Down alternative comforters are popular because they’re a less expensive and hypoallergenic alternative to natural down comforters. Today, we wanted to address the issue of whether or not you can wash your down alternative comforter in your home washing machine.
Can it be Done?
The correct answer to the question is: it depends. Any down alternative comforter that can handle machine washing should have this specified on the product label, as well as on the product page from where you bought it. Whether or not you can wash a comforter in your washing machine really depends on the fill, as well as on the quality of the outer shell, and whether or not it can handle machine washing.
Steps for Washing the Comforter
Washing your down alternative comforter is something that you have to do on a regular basis. Not only do you want to make sure that the comforter is clean because you need to sleep in an appropriate environment, but you also have to consider the fact the washing the comforter usually means subjecting it to wear and tear. So what is it that you actually have to do it when you want to have a clean down comforter?
- First and foremost, you always have to read the tag on the product so you know how to handle it. For the most part, every label that’s found on a down alternative comforter will give you information such as what type of fabric is used to make the outer shell, what’s the filling that you can find inside it, along with a series of icons that will specify exactly how you can wash the comforter and what you have to avoid during the cleaning process. If your comforter can be washed inside the washing machine then you will see the appropriate icon printed on the label, alongside another one that specifies which is the optimal temperature to use, whether or not you can use bleach, iron the product, and other such information.
- If your down alternative comforter has any stains on the outer shell, you might want to give those your attention before putting it inside the washing machine. There are plenty of people who like to create their own mixture of baking soda and water, or mild detergent and water. They usually apply the mixture to the stain, allowing the material to soak in the ingredients and loosen up the stain particles.
- If you are now ready to put you down alternative comforter inside the washing machine, remember that it’s always best to use a front-loading machine in the process. It is believed that this type of machine does a way better job at protecting the outer shell of the comforter.
- Most types of down alternative comforters only require a mild form of detergent when washing. It’s also important to note that most manufacturers will tell you not to use bleach on their products, but this is something that should be mentioned on the label as well. It is also advisable that you use less detergent than the normal quantity you use when you’re doing regular laundry, because the washing machine will be filled entirely with the comforter itself, and you want to avoid having too much detergent that will eventually be too difficult to rinse.
- There are plenty of people who like to use the tennis ball trick when washing their down alternative comforter. This literally means that they’re adding two, perhaps three tennis balls inside the washing machine in order to make sure that the comforter’s weight is distributed evenly for better washing. Regardless of whether you use tennis balls are not, it’s important for you to make sure that the weight of the comforter is distributed as evenly as possible.
- Whenever you’re ready to dry up the comforter, you will probably have to use the lowest heat dryer setting. This means that you have to be extremely patient for the dryer to finish its cycle. There are people who like to use tennis balls in the dryer as well. This process helps fluff the comforter, preventing the down filling from clumping together.
General Care Tips
Regardless of whether we’re talking about a natural down or a down alternative comforter, there are a few basic rules that you need to follow if you want to prolong your investment and make sure that you can enjoy this product for as long as you can.
One of the first rules that always has to be in the back of your head is that you should never use any harsh chemicals on your comforter. For the most part, the outer shell of a comforter should never come in contact with the bleach either.
Comforters don’t generally require any ironing either, which means that you have one less thing to worry about. But one of the most important tips that we can give you if you want to make sure that you can enjoy your comforter for many years to come is to always use a duvet cover. These are inexpensive and are available in a wide range of materials, colors, and patterns so that you can basically enjoy turning your comforter into whatever you wanted it to look like.
Even if you’re buying a down alternative comforter because you’re looking for a lower investment compared to what you would pay if you bought a natural down product, investing in the duvet cover is something that each and every one of you should consider because it acts as a protective barrier and it also means that you don’t have to wash the comforter as often as you would if it didn’t have a cover.
Conclusion
While it is perfectly possible to wash a down alternative comforter in your home washing machine, the most important thing is to carefully read the label of the product because if you don’t follow the manufacturer’s instructions related to cleaning and caring for your product, you are likely to damage the comforter beyond any possibility of further use.