Can I Put a Goose Down Quilt in the Dryer?

Drying Goose Down Quilts

• Dry your goose down quilt in the dryer safely by following a few simple tips. Remove excess water by running the goose down quilt through the spin cycle of a washing machine. Dry it on a low dryer setting for several hours. The quilt may have a peculiar smell, which is simply the smell of wet feathers. The odor subsides once the quilt is dry.

Helpful Hints

• Add a few clean cotton towels to the dryer with the goose down quilt to absorb moisture and accelerate the drying process. Place two or three clean tennis balls in cotton socks and add them to the dryer. Goose down tends to become compacted during the drying process, but the tennis balls break up any clumps of feathers.

Purposes

• Use the low dryer setting to dry goose down quilts after washing them or treating them for stains. Tumble them in a warm dryer to freshen them after an extended period in storage, or hang them on an outdoor clothesline. Shake the quilt after drying to fluff the goose down and remove any clumps. Discard any feathers that come through the backing.

Considerations

• Goose down quilts are generally washable and dryable, but the final consideration is the fabric that the quilt is made from. Washable fabrics -- such as preshrunk cotton, nylon or polyester -- can be washed and dried at home. Take quilts made from silk or wool to a professional dry cleaner. Those with extensive embroidery are also best left to a professional cleaner.