Must-know moves to keep your feathery friends fluffy and snuggly.
Whether you have down-filled comforters, sleeping bags, winter jackets, pillows, or all of these, the right cleaning steps will ensure they stay silky soft and freshly scented.
1. Check labels to be sure your down goods can be machine-washed. Check pillow and bedding seams for durability, and mend any shaky seams. For puffy coats, fasten all zips and empty pockets.
2. Choose a normal wash and spin cycle (unless otherwise noted by the care label), and add a detergent like Ariel Excel Washing Gel with a Touch of Febreze.
3. Submerge items when washer is half full and balance the load by adding a few like-coloured towels. Stop the washer occasionally to press air from items. In the case of a front loading washer, there is no need to submerge the items, just use a gentle cycle and run through two rinse cycles to wash out the soap completely.
4. Tumble dry on low. (Always check care label for drying instructions before you start, to be sure that your fabrics can be machine dried and at what temperature.).