How To Wash & Dry a Comforter in 6 Easy Steps
Your cozy comforter is the crown jewel of your bedding. It’s not just an aesthetic component of your room’s decor — it’s crucial for a good night’s sleep. However, this haven can become a breeding ground for dust mites and may trap body oils and sweat, affecting both your sleep quality and skin health.
The good news is that with a proper wash cycle, cleaning your comforter can be as straightforward as doing a regular laundry load. But not all comforters are created equal. So, let’s talk about the best bedding for you and how to clean it properly when the time comes.
What’s the Importance of a Clean Comforter?
Washing your comforter regularly, approximately two to three times a year, is not just a recommendation. It's a necessity for maintaining a hygienic sleep environment. This routine becomes even more critical if you're dealing with allergies or sensitive skin.
Dust mites, pollen, and other allergens can embed themselves in the fibers of your comforter, potentially leading to allergic reactions and skin irritations. Our Miracle Made® Comforter, with its hypoallergenic and anti-bacterial features, steps in as a formidable ally in this fight against allergens.
Its silver-infused fibers reduce up to 99.7% of bacteria growth, ensuring your comforter stays cleaner for longer. This innovative approach to fabric technology significantly cuts down the frequency of washes, making it a practical choice for busy individuals.
Additionally, for those concerned about the environmental impact of frequent washing, this comforter aligns with sustainable practices. You can rest easy knowing that your bedding choice enhances your sleep quality and contributes positively to the environment.
How Long Is This Going To Take?
Different comforters have different requirements, but it’s important to allocate enough time for both washing and drying your comforter. While the wash cycle might take up to an hour, drying, especially if you opt to air dry or use a low heat setting in the dryer, can take longer.
Including wool dryer balls in the drying cycle can help fluff up the comforter, maintaining its loft and comfort. But regardless of the little tricks you might pick up to expedite the drying process, let’s be realistic — it’s probably not the best idea to throw your comforter in the washing machine an hour before bedtime.
If you can hang dry your comforter, it’s best to wash it when you’re going away for a night or weekend so it has time to fully dry after washing. Alternatively, keeping a spare comforter handy so you can rotate through them on wash days is a great way to ensure your comforter is properly cleaned and you’re not left out in the cold.
Can You Wash a Comforter in a Washing Machine?
Certainly! Washing a comforter is feasible with a large-capacity washing machine. A front-loading washing machine is particularly suitable, as its design is more gentle on fabrics compared to a top-load washer with an agitator.
Consider using a commercial washer at your local laundromat for those with a smaller home washer. These large-capacity washers can easily accommodate large comforters, ensuring enough room for the comforter to move and get cleaned thoroughly.
Additionally, when using a front loader, the absence of an agitator means there's less risk of the comforter getting tangled or damaged during the wash cycle.
It's important to choose the right water temperature — either hot water or cold water, depending on the care tag instructions. A delicate or gentle cycle is usually recommended to prevent damage to the fabric and preserve the comforter's fluff and integrity. This care is especially crucial for delicate materials like down or specialty fabrics used in some comforters.
Are You Going To Ruin It?
Not if you do it correctly! To wash your comforter without causing damage, always start by reading the care label.
This care tag contains crucial information about the appropriate wash cycle, water temperature, and whether your comforter should be hand-washed or machine-washed. For most comforters, a mild detergent is sufficient.
Using a gentle cycle with cold or warm water is typically advised to protect the fabric and prevent shrinkage. Avoid using harsh chemicals like bleach or fabric softener, which can break down the fibers of your comforter and lead to clumping of the filling. Using an extra rinse cycle is also beneficial to ensure all detergent residues are washed away.
For down comforters, avoid using hot water as it can damage the down filling. If your comforter is heavily soiled, consider pretreating stains with a gentle stain remover before the wash cycle. This will help lift stains without the need for aggressive washing techniques that can harm the comforter.
Our Step-by-Step Guide
Now that we have some of the most frequently asked questions out of the way, let’s walk through the easy steps you need to follow to restore freshness to your bedding.
1. Read the Label on the Comforter
Before anything else, consult the care tag on your comforter. This label provides essential instructions for washing and drying.
For Miracle Made® Comforters, typically, a machine wash on a delicate cycle is recommended. Pay attention to any specific guidance regarding water temperature, whether hot, warm, or cold, and any recommendations against certain additives.
2. Remove Stains and Repair Tears
If your comforter has any stained areas, treat them with a mild stain remover before washing. Also, inspect the comforter for any tears or loose threads. Repairing these minor damages beforehand can prevent them from worsening during the wash cycle.
3. Choose the Right Washing Machine
It's crucial to ensure your comforter fits comfortably in the washer. For large or king-size comforters, a commercial washer at your local laundromat might be the best option. These machines offer the large capacity needed to accommodate the size and provide adequate space for thorough cleaning.
4. Select the Appropriate Detergent and Washing Cycle
Opt for Miracle Made® Laundry Detergent Sheets for their effective yet gentle cleaning power. These sheets are suitable for all water temperatures and work well in both standard and HE machines. Choose a gentle or delicate cycle with an extra rinse to ensure thorough cleaning without causing damage to the comforter.
5. Dry Your Comforter Properly
After washing, gently transfer your comforter to a dryer. If you have a down comforter, consider air drying it on a clothesline to maintain its loft and prevent heat damage.
But if you choose to air dry, you’ll need to ensure your comforter is fully dry before putting on a duvet cover or using it. It’s important to let it fully dry to avoid mold and mildew. For machine drying, use a low heat setting and add wool dryer balls or clean tennis balls to the dryer to help fluff the comforter and prevent clumping.
6. Fluff and Finish
Regularly fluff your comforter during the drying cycle, especially if using a front loader. This helps to redistribute the comforter filling and ensures even drying.
If you've opted to air dry, give your comforter a good shake before putting it back on your bed to help fluff up the filling and eliminate any lingering moisture.
The Bottom Line
Maintaining a clean comforter is key to a healthy sleep environment. With products like the Miracle Made Comforter and Miracle Made Laundry Detergent Sheets, this task becomes effortless.
Incorporating these steps into your routine can transform your bedding care experience. From selecting the right size washer for your comforter to choosing eco-friendly laundry detergent, each step ensures your comforter remains fluffy, clean, and comfortable. The key to a good night's sleep starts with clean, well-maintained bedding.
Sources:
How to Prevent and Remove Mildew — Home Methods | University of Missouri Extension
Good Sleep for Good Health | News in Health
Laundry Hygiene and Odor Control: State of the Science | National Library of Medicine
