Prevent Your Comforter From Getting Lumpy In The Dryer Using A Simple Solution

A big, fluffy comforter is so inviting, especially in winter. It begs to be snuggled under, and when it's freshly laundered, it's a whole new experience. Comforters are filled with different materials, and each one provides a unique feel. Cotton is light, thin, and relatively inexpensive. Goose down is luxurious and super soft. Synthetic fiber filling is less expensive and mimics down. However, you should know the pros and cons of this down alternative comforter before you buy. Wool is very warm, but most often not machine washable. No matter which filler material you choose, there's the snag to this snuggly scenario. A washed and then machine-dried comforter gets lumpy. Thankfully, you can avoid this by regularly shaking the blanket as it dries.

Each type of filler material must be cared for differently to keep it in the best shape. Many comforters are machine washable and can also be dried in a clothes dryer. Always check the care label on the blanket or the manufacturer's website for instructions. Once you've confirmed your comforter can be cleaned and dried at home, it's important to tackle the process properly to avoid damaging it and your appliances. Stuffing an enormous comforter into the barrel of a standard household-sized washing machine or dryer keeps the filler from moving around freely, causing it to clump when it gets wet. The spin cycle can also cause the filler to clump by pushing it to one side or otherwise distributing it unevenly. The lumps are then consolidated or even exacerbated during the drying process.

Avoiding lumps in your home-washed comforter is surprisingly simple. Remove the comforter from the dryer about every 30 minutes and give it a shake. This redistributes the filling throughout the fabric cover. You can also smooth the lumps with your hands, breaking them apart. Large, damp lumps breed mold and mildew, so it's important to continue this process until the comforter is completely dry. This also helps the comforter dry evenly. Leave it to air dry for an hour or so after removing it from the dryer to ensure there's no moisture left. Lay it as flat as possible on a large drying rack. Aim to wash and dry your comforter every one to three months.

If your comforter is too big for your washing machine, you can hand wash it. Fill your bathtub with warm water and laundry detergent, and stir it with a large silicone spoon. Leave the blanket to soak, then rinse it in fresh water and lay it in the sun to dry. To reduce the amount of time you need to do this, try these big secrets for keeping your bedding fresh and clean between washes. Spot treat stains right when they occur and regularly freshen your bedding with linen spray. If, despite your best efforts, you can't remove the lumps, it might be time to get a new comforter. Thankfully, there are some genius ways to repurpose the old comforter around the house, from DIYing an apron to using it as a car blanket for your dog, and so much more.