Can you wash the down comforters? how to dry them?
Most manufacturers recommend proceeding only by dry cleaning or washing the duvet every five years – if ever – hence the importance of using a removable cover can be washed
The golden rule: respect the instructions for use on the label or on the manufacturer’s site, especially a poorly washed comforter or poorly dried promote the development of bacteria.
The idea is to wash the covers as infrequently as possible, believes Suzie Bonneau, Commercial Officer of the company Duvet Myland. “If you absolutely must wash, ask a trusted cleaners. If you can wash de duvet yourself, wash in cold water with mild soap (brand Zero / Woolite, for example), and rinse once but twice, because the soap residue prevents Down the return to full swelling factor, “she says.
Four Tips Help You Wash The Down Comforter
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Preferably use a face washer as washing tumble for less damaging to the fragile fibers of down.
Dry the comforter to the wind outside, then finish in the dryer without hot air cycle by adding tennis balls in the tank.
Never leave under a sun draping (eg in the back seat of the car) or in the high intensity of heat dryer: natural fibers might deteriorate.
The comforter is stained? Tamp the down and only clean the soiled part, dry with a low power hair dryer. Over time, yellow circles appear on the envelope of the duvet. “It’s not spots, but rather the natural oils of the bird,” said Suzie Bonneau.
Can You Wash The Down Comforter Properly?
You should know that: Down duvets are generally accompanied by a guarantee from 10 to 15 years – or even 25 years – but not if the washing instructions are not followed. Especially since some fabric treatments (particularly against the leakage down) lose their effectiveness after a few washes only. The word “Lifetime Warranty” generally concerns the life of the product, not yours! Some specialty stores can replace a worn envelope with a new tissue, but this process is expensive: it is often cheaper to buy a new comforter
Maintenance of The Comforter
- Daily: Shake the duvet when you make your bed. The well-shaking will give the down in place, in addition to restoring its swelling.
- Winter: “Get it out when the weather is cold and dry, shake it and let it hung outside. You can also pass on the dry snow for a few seconds and wait a few hours before slipping into the cover, “advises Mario Belanger, manufacturing agent at Duvet etc. The thermal shock between the outside temperature and the inside of the house helps the down to restore its swelling effect.
- A few times a year: Hang the comforter on the clothesline on a day of high winds. Otherwise, put it in the warm dryer without air cycle and add tennis balls to fluff the down again.
- Storage: Place the duvet in a bag that allows air to circulate (cotton, for example) and not in a plastic bag or a vacuum storage envelope.
And allergies?
Allergies to down and feathers are very rare, says Dr. Marek Rola-Pleszczynski, clinical immunologist-allergist and professor at the medical faculty of the University of Sherbrooke. “People are more allergic to dust mites. These individuals should also avoid duvets and down pillows”. The first day of use, the comforter has no mite, but it is exposed to dry skin falling particles. If you do not wash it, it will turn into tank mites, “he said.
However, it can alleviate this problem by opting for a comforter which its shell and cover are woven tight. If, despite this precaution, you react to dust mites, use a synthetic model (polyester, for example). It will tend to hold moisture, but you can by eliminating against mites in the regular washing with hot water. Products marked “mite” are treated against mites, but long term, no product is actually mite. Only way to get rid of: the washing with hot water, which is not advisable with a down comforter.
Tips For Drying
The drying can be done outdoors, like machine. If you opt for the dryer, use a gentle cycle (60 ° C maximum). Some recommend placing the drum in one or two tennis balls, to restore the swelling (no need to add more, you may damage the drum). When the cycle does not immediately store your bed linen Let it get some air to remove any residual moisture. This will prevent odors and mold growth. You store your comforter until next winter? Store it in a suitable carrying case. Practice, some of them allow to vacuum the air and thus save space.
- Natural drying is possible!
- Natural drying is possible!
Curtains, Net Curtains: What Precautions to Wash?
Again, refer to the instructions for your care label. Cotton, polyester, suede, linen, sheer, machine washing is generally permitted (cold or 30 ° C maximum).
Opt for a synthetic or delicate cycle, with a gentle spin (800 revolutions / minute). For drying, you can give your curtains on their rod. They will dry in the open air and without wrinkle.
If necessary, the vertical steam ironing will restore their holding.