Can I Wash a Polyester Comforter?

Check Your Washing Machine Size

• If you have a large capacity washer, you may be able to clean the comforter right at home. Test to see if your comforter will fit Inside of the washer. If you find yourself having to cram It In, stop. The machine may jam, and the detergent will not circulate properly to do a thorough cleaning. Washing In a machine that is too small will also flatten the comforter and diminish its fluffiness. Make time to take the comforter to a laundromat that has extra large washers, or wash the comforter in your tub.

Check Your Dryer Capacity

• The size of your dryer is just as important as the size of your washer. If the comforter is crammed in, the heat from the dryer can scorch the comforter. Once again, your local laundromat may have a better choice of equipment size so that you can clean your comforter safely.

Do a Colorfast Test

• Mix a 1-to-4 ratio of detergent and water to make sure your comforter is colorfast and will not bleed. Dampen a small section on the reverse side. Take a dry white cloth and blot the dampened area to see if the colors appear on the cloth. If they do, take the comforter to a dry cleaner.

Pre-Treat Stains

• Use a prewash stain-remover to treat stains before washing. Apply the stain remover according to directions. In most cases, you can use a nylon bristle brush to gently swirl the stain remover over the stained area. This will help lift the stains so they wash away.

Use the Proper Detergent and Water Temperature

• Clean your comforter gently. Use a mild liquid detergent, formulated for polyester fabrics. Avoid using a powdered detergent, as it can leave powdering rings and residue that you may not detect until the comforter is dry. Err on the side of caution and resist the temptation to use a detergent with bleach. Bleach can remove the sheen and luster from polyester or cotton-poly blend fabrics and flattens the polyester filling. Set the water temperature to cool or cold to avoid shrinkage and fading.

Allow Adequate Drying Time

• Polyester filling requires a low dryer temperature setting. If the setting is too high, the fabric and filling can scorch. Too high of a temperature can also fade the fabric and flatten the filling. Keep this in mind when you decide what time to wash your comforter. Start in the morning or early afternoon so your comforter will be dry by bedtime at night. Another option to avoid damaging the fabric and polyester filling is to hang the comforter outdoors to dry in the sunshine.