Down comforters have always been the first choice to enhance the quality of sleep due to their excellent warmth and lightness. However, when faced with a bulky and expensive comforter, how to clean it has become a problem for many people. In fact, regular cleaning not only removes accumulated dust and dander, but also restores the original elasticity of the compacted down.

Can you wash a down comforter? Break the washing myths

The most authoritative advice on can you wash a down comforter is that, as long as the label does not explicitly say “dry clean only”, washing in water is a better option.

Many people worry that washing in water will damage the down, but professional tests have shown that the chemical solvents used in dry cleaning tend to make the down brittle and lose its natural oils. In contrast, washing in water with a mild neutral detergent is more effective at prolonging the life of the duvet and maintaining its natural warmth.

Can I wash my down comforter in the washer? Hard criteria for choosing a machine

The answer to the question “can I wash my down comforter in the washer” depends on the performance of your machine.

•  If the capacity of the washing machine is insufficient (at least 10kg is recommended), the duvet will not be able to roll around in the drum, which will not only prevent the duvet from getting clean, but will also cause the appliance to overheat.
• Avoid agitator bars: We recommend using a drum washing machine. Older washing machines with agitator bars can easily tear the duvet's feather-proof fabric and cause the down inside to leak out.

How do you clean a goose down comforter? Detailed treatment before washing

The fiber structure of goose down comforter is much finer, and the pre-treatment part is crucial if you want to know how do you clean a goose down comforter in order to achieve professional results.

1. Detailed inspection: Check for small rips or threads and make sure they are repaired before washing to prevent the down from spilling out during the process.
2. Localized pre-washing: For obvious stains on the neckline or in specific locations, it is advisable to apply a small amount of detergent in warm water and rub it locally.
3. Exhaustion of excess air: fold the duvet and gently press out the air inside so that it can be soaked up more quickly when it enters the washing machine.

How to wash goose down comforter: A Step-by-Step Walkthrough

The most feared part of cleaning a goose down comforter is the clumping of the down and the creation of odors. By following the professional washing process below, you can effectively protect the down activity and prolong the life of the comforter.

Step 1: Gentle washing to protect the fibers 
It is recommended that the washing machine is set to “gentle” or “hand wash” mode and that the water temperature is controlled between 30°C and 40°C. Expert advice: This is the temperature zone in which goose down should be washed.

Expert advice: This temperature zone is the cleaning of down “golden temperature”, can effectively disintegrate sweat stains and grease, but will not burn the protein fibers inside the down, to avoid down brittle, fragile.

Step 2: Choose the right detergent to maintain the elasticity of 

Please make sure to use a neutral detergent for down, and does not contain enzyme ingredients.

Avoid the pit: Ordinary laundry detergents often contain powerful stain removing enzymes, which will strip the natural oils from the surface of the down. Without the protection of the oils, the down will become dry and easy to break, resulting in the loss of the original resilience and warmth of the washed comforter.

Step 3: Deep drying (the key to success or failure)

 
Drying is the most time-consuming and patience-testing step in the entire cleaning process. To restore the “cloudy feeling”, please remember the following details:

• Low-temperature, long-lasting drying: goose down is very delicate and must be dried slowly at low temperatures, usually for 2-3 hours.
• Physical beating to prevent clumping: Place 2-3 clean tennis balls (or specialized drying balls) in the dryer. As the drum rotates, the tennis balls repeatedly hit and slap the down, precisely breaking up the moist clumps and allowing air to penetrate each individual feather, restoring it to its full fluffy state.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: After washing, I find that the duvet is lumpy and hard to the touch, is it bad?

A: Don't worry, this usually means that the inside of the duvet is not yet “dry”. Don't be fooled by the dryness of the surface, the down inside may still be shrunken due to humidity. We recommend that you prolong the drying time, turning it over and over again and patting it during the drying process. This is where tennis balls come in handy, as their constant banging in the dryer will help you knock those stubborn clumps of lint out of the dryer.

Q: Is it okay to take them out into the sun (to dry them naturally)?

 A: Honestly, it's not recommended. First of all, the ultraviolet rays of the sun are the nemesis of down fabrics, and if you do it too much, the fabrics will easily become brittle, aging, and even leakage; secondly, the down is too thick, and natural drying is incredibly slow, so by the time it dries, it may already have bacteria and even a musty smell. Washing the duvet, the dryer is its “soul mate”.

Q: How often is it appropriate to wash a duvet?

A: If you usually use a duvet cover, there is no need to wash it too often, and it is recommended that you wash it deeply every 2-3 years. The reason why down keeps you warm is because of its own natural oils and fluffiness, and washing it too often will accelerate down depreciation and shorten the life of the duvet.

Upgrade to an Easier Clean with Apsmile

If you find that your old comforter remains lumpy or thin even after a proper wash, it may be time for an upgrade. At apsmile, we design our goose down comforters with high-density, leak-proof fabrics that are specifically engineered to withstand proper home laundering while maintaining their incredible loft.

Stop wondering "can I wash my down comforter in the washer" and start enjoying a fresher sleep. > Shop the Apsmile 2026 Collection:

• 5 Stars Luxury Hotel Goose Down Duvet

  https://apsmile.com/products/premium-luxury-hungarian-goose-down-duvet

• Rose Silent™ Goose Down Duvet Insert

  https://apsmile.com/products/rose-silent-goose-down-duvet

• 100%Organic Cotton Fluffy Down Comforter - PRO

  https://apsmile.com/products/apsmile-lightweight-organic-cotton-feather-down-comforter

Extended reading:

• Ultimate Down Comforter Guide (2026)
• Memory Foam vs. Down Pillow: 5 Reasons You No Longer Have To Choose
• Down: Far More Eco-Friendly Than You Think

If your duvet is more than 10 years old and not as warm as it used to be, take a look at our new 2026 Signature Goose Down duvet range and upgrade your sleeping experience!