I have a down-filled comforter that clearly states “Dry Clean Only”. Is there any way I can avoid the dry cleaners to have this cleaned and do it myself? – Laundry Lady
Dear Laundry Lady,
The good news is that yes, you can wash a down-filled duvet.
However, there are some very specific steps that you must follow to ensure success.
1. Only ever wash it in a front loading washing machine; never a top loader as the agitator in a top loading washer will damage the down duvet.
2. Use 1⁄4 the amount of soap, because soap is very difficult to remove from this kind of garment.
You can always wash a second time and add more soap if needed.
3. When you put the duvet in the dryer you will need some tennis balls in a sock — these will bounce around to help break up the feather clumps within the duvet
4. Do not use the auto dry feature on the dryer, instead use the timer and leave the duvet in for a long time, as the feathers take time to dry.
You may think the duvet is dry to the touch but remember the feathers!
I have left my duvet in the dryer for easily an hour and sometimes even an hour and a half.
There is nothing nicer than clean laundered items, and a duvet is something, with the right equipment and soap, you can easily do yourself.
• Have a question? Email Charles at askcharlesthebutler@metronews.ca.
