by Willow Sidhe
Bed comforters are notoriously difficult to clean at home because of their bulk and weight. Most bed comforters are quilted and drop at least 15 inches over the sides and foot of the bed. Large comforters may need to be dry-cleaned. However, many can be cleaned at home if you have the right equipment. These bedding pieces should be cleaned thoroughly once every three months. Take a look below to learn how to clean bed comforters.
Vacuum. Use the brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner to remove loose soil and dirt from the surface of your bed comforter. If you can see any loose threads on the bedding, place a pair of old pantyhose over the attachment and secure with a strong rubber band before vacuuming to prevent damage.
Wash it. Check the care label to make sure your comforter is washable. In some cases, you may need to take it to a dry cleaner. Make sure the comforter fits into your washer and dryer. Take the comforter to a self-service laundry with large-capacity machines if your home equipment is too small.
Pre-treat stains. Pre-treat the stains or heavily soiled areas of your comforter prior to washing. Use a commercial stain remover and work it into the fabric with a soft-bristled brush. Allow the stain remover to stand for at least five minutes or according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Be gentle on it. Wash your bed comforter alone on a gentle wash cycle using your normal laundry detergent. Don't wash it with other items, as they will not be properly cleaned.
Dry it. Dry your comforter alone in the dryer. Select the appropriate heat setting for the fabric as indicated by the care label. Add two or three clean tennis balls to the dryer to knock the filling around and prevent it from clumping in one location. Stop the dryer and check the comforter periodically to make sure it doesn't scorch in the center.
