How to Wash a Down Comforter Without the Feathers Clumping

A down comforter is warm, cozy, and luxurious—but when it comes time to wash it, things can get tricky. Without the right approach, you might end up with all the feathers clumped into one sad, lumpy mess. The good news? With a few simple steps, you can wash your comforter and keep it fluffy and evenly distributed.

Step 1: Use the Right Washer

🛑 Avoid home washers unless they’re large-capacity. A commercial-sized front-loading washer (like the ones at our laundromat!) is best. A small machine won’t allow the comforter to move freely, leading to uneven washing and clumping.

Step 2: Use a Gentle Detergent

💡 Down is delicate, so opt for a mild, down-safe detergent (or a small amount of regular mild detergent). Skip fabric softeners—they coat the feathers and reduce their fluffiness.

Step 3: Wash on a Gentle Cycle with Extra Rinse

🔄 Select a cold or warm water cycle on low spin to prevent damaging the down filling. Add an extra rinse cycle to ensure all detergent is fully removed—residue can make feathers clump together.

Step 4: Dry with Dryer Balls or Clean Tennis Balls

🔥 The drying process is key to keeping the down evenly distributed. Toss your comforter into a large commercial dryer on low heat, and add a few wool dryer balls or clean tennis balls. These will break up clumps of feathers as the comforter tumbles, restoring its fluffiness.

💨 Pro Tip: Take the comforter out every 30-40 minutes, shake it out, and redistribute the filling before continuing to dry.

Step 5: Be Patient—It Takes Time!

⏳ A down comforter can take 2-3 hours to dry fully. Rushing the process with high heat can damage the filling, so stick with low heat and check it regularly. If you feel damp spots, keep drying!

Final Tip: Wash Less, Refresh More

Since washing too often can break down the natural oils in down, try refreshing your comforter between washes by tossing it in the dryer on low heat with dryer balls for 10-15 minutes.

Not sure if your comforter is machine-safe? Bring it to us—we’ll help you wash it the right way!