When it comes time to clean your down pillows and blankets, get down with our tricks! Although bulky, these items can be washed in the washing machine for clean, fluffy bedding that will feel like you’re laying in a literal cloud. Here’s how to do it.
For Duvet Inserts & Comforters:
Rule Of Thumb: If you protect duvet inners with a cover, it should only need to be laundered every season. Duvet covers should be on a washing rotation of 1-2 months depending on the fabric and your lifestyle. Always check tags before laundering at home to ensure washability.
STEP 1: Hit The Spots Treat stains and discoloration with your gentle stain solution of choice. Apply it directly to the stain and work it into the fabric with a Stain Brush.
STEP 2: Set Your Wash Cycle For washable duvet inserts, select the woolens or delicate cycle on your washing machine and make sure the water temperature is cold and spin is on medium or low. Add the appropriate amount of a gentle detergent like Wool & Cashmere Shampoo according to the machine type and load size. We recommend washing bedding by itself to avoid tangling in the drum of the machine.
STEP 3: Dry Yes, most down bedding can be put in the dryer. Set the dryer to the air fluff or low heat/low tumble cycle and repeat the drying cycle until there is no sign of moisture. To help redistribute and fluff up feathers and filling, add Wool Dryer Balls to the cycle. Tip: Halfway through the dryer cycle, remove the duvet and give it a good shake to redistribute feathers. Break up any remaining clumps with your hands before placing back in the dryer. Sometimes it's necessary to repeat this 2-3 times for a very large duvet. At the end of the cycle, be sure the item is thoroughly dry to prevent mildew buildup. If the filling clumps together it means excess water is present and you should start another dry cycle.
STEP 4: Final Finish While you shouldn't iron down items (and never starch), we recommend steaming between launderings to help refresh.
For Pillows
Rule Of Thumb: Wash pillow liners bi-weekly and if you don't have pillow liner, get them! Our heads contain natural oils that keep our hair shiny but make pillows grimey, so it's good to have an extra layer between pillow cases and pillows. Pillow inserts should be laundered every season. Always check tags to ensure washability before proceeding with laundering your pillows at home!
STEP 1: Pretreat Stains Pretreat stains with your favorite stain solution (we love our formula) on the affected area and work in using a Stain Brush. STEP 2: Machine Wash Launder pillow inserts according to the duvet inners and comforter washing instructions above. Remember to use a cold setting and a low spin for best results, and add the appropriate amount of a gentle detergent like Wool & Cashmere Shampoo. Pillow cases should be washed bi-weekly according the fabric type. For everyday fabrics like cotton, we love our Signature Detergent!
STEP 3: Steam & Freshen To freshen between washes, give pillows a steam with a hand steamer and vigorously shake out. Don't replace pillow covers before the pillow has dried out.