There is almost nothing better than cozying up with a clean, fresh and soft comforters or quilts on cool fall and winter evenings. And everyone has a favorite – the softest, warmest, biggest – you know! So treat it with TLC. Here’s how.

Comforters and Quilts

Most comforters and quilts don’t fit in washing machines. Many include materials that require special care. Therefore, it’s best to bring them to Flair. Our professional cleaners know the best ways to treat these items to make sure they are fresh, clean, and stay in good condition.  If you know exactly what your items are made from, here are some guidelines for at-home care.

  • Everyday Care

Gently vacuum comforters and quilts to remove dust and allergens.  Do not touch the vacuum directly to them; hold the nozzle attachment about ¼ inch above the surface.

  • Cleaning and Laundering

If you want to wash your comforters at home, do not put them in the dryer; the stuffing may shrink or become clumpy and uneven (except for down comforters—see below).  If line drying isn’t an option (especially in rainy or cold weather), take them to a dry cleaner for a thorough cleaning and drying.

How a comforter or quilt should be washed depends on its stuffing.  Always check care labels to see what the manufacturer recommends. If the tag is missing, follow these some basic guidelines.

Cotton Batting

    • Never wash quilts with cotton batting in the washing machine. The stuffing will get bunched up and clumpy.
    • Hand-wash in a large laundry tub or bathtub.  Use ½ cup vinegar to help dissolve all the soap suds.  Do not put in the dryer—line dry outside, preferably in the sun.
    • If line drying isn’t an option, take the comforter to a dry cleaner to be washed and dried instead.

Down

    • If a down-filled comforter or quilt is relatively new or in good condition, it should be safe in the washing machine.
    • Line drying is best, but down comforters can be safely dried in your dryer.  Use the lowest heat setting or no heat tumble dry.  Throw in a few clean tennis balls or clean shoes to help fluff it and prevent clumping.  This may take three hours or more to dry completely.
    • Dry your comforter completely before using or storing. Mildew can grow inside damp down and ruin it.
    • Over-cleaning  your down comforter strips the natural oils in the material.
    • If your down comforter is old or is wearing out, take it to a dry cleaner instead.

Polyester fiber or poly/cotton blend

    • Clean this type of comforter or quilt safely at home. Although very old or delicate pieces require special care from professionals.  Follow instructions on the care label for machine washing. Follow these steps if the care label is missing.
    • Soak the comforter in the washer for several hours. Then run it through the wash cycle.
    • Add ½ cup vinegar to the rinse cycle to dissolve all soap residue.

Wool

    • Check the care label. Do not use a washing machine for any marked unwashable.  It may be vulnerable to shrinkage or distortion.  Take it to a dry cleaner.
    • If it is washable, follow the instructions on the label.

Other materials

    • If your comforter or duvet has silk, velvet, or wool—even as a small embellishment—do not wash at home.  Water will damage these fabrics. Take them to Flair for safe cleaning.
Patchwork Quilts

Some quilts include many different fabrics. Choose the method safest for the most delicate fabric used.  If you aren’t sure however, or if the quilt is old and fragile, take it to Flair.  Our GreenEarth solution is safe for antique and heirloom fabrics, but machine washing usually isn’t.

If a quilt can be washed in water, but is starting to wear out, wash it in your bathtub with gentle liquid laundry detergent.

  • Mix the detergent completely before adding the quilt.  Let the quilt soak for several hours.
  • Drain the tub and rinse in cool water with ½ cup vinegar to help dissolve all soap residue.
  • Line dry in the sun.  If the quilt is sturdy, it can go in your dryer.  Use the lowest heat setting, or no-heat tumble dry.  Throw in a few clean tennis balls or clean shoes to fluff it and prevent clumping.