean tub. Fill this with cold water and add the suitable detergent into this. Hand-mix for uniformed consistency.
- Remove the stains using the appropriate stain remover as instructed.
- To remove the stain, use a soft-bristle brush or your hand itself. Leave for 15minutes for it to scale away from the stains.
- Now, submerge the comforter inside the soapy water for about 30 minutes. Scrub gently with your hand and drain out the dirty water.
- To rinse, refill the tub with clean water once again and submerge the comforter in it. Rinse off once again and drain the water off.
- Wring out the water from the comforter by rolling it in and out a few times.
- Shake the Comforter properly to distribute the insides of the comforter uniformally.
- Be sure to dry them out under the Sun for the best results. Keep turning sides at even time intervals for it to dry out properly.
The Conclusion
How do you wash a large comforter? Well, now you know exactly how. Keep your comforter comfortable in its skin by ensuring you follow a few vital tips. Most of the time, we tend to overlook the hygiene of our bed linens, covers, and blankets. This is not exactly a great idea as this can lead to the development of mould, mites, specks of dust, and other allergens. So, to ensure that your comforter is well-maintained, you simply need to clean them well.