How to Clean and Maintain a Heavy Comforter

When we think of our comforters, we think about warmth, comfort, and good night’s sleep. It is prudent that we keep them clean and in perfect condition at all times. Keeping the comforter clean at all times promotes our health and reduces the chances of an allergic reaction. Cleaning and maintaining the comforter in an excellent condition is not a very hard task.  Washing heavy comforters need more specialized care than light comforters. A majority of the household washers and dryers are not spacious enough to accommodate large and heavy comforters. While deciding to clean your comforter, you need a heavy-duty liquid detergent, a solvent-based stain remover, and a large capacity washer. The following are the steps you should follow when washing a heavy comforter using a washing machine.

1. Read the manufacturers label carefully

Comforters are made of different materials. Each of these materials has specific cleaning instructions. It is, therefore, vital to read the manufacturer’s special instructions on how to clean the comforter. Some fabrics need to be dry cleaned only like silk or wool. Such fabrics cannot be washed using a machine since they stand the risk of shrinking and getting destroyed. If the cleaning instruction says dry clean only, it is only wise to take it to a professional. If the label says, you can machine wash, then carefully read all the specific instructions like warm water washing, hand washing, and ironing.

2. Pre-treat the stains first

The first thing before putting the comforter into the dryer is to check out for any stains. Do this by spreading the comforter on a table or a flat surface. According to WikiHow, once you have identified the stains apply a solvent base stain remover to treat the stains. After applying the stain remover, use a soft brush or your fingers to work it in. There are a variety of stain removers available in the market to choose from like shout, zout, among others. In case you do not have a stain remover, you can try and use a heavy-duty liquid detergent. Most of these detergents contain enzymes to break apart the stain molecules before the cleaning process. Once you have applied the stain remover or the liquid detergent on the stain, leave it for about 15 minutes before placing it in the washing machine.

3. Set the water temperature and the washer cycle

Depending on the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions, select either a warm or cold-water option. Set the washer for the largest load capacity. Select the delicate or gentle cycle on your machine, depending on the fabric of your comforter. Make sure that you use the right detergent, depending on the manufacturer’s instructions. This helps maintain the quality of the comforter. Always make sure that the comforter perfectly fits into the machine and leaves some space. If the machine does not have adequate space, the comforter may not get thoroughly cleaned up. In such a case, you can opt to get yourself a more substantial machine from your local laundromat that will accommodate the heavy comforter. Usually, it is advisable to select the fastest spin speed of your washing machine when washing heavy comforters. This helps reduce the moisture left behind during washing.

4. Dry the comforter

Once the stain removal and cleaning process are over, it is now time to dry your comforter. If the cleaning of the comforter is done in soapy water, proper drying is vital. Place the comforter in the dryer machine together with tennis balls or shoes. This ensures that the comforter is evenly distributed in the dryer. Shake the comforter well before putting it into the dryer, and this helps in removing the wrinkles on the comforter. Set the temperature in accordance with the manufacturer’s specific instructions. It is usually advisable to dry the comforter on a low heat setting for several hours to ensure it is scorched. The comforter can be dried using high heat but not before reading the care label to check if the material of the comforter can withstand high temperatures.

5. Fluff the comforter several times during the drying process

It is advisable that when drying the comforter in a dryer to pull it out every half hour and fluff it that is according to Architectural Digest. This helps to redistribute the filling, encourage a thorough drying process, and keeps the comforter adequately aerated. As you fluff the comforter, check out for any signs of burns if you are drying it using high heat settings. Return the comforter into the dryer after fluffing to continue with the drying cycle.

6. Air-dry the comforter

After drying the comforter using a machine, hang it outside for a few hours if the weather is relatively dry and sunny. Hanging the comforter outside helps to ensure that the comforter is completely dry. It also helps in preventing the growth of mildew and killing of the dust mites. If the weather outside is not favourable, hang it in a well-ventilated room.

7. Remove the wrinkles

Once the comforter is completely dry, use iron steam to smooth out the wrinkles that will have formed during the cleaning and drying process. Read the manufacturers’ instructions to determine if the material of the comforter is sensitive to heat. If the comforter is not going to be used immediately after washing, then one do away with the ironing part.

Storing Heavy comforters

The heavy comforters can be stored in a muslin or cotton bags or large plastic storage containers. It is essential to store them in climate-controlled rooms. According to the Spruce, avoid storing the comforters in the attic or basements since the temperatures and the humidity levels n these areas do change drastically. Make sure that the comforter is clean before storing to avoid discoloration. Ensure also that the comforter is completely dry before storing it to avoid mildew and mold from forming.

Hand Washing the comforter

Depending on the manufacturer’s instructions, some comforters calls for hand washing. These types of comforters can be dry cleaned or washed using a washing machine. The comforter can be washed in a large room sink or a bathtub. Before the cleaning process, it is essential to check out for any stains and remove them using a solvent stain remover.

Once the stain removal process is over, soak the comforter using the desired liquid detergent. Thoroughly wash the comforter and ensure all regions are washed out. Rinse the comforter using water to ensure that all the soap is washed out. Then hang the comforter outside to dry. Ensure that you keenly drape the comforter to ensure that it dries out evenly. Fluff and rotate the comforter at 90 degrees every few hours to ensure it dries well. Once the comforter is completely dry, store it in a cool, dry place.

In conclusion, it is vital to follow the manufacture’s specific cleaning instructions to help maintain the quality of the comforter. A heavy comforter can be washed at least two to three times per year. However, frequently clean the comforter if one has allergies. Hopefully, this article will help you on how to clean and maintain your heavy comforter.

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