I just got dd a down throw for her bed...and it smells funny. I want to wash it - but it says dry clean only

Can you wash it? dry it? if you do, is there a special way to do it?

thanks!

I wash and dry our all the time. Much to the horrors of the IL's.

Then again I was just about anything that says "dry clean only". If I'm worried about it I do it in cold and hang dry. But I wouldn't hang comforters. If you are concered you could dry on air only or low heat.

For me the only things that go to the dry cleaners are things I don't want to iron or that need minor repairs or some other special treatment.

We've never tried it - we keep a duvet cover on ours and just wash the cover. I did a search and found this on-line. I would not attempt to wash ours in our home wash and dryer - but would use a double/triple front loader and big dryer at a laundrymat instead. Our washer w/agitator ruined my dd's child sized sleeping bag. (not down - but I can't imagine down would fair better).


WASHING ADVICE
A down-filled duvet is fully washable and dryable in a dryer. However, since your duvet will always be covered with a duvet cover that will be washed regularly, the duvet itself will require washing very rarely. Washing tends to soften the filaments of the down, reducing its lofting ability. Many people never wash their duvet, sponging off surface soiling, and putting it outside once a year to air in the sun. Dry cleaning a duvet is not recommended. Dry cleaning fluids flatten the down filaments and the fumes linger for some time.

Here's from another site that sells down pillows and duvets.

Pillow Care Instructions


Use a good quality pillow protector. This can help to lengthen the life of your pillow. Be sure to strip off and wash protector occasionally.


Fluff pillow daily, ideally in the morning. This will help the pillow to maintain optimum loft.


All of our pillows are machine washable! Instructions for machine washing are as follows:

Machine wash in warm water using a small amount of mild liquid soap. (We like Nikwax Down Wash.) We recommend using a front loading commercial size machine and a gentle cycle. Do not use bleach or fabric softener. After wash cycle is finished, be sure to run your pillows through at least 2 rinse cycles. This will assure all soap residue is removed.

Tumble dry on low heat setting. DO NOT LINE DRY! Add a couple of tennis balls or clean canvas tennis shoes to help break up large clumps of down while drying. Between cycles, remove pillow and fluff. Return pillow to dryer until completely dry. Drying will usually take 2 to 4 hours depending on the density of the pillow.

Pillow Care FAQ's

Q. I washed my pillows per instructions, but they are still clumpy. What did I do wrong?

A. This can result from too much soap or not drying it long enough. Too much soap can leave a residue that will prevent the down from lofting back up during drying. Always be sure to rinse well during washing. Also, be sure to dry the pillow completely. If you feel clumps, and are sure the pillow was rinsed well, return it to the dryer.

Q. Can I use dryer sheets or fabric softener when washing down pillows?

A. No. Both will leave a sticky residue on the down and will cause it to become clumpy.

Q. What will happen if I line dry my pillow?

A. Line drying does not force air into the down and clumps will not break apart. The down will remain in wet clumps and could develop mildew.

Q. What will happen if I use a top loading machine?

A. Down has a tendency to float and may not get wet in a top loading machine. Only half of the pillow will come clean in this case.

Comforter Care Instructions

We highly recommend using a duvet or comforter cover. This will keep the comforter clean, and it is easier to remove and wash than the comforter itself. Ideally, when using a duvet cover, a comforter needs washing only once every 2 to 3 years.


Fluff your comforter regularly. Two or three times a week is sufficient.


Air your comforter out outside occasionally, on a cool, breezy day. This will help maintain loft by freshening up the down. Or, if you can't get it outside, put your comforter in the dryer on a fluff cycle.


When storing a down comforter, always store in cotton, never plastic. Cotton breathes, while plastic can trap moisture and promote mildew.


Almost all of our comforters are machine washable! Washing instructions for comforters are as follows:

Machine wash in warm water using a small amount of mild liquid soap. (We like Nikwax Down Wash.) We recommend using a front loading commercial size machine and a gentle cycle. Do not use bleach or fabric softener. After wash cycle is finished, be sure to run your comforter through at least 2 rinse cycles. This will assure all soap residue is removed.

Tumble dry on low heat setting. DO NOT LINE DRY! Add a couple of tennis balls or clean canvas tennis shoes to help break up large clumps of down while drying. Between cycles, remove comforter and fluff. Return comforter to dryer until completely dry. Drying will take several hours depending on the size and weight of the comforter.

Comforter Care FAQ's

Q. What is a duvet cover?

A. A duvet cover is basically a giant slipcover that will help keep your comforter clean. These can be stripped off and washed more easily than the comforter itself. It is also an easy way to change the dˇcor of a room without purchasing a new comforter.

Q. Do I have to use a duvet cover?

A. While we strongly recommend using one, the answer is no, you don't have to. However, not using one will result in more frequent washings and cause the comforter to break down much more quickly.

Q. I washed my comforter per instructions, but it still has clumps in it. What did I do wrong?

A. This can result from too much soap or not drying it long enough. Too much soap can leave a residue that will prevent the down from lofting back up during drying. Always be sure to rinse well during washing. Also, be sure to dry the comforter completely. If you feel clumps, (and are sure the comforter was rinsed well,) break them up by hand and return it to the dryer until you don't feel any more clumps.

Q. Can I use dryer sheets or fabric softener when washing my down comforter?

A. No. Both will leave a sticky residue on the down and will cause it to become clumpy.

Q. What will happen if I line dry my comforter?

A. Line drying does not force air into the down and clumps will not break apart. The down will remain in wet clumps and could develop mildew.

Q. What will happen if I use a top loading machine?

A. Most comforters are too large to wash in a top loading machine. Down has a tendency to float and may not get wet in a top loading machine. The comforter will not receive a thorough cleaning in a top loading machine.

ok--so I look at the package and it says:
Machine washable for your convenience!!

(yet the tag says dry clean only! :rolleyes: )

it is only a 50" x 58" so it is not very big....just big enough for the crib!!!

so I am cleaning it with mild soap, hopefully it will work! LOL

thanks!

I worked one summer at THe Company Store. Our instructions for washing down were to go to a laundromat or use a front loading washing machine at home if you have one. You really can use any type of laundry detergent, even though The Company Store suggests their brand. Now, when you dry the comforter you need to put a tennis ball in the dryer with it. This will help to separate the down as it dries and it will keep the loft (fluff) in the comforter.

Originally posted by CherylE

However, since your duvet will always be covered with a duvet cover that will be washed regularly, the duvet itself will require washing very rarely.

Ha! These people obviously never had a cat that peed on the duvet at least 5 times per week for over a year!

I have a front loader and have washed our down comforter literally hundreds of times. I never bothered putting a tennis ball in the dyer since all of ours have dog saliva and dirt on them lol.