Down blankets are a wonderful addition to your bedding collection. They are the perfect weight as a summer comforter and they can give a lightweight comforter a boost in the cool seasons. And, they are easy to clean. One of the best things about natural down filling is that it can be washed over and over to ensure a long lifetime to your investment. With the right care, your down blanket can last many years.
Do you take it to a dry cleaner or wash it yourself?
Dry cleaner option
It’s easy and worry-free to have your down blanket laundered by your dry cleaner. They will clean the blanket in their huge washing machines and you will know that your blanket will be not get damaged and will be fully clean this way. Dry cleaning is not recommended because the dry cleaning chemicals are harsh to the down but, this is the only way to ensure against shrinkage so it is an option on the care tags. Make sure to ask if they have washing capabilities because not all dry cleaners have laundry facilities.
Home laundry for your down blanket
You can wash your blanket at home if you have a regular-sized washing machine. An apartment-sized washing machine will be too small for a queen or king blanket. You can easily take your blanket to the laundromat to wash it if you don’t have a large enough machine.
- Water Temperature – Hot, warm or cold. We prefer cold water because the fabric can shrink up to 8% in hot water
- Spin Speed – Use the fastest speed to take as much moisture out as possible
- Soap – Gentle soap without additives
Optional:
- Whitening – Use non-chlorine bleach
- Fabric Softener – Not recommended because it will coat the down and reduce its fluff
- Heat – Hot, warm or low; your choice
- Dry time – Be patient, on low heat it will take multiple cycles depending on your machines
Optional:
- Clean Tennis Balls or Dryer Balls – Add two or three balls to speed up your dry time. It will sound like they are beating up your dryer but they don’t actually hurt it
- Clumping or Odor – These are signs that your blanket is not dry yet. You want it to be completely dry to prevent mold
- Dryer Sheets – Ok to use for freshness
- Line Drying – Not recommended due to risk of damp spots and clumps
- No ironing or steaming
Washing frequency
If you are using your down blanket as your top layer of bedding, keeping it in a duvet cover will protect it against getting dirty. Some people prefer an allergen-barrier duvet cover, with its tighter weave, for added protection and to prevent dust mites. You will be able to wash your blanket half as often using a duvet cover. This is not important if you are using your down blanket underneath a comforter, quilt or bedspread.
Between washings, try spot cleaning to remove stains. To keep the down dry during spot cleaning push it away from the area.
When used as a top layer:
- With use of a duvet cover – wash every 3-5 years
- Without a cover – wash every 1-2 years
When used as a middle layer:
In addition, the best thing you can do to keep your blanket looking new is to fluff it every day when you make your bed. By providing a steady flow of air, your down will continue to loft.
How to store your down blanket
When you go to store your blanket, make sure it is in a place where it can breathe well, like a cloth bag. This will help keep it dry and fresh. It should also have plenty of room so it doesn’t get compressed. Next season, give your blanket a hearty shake and put it on the bed.
- Daily – Give it a shake
- Monthly – Wash your duvet cover
- Yearly – Check for stains and spot clean
- Every 2-5 Years – Give it a wash
All-natural down is a long lasting material for blankets. By washing it occasionally, your down blanket will stay fluffy and warm for many years. And you will be happy that the care is so easy.