So, I've been tossed up about a cleaning project and thought I'd get your input. I have a great featherbed that is in serious need of a cleaning. I've had it for about three years and every few months I'll vacuum it and Febreze it. I've even taken the chance and scrubbed it down with a cup of soapy water, but that only created gross looking watermarks. I'm sure that the easiest solution of all would just be to get a new one, but I'm determined to at least take a chance at giving it a good washing. I've done some digging around online to see if it is at all possible to machine wash it, but as expected there are mixed opinions. Plus, based on my experience with a down filled comforter, these items tend to get extremely heavy when wet.
So, what are your thoughts? How do you clean your down filled items?
I toss my king size down comforter in the wash and then into the dryer on high with a few tennis balls for a few cycles. Just take it out a couple of times and move it around to make sure all spots are getting dry. Easy peasy! Good luck!
I’ve washed my down comforter in the machine after one of our four legged friends mistook it for a snowbank (grr) and then tossed it in the dryer with some clean tennis balls to break up the clumps of feathers. Worked like a charm, though it did take a few cycles to dry completely.
I agree with the other comments. I wash my down comforter and featherbed all the time since I have 2 dogs who think my bed is there bed. I’ve never had a problem at all with it.
I have a king size that I take to the laundromat since it is a bit huge for my machines. I use regular laundry det. and throw in the tennis balls. Just make sure to get it dry or it smells … well, like wet bird feathers. Which is not awesome.
If your vaccuum has a detachable hose, you can place the item to be cleaned or dusted in a large plastic bag – like a garbage bag & place the vaccuum hose in hole. Hold tightly around bag opening & turn vaccuum on. This will pull out all the dust particles! Makes a pillow go completely flat! Scary at first, but as soon as you remove from bag, the item fluffs back up….
Thank you all for your feedback! Your suggestions are very helpful. The vacuum and garbage bag idea is very interesting! I’m definitely going to try that!
I don’t have a big enough washer for a giant comforter, so I end up taking my down comforter to the dry cleaner. It costs quite a bit to clean, but making sure I have a clean duvet cover on it helps keep cleanings to a minimum.
There are special detergents made for down sleeping bags available at outdoor stores like REI. They provide washing and drying instructions that have yet to fail for me. I bet it would work just as well on a comforter.