Machine Wash or Dry Clean a Comforter?

Laundry day is hardly anyone’s favorite – especially when it’s time to change out the sheets and wash all the bedding. Whether you have a regular schedule or abide by the sniff test, getting all of your bedding and bulky comforters washed can be a hassle! But sending your bedding and comforters to a professional dry cleaning and laundry service isn’t just about convenience – it’s about keeping your house clean, safe, and comfortable. 

For some comforters, dry cleaning is a must. But how do you know which to dry clean and which are safe for the washing machine and dryer?

Dry Clean Your Wool Comforters

Wool is warm, comfortable, and durable – as long as you care for it properly! The soft, protective layer that defends your wool comforter against moisture and other threats is called lanolin. While this layer breaks down under machine washing and submersion in water, dry cleaning keeps your comforter protected much longer. Wool also has the tendency to shrink and become stiff when machine washed. You can keep your wool comforter in the best shape by dry cleaning it at least twice each year.

Machine Wash Down and Synthetic Comforters

If your comforter contains synthetic materials, dry cleaning chemicals and processes might damage it. Washing your down and synthetic comforters in hot water and drying them on low or medium heat in a large dryer is the best way to keep them looking fresh for years to come. Pairing these comforters with a duvet cover can help protect them even longer and change up the look of your bedroom every time the cover is changed.

Check the Tag

If you have comforters made of other materials or just aren’t sure what your comforter is made of, check the tag. You should be able to find the comforter’s materials as well as cleaning and care instructions all in one place. Don’t think you can skip dry cleaning instructions just to save money or get the job done at home – you could wind up ruining your favorite comforter and having to buy a whole new one!

Are My Machine-Washed Comforters Getting Clean?

Even if your comforters come out of your home washing machine looking and smelling fresh, they might not be as clean as you think! Overnight, every body produces sweat and oils from the skin – and in the morning, you’re leaving behind tiny skin flakes. The moisture from your body is absorbed by sheets and comforters every night and evaporates every day – leaving your bedding materials constantly expanding and contracting. Over time, this can cause your comforter to become distorted or to hold in less warmth.

And – try not to freak out – house dust mites that are invisible to the naked eye feast on the dead skin left behind in your sheets and comforter. These tiny dust mites are only killed and washed away by temperatures of 140 degrees Fahrenheit or greater. Many home washing machines only reach 130 degrees Fahrenheit, and many home dryers aren’t large enough to give comforters the space they need to properly dry all the way through. So even if you’re machine washing your bedding and comforters – it’s well worth considering help from the pros.

Comfort, Cleanliness, and Convenience with Hangers Cleaners

When it comes to clean, you couldn’t ask for better partners than Hangers Cleaners. Our professional dry cleaning and laundry services can take the hassle out of washing bed linens and comforters. Our team will take special care of all of your dry cleaning and laundry items and return them to you truly clean (without the dust mites)! Even better: we offer pickup and delivery service, so you can set a regular schedule for all of the bedding in your house (including sheets, comforters, pillows, and more). That service is offered free of any extra charge – and it’s not just for bedding! With help from the pros at Hangers Cleaners, you may never have to do laundry again! Contact us today to learn more about the comfort, cleanliness, and convenience we offer to all of our customers.