Washable Down Comforter: What You Need to Know
Are you looking for a truly washable down comforter that you do not have to dry clean? Here's some great tips to help you find one that you can clean yourself.
Just try to wash a down comforter that is not water friendly and you'll soon discover what happens. Issues such as shrinkage, moisture issues, as well as clumping and compressing of the fill, are some of the main issues that make it difficult to wash a variety of goose down comforters in a washing machine.
How to Choose a Washable Down Comforter
If you want to be a savvy shopper, keep in mind that the basic difference between truly washable
down bedding and other down products that should not be washed, lies basically in the obvious quality differences.
So, what should you look for?
Real Hungarian Goose Down Fill
Be sure to select only real Hungarian goose down fill for your comforter. Don't be deceived by companies who fill their down comforters, down filled pillows and other items with inferior or combination fill materials.
Why true down fill? Because down is the fine material that is harvested from the chest of Hungarian geese and that keeps them warm in the winter, cool in the summer. It is soft, fluffy and has no prickly quills.
Goose feathers, on the other hand, are located on the backs of geese and repels water, keeping them dry all year. Feathers also are stiffer, more bulky and have quills, which are quite prickly.
Because of this, not all fill is of equal quality, making some comforters difficult or impossible to wash. That's right. For example, since it's legal to place up to 30% feathers in down products that are marketed as 'real' down items, you may not get a really washable down comforter, unless you know what to look for.
For the best washable fill, choose a Hungarian goose down duvet or comforter, since this type of material is fluffy, much like a cotton ball, and is easily washed and dried. This makes it much easier to avoid mildew when washing and drying a bedding accessory.
A simple test for checking for the best fill material, is to place one hand on the top of a comforter and the other hand on the bottom side. Rub the material together. If you feel anything that is prickly or stiff, the item has some feathers in it.
Of course, reputable companies also sell some of the best down comforters online, and provide money back guarantees that their comforters are filled with pure down. If you aren't satisfied with your purchase, you can always send it back.
100% Cotton Cover
While this may seem rather insignificant, the sewn on cover is very important in determining quality and washability. For the best durability and breathability, choose an all natural, cotton cover with a moderately high thread count. It will wash better and dry easier. Avoid cotton and poly covers in goose down bedding, such as those found on colored down comforters.
Baffle Box Cover
You should also select a comforter that is sewn with baffle box construction. This means that there are squared seams running throughout the bedding and that the seams are not sewn through the top to the bottom. Instead, there is a channel sewn between each seam that allows the fill to expand and contract naturally. This also allows for easy washing and drying.
Fill power
Remember that a good quality fill power rating should generally be around 800-850 for a good quality product. The better quality, the less weight. A cheap comforter will weigh more and provide less warmth, than the best comforter with less weight. Fine down fill helps to evenly distribute body heat during the night and can keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
If you're looking for a washable down comforter that is both durable and comfortable, be sure to keep these tips in mind when shopping for a white down comforter or other down bedding products.
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