Care for a Down Alternative Comforter

There’s nothing quite as relaxing as curling up under your favorite down alternative comforter at the end of a long, stressful day.

But before you drift off to dreamland, it’s important to consider this question - how do you care for a down alternative comforter?  

Despite what many people believe, you don’t have to rely on the dry cleaner to get your favorite comforter clean and fresh. Instead, you can launder it at home.

Here are some tips for caring for a down alternative comforter - stress-free and with minimal effort!

How Often Should You Wash Your Comforter?

Technically, there’s no right or wrong answer to the question of how often your comforter needs to be washed.

 The frequency depends on a variety of factors but in general, comforters don’t need to be washed as often as sheets, which should be laundered every one to two weeks.

 If you use a duvet cover with your Down Alternative Comforter, or use a flat sheet beneath your comforter, you could probably get away with washing the down alternative comforter once every quarter. On the other hand, if your pets sleep on the bed, you will most likely need to wash it more frequently. 

 A good tip?

 Wash your comforter at the end of the winter season. You probably aren’t using your down alternative comforter during the hottest days of the summer, anyway - so when you put it away for the season, give it a good laundering.

Caring for a Down Alternative Comforter: 4 Helpful Tips

Now that you know just how often you should be washing your comforter, here are a few tips on how, exactly, you should do it.

1. Inspect it First

Before you begin the process of cleaning your comforter, take some time to give it a thorough once-over. Does it have any holes or tears - or perhaps any loose stitching at the seams?

 If you can, fix these before you start the laundering process. Southshore Fine Linens Comforters do not come with lose filling so chances of filling coming out and making a mess and minimum. 

2. Washing the Comforter

 Always follow the manufacturer's instructions - that’s the most important, cardinal rule of caring for a down alternative comforter to follow. 

 Southshore Fine Linens’ comforters are recommended to be washed in a large size washer without an agitator.  The agitator can catch the comforter and cause it to snag, which can damage the comforter.  Use cold water and make sure not to use bleach. 

When you load the comforter, make sure it’s relatively well-distributed and isn’t crumpled into any corner or a particular area of the machine.

Another pro tip for washing your down alternative comforter: Add a few tennis balls inside a pair of socks to prevent the comforter from bunching up and not getting evenly clean during the wash cycle.

After that first wash cycle, consider running it through a second time with just water for a thorough rinse.

3. Drying Your Down Alternative Comforter

You have a few options for how to dry your down alternative comforter.

The most important thing to remember is that thorough drying is essential. If there’s any moisture left behind, it’s going to lead to unpleasant odors.

That’s why it’s not a great idea to hang-dry your down alternative comforter outside. Although a nice breeze can get your alternative comforter dry in an eco-friendlier fashion than your dryer, it will dry slowly, leading to areas of inconsistencies.

Instead, add the comforter to your dryer with a few wool dryer balls (skip the dryer sheets, as these can leave behind residue on your comforter).

The tennis balls will help make sure the filling is constantly drying and moving while also speeding up the process. Use the lowest heat setting available and set a timer to remind you to take the comforter out of the dryer a few times during the cycle. That way, you can fluff up and redistribute the filling.

Once the comforter feels dry to the touch, take it out and hang it up so that air can circulate around it for a few hours before you replace it on the bed.

4. How to Store a Comforter

If you’re putting your alternative comforter away for the season, you may want to wrap it in a breathable cotton sheet first. This will help it stay fresh and free from insects, odors, and other contaminants while it’s between uses.

Make sure that your comforter is 100% dry before you store it. Otherwise, mold and mildew can develop that will be hard to get out when you’re ready to use the comforter again. Store the comforter in a well-ventilated closet on the top shelf - and do not store it in a plastic container or bag. 

Finally, make sure that nothing is stacked on top of the comforter in storage - even if you don’t think it’s that heavy. The weight, no matter how minor, will crush the filling and make it less insulating.

Looking for a New Down Alternative Comforter?

While caring properly for your down alternative comforter will help you get the maximum life out of it, you should still plan to replace it once every three to five years. There’s only so much laundering you can do before it’s time for a new one!

If you’re looking for a new down alternative comforter, look no further!

Down alternative comforter  is a great choice for just about anyone looking for fresh bedding. It is warm, insulating, and comfortable, just like regular down, but comes at a much lower price tag. It’s also much easier to clean, making it a good choice for families with pets or kids.

 At Southshore Fine Linens, we have plenty of down alternative comforters for you to choose from in addition to sheets, duvets, pillows, towels, and much more.

 So what are you waiting for? Shop for a new down alternative comforter today - and wrap your family in comfort.