Comforter Sets - How to Properly Launder Your New Ensemble

We all have invested quite a good deal of money into our comforter sets. So, it makes sense that we want to protect that investment and follow the guidelines set for the manufacturer for laundering. Checking the tag for fiber content and laundering instructions is the key to keeping your ensemble looking good, and fresh. However, if the tags are missing here are a few pointers that can save you a few dollars, and keep your comforter sets looking clean. These pointers will steer you in the right direction, but there is no guarantee, your set will be included in these directions. If you do not find what you are looking for in these pointers, contact the manufacturer website for more information.



The fabric type is a deciding factor in how to launder your comforter sets, check fabric content, and continue as follows:


1) For cotton and polyester blend shells, most comforter sets are machine washable in warm water and dry on a regular cycle.


2) For 100% cotton shells, over polyester fiberfill, most comforter sets are machine washable in cold water on delicate cycle and dry on delicate cycle, or line dry.


3) For comforter sets that are 100% cotton over cotton batting, or fill, most are machine washable in cold water, on the delicate cycle, and dry on the delicate cycle, or line dry. Beware- Some say Dry Clean Only! These comforter sets will be ruined if machine washed and dried.


4) For down comforter sets, with duvet cover sets, this is actually 2 jobs in 1. Remove cover and wash and dry the duvet set as recommended for the fabric type. Secondly you should be able to air out your duvet, or down comforter between uses, or while the rest of the set is washing and drying. Hang the comforter, or duvet, to air. This is done in Europe on a daily basis. It is a common sight in Europe to see comforters hanging out of bedroom windows, to air. This gives them a fresh smell you cannot get any other way. If that does not work for you, hang it on your clothes line or put it in the dryer on "air dry "or "fluff". This is recommended between laundering, and will make your down fresh and fluffy. Laundering is recommended every year or so, and can be done one of two ways. Take it to the cleaners and have them wash and dry it the large machines. Or, do it yourself. Most laundries have triple front loading machines, and large capacity dryers. Make sure to use the delicate cycles and dry completely using two tennis balls or tennis shoes (clean ones), to fluff the down. This method will save you money, and if done properly, your down comforter will last a very long time. Note: if the down is not fluffed properly it will dry in clumps and be bumpy and lumpy. Also, if you are planning to store the down comforter, do so in a cotton bag. This will protect it, but also allow the down to breathe.


5) Some comforters or duvet covers are made from Rayon, from Bamboo fibers, or Viscose. These items need to be treated a little differently. Rayon, from Bamboo fibers, must be laundered at low temperatures. Use cold water for washing and delicate temperature for drying. Rayon, from Bamboo fibers, dries fast, so, one cycle on the delicate cycle is all it takes to make your Rayon, from Bamboo fibers, duvet cover comforter sets, soft and dry. No fabric softeners, please. They are not needed and are not recommended for this fabric.


6) Rayon, from Bamboo fibers, filled comforters are not washable. They are spot clean only, and aired regularly. Some fill combinations, of Rayon from bamboo fibers and polyester, claim to be machine washable. These are not recommended. The two types of fiber are very different and do not complement each other. One is organic and one is synthetic: one is allergy free and the other is not. One is a breathable fiber and the other is not.


7) For silk filled comforter sets and duvet cover sets, plan on Dry Clean Only.


No matter what combination of comforter sets fabric you have, check the manufacturer label for laundering, and use the gentle cycle when drying down comforters and Rayon from Bamboo fibers, duvet cover sets. Enjoy your comforter sets, but take the time to care for your investment, they will last longer and you will be pleased with the results.


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Posted in: Bamboo Comforter Set