Burcu Avsar Page 6 of 9

Your Top Laundry Questions, Answered

What’s the best way to clean a bulky comforter?

Most down-alternative comforters are machine washable, but it’s best to do this in a large commercial machine at the neighborhood Laundromat. A smaller household washer could compress and distort the filler, says Allen Rathey, president of housekeepingchannel.com.

Wash the comforter with the machine set on the gentle or delicate cycle, using cool or warm water. Since every comforter is a bit different, check the care tag or contact the manufacturer for detergent suggestions. Then dry the comforter on low heat with a few tennis balls to plump it up. Or consider using Down Fluffer rings ($15 for 2, thecompanystore.com), which help, you guessed it, fluff your comforter in the dryer.

Keep your comforter clean in between washings by protecting it with a duvet cover. When the cover needs a cleaning, it will easily fit, just like bed linens, into a household washing machine. ―Sharon Tanenbaum

Next: How do I get the chlorine smell out of a swimsuit?

Skip to Daily Finds slides.

Woman in plaid bikini and sun hat floating on a yellow floatie in pool

Hot Topic

“Who cares if it’s still only spring? We’re already thinking about our first summer swim—and we want our readers to be prepared. So when you’re in and out of the pool, use these surprising tips from...” - Julia Edelstein