FAQs on Down Comforters

How Do I Choose a Down Comforter?

• Down comforters come in different price ranges, quality and type of construction. Set a general price range before you begin shopping to help narrow down your options. The fill power gives you one way to compare comforters. After down is compressed and released, it expands back up. The amount of space that 1 oz. of down expands to fill is the fill power. It is often measured in cubic inches, so a comforter with a 650 fill power means 1 oz. of the down would fill 650 cubic inches. A higher fill power indicates a better comforter. Baffle construction is another way to determine quality. This method uses vertical fabric pieces to connect the top and bottom of the comforter instead of the sew-through method often used. The down can expand more with baffled construction.

Do I Need a Duvet Cover?

• You can use a down comforter without a duvet cover, but the cover offers benefits for easier use. A duvet cover goes over the down comforter to protect it and keep it clean. Washing a down comforter is a complicated process. The duvet cover means you won't need to wash the actual comforter as often. You may even hold off for a year or two. The cover comes off, so you can wash it frequently to keep the blanket looking and smelling nice. The comforter itself is typically white, but duvet covers come in a variety of colors and patterns so you can customize the look of your bedding set.

How Do I Clean a Down Comforter?

• You need to use an oversize, front-load washing machine found at laundromats to give the down comforter enough space to move around. The agitator of your home washing machine can damage the down inside the comforter. High heat also affects the down, potentially making it brittle. Use a small amount of mild detergent. An extra rinse cycle helps remove all of the detergent from the down. The comforter needs to dry completely to avoid mold growth. A longer drying time on a low setting protects the down and ensures it gets dry. Tennis balls in the dryer help the comforter maintain its fluffiness.

How Do I Care for a Down Comforter?

• A down comforter works year-round, but if you decide to store it for the summer, keep it in a bag that allows for airflow, which prevents moisture buildup and molding. Always ensure that it is dry before storing it, even in a breathable bag, as the comforter could mold. Fluffing and shaking the comforter a few times a week keeps it airy and full.