How to Wash a Heavy Comforter So It Finally Smells Like New

1. Pre-Treat Stains

   Spread out the comforter on your bed or table, and check it for stains. Use a solvent-based stain remover to treat the stains. If you don't have a solvent-based stain remover, you can try using a heavy-duty liquid detergent, which contains enough enzymes to break apart stain molecules so they can be flushed away.

   Apply the stain remover, and work it in with your fingers or a soft-bristled brush. Allow it to remain on the stain for at least 15 minutes before putting the comforter in the washer.

   Tip

   Shout stain gel can be applied up to a week before washing, so spread out the comforter, inspect, and pre-treat it at home.
   

2. Select the Water Temperature and Washer Cycle

   Use either cold or warm water, set the washer for the largest load capacity, and select the delicate or gentle cycle. Use slightly less than the suggested detergent amount—too much soap is difficult to remove and can leave excess suds in the comforter's fibers.

   Warning

   Liquid fabric softener can cause spotting on comforters and blankets. You can skip using softener if you add 1/2 a cup distilled white vinegar to the final rinse cycle, or try a fabric-softening and static reduction sheet in the dryer instead.

3. Shake and Dry

   • Do your best to give the comforter a good shake to help remove wrinkles and ensure even drying before placing it in the dryer.
   • The comforter should be tumbled on low heat. Remove once it's completely dry.
   • Carefully inspect the comforter once it is out of the dryer for any cool or damp spots, as the goal should be to get the comforter bone-dry to avoid any mold growth.
     
   • If you plan on air-drying the comforter, expect the process to take several hours up to a day for it to fully dry.

   Tip

   Airing white comforters outside on sunny days will help brighten their appearance and remove odors. Colorful bedding can also benefit from fresh air, but keep it in the shade to avoid fading.

4. Fold

   If you fold or roll the bedding after removing it from the dryer, there should be no ironing required.

How Often to Wash Heavy Comforters

Thick comforters don't usually require frequent washings—cleaning once a year before storing for the off-season should suffice. Check the care labels on your bedding for cleaning instructions.

If the comforter is washable but too large for your washer, taking a trip to the laundromat once a year is much less expensive than taking the item to a dry cleaner. While commercial-grade machines can handle up to 75 pounds of laundry, wash and dry your comforter alone to reduce twisting, prevent excessive lint, and completely dry the material.

Treating Stains on Heavy Comforters and Blankets

If you notice that you missed a stain—or a stain didn't come out after washing your comforter—try a spot-cleaning method. Remove blood, other bodily fluids, or food stains with a small amount of a paste made from baking soda and water.

Rub the paste only on the spot, and use a damp, clean white cloth to blot up the baking soda. Use a dry cloth to blot up the moisture, and then use a blow dryer on the spot. If baking soda doesn't work, try the same method using equal amounts of white vinegar and water.

Storing Heavy Comforters and Blankets

Store heavy comforters and blankets in cotton or muslin bags or plastic storage containers. If possible, stow them underneath your bed, in a closet, or in another climate-controlled area of your home. Avoid storing your bedding in the basement or attic, where temperature and humidity can fluctuate.

Before packing bedding away, wash it to remove any oils and dirt that may cause discoloration. Be sure it's completely dry before storing to prevent mold and mildew from forming.

Tips for Washing a Heavy Comforter

Down: Most down and down alternative comforters and feather pillows can be washed at home or at a laundromat. Be sure to read the care instructions and follow these tips:

• Always use a mild detergent.
• Dry on low temperature.
• Use wool dryer balls to help fluff the down and keep it from clumping.
  

Wool: As long as you refrain from using hot water in the washer or a high-heat cycle in the dryer, most wool blankets can be laundered. Use the following tips for best results:

• Select cold water.
• Use a gentle cycle.
• Air-dry (no heat) in a tumble dryer.
• Add a few towels (in a similar color to avoid color transfer) to the dryer to help absorb moisture and cut down on the drying time.