Comforters & Quilts

Most of us wash our sheets and blankets fairly regularly, but the other stuff—comforters, quilts, and pillows—often don’t fit in our washers, or are made of materials we don’t know what to do with. Professional dry cleaners know the best ways to treat these items to make sure they are fresh, clean, and stay in good condition. But if you know exactly what your items are made from, here are some guidelines for at-home care.

Patchwork quilts

If a quilt is made from many different fabrics, wash it using a method that would be safe for the most delicate fabric in the mix.  If you aren’t sure, or if the quilt is old and fragile, take it to a dry cleaner.  GreenEarth solution is safe for antique and heirloom fabrics, but machine …

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Other materials

If your comforter or duvet has silk, velvet, or wool—even as a small embellishment—do not wash at home. These fabrics may be damaged in water. Take it to a dry cleaner to be cleaned safely.

Wool

Check the care label—if it is not marked washable, do not put it in your washer.  It may be vulnerable to shrinkage or distortion.  Take it to a dry cleaner. If it is washable, follow the instructions on the label.

Down

If a down-filled comforter or quilt is relatively new or in good condition, it should be safe in the washing machine. Line drying is best, but down comforters can be safely dried in your dryer.  Use the lowest heat setting or no heat tumble dry.  Throw in a few clean tennis balls or clean shoes …

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Cotton Batting

Do not put quilts stuffed with cotton batting in the washing machine—the stuffing will get bunched up and clumpy. Hand-wash in a large laundry tub or bathtub.  Use ½ cup vinegar to help dissolve all the soap suds.  Do not put in the dryer—line dry outside, preferably in the sun. If line drying isn’t an …

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Cleaning and Laundering

If you decide to wash your comforters at home, do not put them in the dryer; the stuffing may shrink or become clumpy and uneven (except for down comforters—see below). If line drying isn’t an option (especially in rainy or cold weather), take them to a dry cleaner for a thorough cleaning and drying. How …

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Everyday Care

Comforters and quilts can be gently vacuumed to remove dust and allergens. Do not touch the vacuum directly to them; hold the nozzle attachment about ¼ inch above the surface.