How do I wash a down comforter in a machine.Should I take some special precautions?
Answers:
If the cover is washable (cotton, cotton polyester or something like that) I would wash it in a large front loader at a laundromat, warm (NOT HOT) water, permanent press or wash & wear cycle if available. Put it in a gentler cycle than normal.
Comforter will be flat, shapeless & lumpy when you put it into the dryer. After it's about 1/2 way dry, take it out and through the fabric, gently separate the fluff lumps inside with a pinching & pulling motion with your fingers, shake the comfortor out, throw it back into the dryer and repeat the shake-out and finger fluff manipulation procedure, etc. after blanket is a little drier. It should come out looking like new when you finish.
One thing about down is that you can't prevent a few of the feathers from coming-out between the stiching. Just takes patience.
Other answers:
I would take it to the dry cleaner, or use those special dry cleaner sheets for the dryer. If the down gets wet, the comforter will get clumpy.
I would take it to the dry cleaner, or use those special dry cleaner sheets for the dryer. If the down gets wet, the comforter will get clumpy.
If the tag says it is machine washable you should be fine. I would not try to cram a king or even queen sized comforter into a standard machine. I have a over-sized washing machine and I can wash my queen size down comforter just fine. Just be sure that you remove it right away and put into the dryer. Also you can put in a few clean tennis balls in the dryer with the comforter to help fluff it back up. Lastly, make sure you dry it completely. Usually I dry mine for a while and take it out and reposition it. The last thing you want is for the down or feathers to mildew.