Top 7 Best Detergent For Down Comforter 2024
By Editorial | September 11, 2024
Down comforters are loved because they are *soft*, *cozy,* and *warm*. But cleaning them can be tricky. **Picking the right detergent** matters a lot. A **bad choice** can ruin those *feathers* and make your comforter wear out quicker.
When it comes to washing down comforters, it’s essential to use a detergent that’s specifically designed for the job. Regular detergents can strip the natural oils from the feathers, leaving them brittle and prone to breaking. Additionally, using too much detergent can make it difficult to rinse out all the soap, leaving a residue that can cause skin irritation.
When choosing a detergent for your down comforter, it’s important to pay attention to the ingredients. Look for a detergent that’s free of harsh chemicals like bleach, fabric softeners, and fragrances. These chemicals can damage the feathers and reduce the loft of your comforter.
We spent hours researching and testing various detergents to identify the best one for down comforters. In the following sections, we’ll share our findings and provide you with everything you need to know to keep your down comforter clean and fluffy.
Best Detergents for Down Comforters
As down comforters require special care and attention, selecting the right detergent is crucial to maintain their quality and longevity. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the best one. That’s why we’ve done the research and testing for you to compile a list of the best detergents for down comforters. Our top picks are based on their effectiveness, gentleness, and suitability for down-filled bedding. Read on to find the perfect detergent for your down comforter.
IMPRESA Down Comforter Cleaner
We highly recommend the IMPRESA Down Comforter Cleaner for those looking to clean and maintain the quality of their down comforters and jackets.
Pros
- The detergent is gentle on down garments and removes dirt and stains without damaging the outer layers or leaving any residue.
- The formula helps restore the loft of down insulation, which can improve the warmth and comfort of your garments.
- The detergent is made in the USA and is water-based, PFC-free, and fragrance-free, making it an eco-friendly and natural solution.
Cons
- The bottle size may not be enough for those with larger down comforters or jackets.
- Some users may prefer a scented detergent for their laundry.
- The detergent may not be suitable for other types of fabric or materials.
We found that the IMPRESA Down Comforter Cleaner was easy to use and effective in cleaning our down comforters and jackets. The detergent helped remove tough stains and neutralize any odors, leaving our garments looking and smelling fresh. We appreciated that the formula was water-based and free of harmful chemicals, making it a safer and more natural option for our laundry. Overall, we believe that the IMPRESA Down Comforter Cleaner is a great investment for anyone looking to protect and maintain the quality of their down garments.
Nikwax Liquid Down Wash Direct, 300ml Down Wash Direct 10 Fl. Oz.
If you want to keep your down comforter clean and fluffy, Nikwax Liquid Down Wash Direct is a great choice. We highly recommend this product for its high-performance cleaning and maintenance of the loft and insulating properties of down-filled items.
Pros
- Maintains loft and insulating properties of down-filled items
- Improves the water repellency of all types of down-fill as well as the outer fabric
- Safe for use on jackets, gear, and bedding with down-fill, down blends, or water-resistant down (such as Nikwax Hydrophobic Down)
Cons
- May require multiple washes for heavily soiled items
- Some users reported a lingering odor after washing
- May not be as effective on older or extremely dirty items
We were impressed with the easy wash-in application of Nikwax Liquid Down Wash Direct. It’s machine wash safe and can be used with any type of washing machine. We found it to be very effective at cleaning and restoring the loft of our down comforter.
One thing to note is that for heavily soiled items, you may need to wash them multiple times with this product to get them completely clean. Additionally, some users reported a lingering odor after washing, although we did not experience this ourselves.
Overall, we think Nikwax Liquid Down Wash Direct is a great choice for anyone looking to keep their down comforter clean and fluffy. It’s PFAS-free, water-based, non-persistent, and contains no optical brighteners or added scent, making it safe for both you and the environment.
S&T INC. Reusable Dryer Balls
If you’re looking for a way to reduce your laundry drying time and eliminate static cling without the use of dryer sheets or fabric softeners, the S&T INC. Reusable Dryer Balls are worth considering.
Pros
- These 2.5-inch diameter laundry dryer balls are reusable and eco-friendly, making them a great alternative to disposable dryer sheets.
- By lifting and separating laundry, these dryer balls help to improve airflow and reduce drying time, saving you money on your energy bill.
- The tips on each laundry dryer ball help to soften your clothes and reduce static, leaving your laundry feeling fresh and clean.
Cons
- Some users have reported that the color on the ends of the little spikey parts changed to black after one use.
- While these dryer balls do help to reduce drying time, they may not completely eliminate the need for additional drying cycles for larger or thicker items like comforters.
- These dryer balls are not scented, so if you prefer a fresh scent on your laundry, you may need to add a few drops of essential oil to the balls.
In our experience, the S&T INC. Reusable Dryer Balls are a great investment for anyone looking to reduce their environmental impact and save money on their energy bill. While they may not completely eliminate the need for additional drying cycles for larger or thicker items, they do help to reduce drying time and eliminate static cling. Plus, the fact that they’re reusable means you’ll be able to use them for years to come.
If you’re interested in purchasing the S&T INC. Reusable Dryer Balls, you can find them on Amazon.
Granger’s Down Wash Kit
We highly recommend the Granger’s Down Wash Kit for anyone looking to clean their down comforter.
Pros
- The Granger’s Down Wash Kit is perfect for cleaning all down filled items including comforters, sleeping bags, outerwear, and gloves.
- The dryer balls included in the kit restore loft and make drying time shorter.
- Granger’s is perfect for cleaning down items from popular brands such as Patagonia, The North Face, Canada Goose, and more.
Cons
- The kit may not be as effective on synthetic down items.
- The scent of the detergent may not be preferred by some users.
- The kit may be more expensive than other detergent options.
We recently used the Granger’s Down Wash Kit to clean our down comforter and were very impressed with the results. The detergent effectively removed deep down odors and restored loft to the comforter. The included dryer balls made the drying process faster and easier. We also appreciate that the detergent is water-based, fluorocarbon/VOC free, and environmentally friendly.
Overall, the Granger’s Down Wash Kit is a great investment for anyone looking to properly clean their down comforter or other down filled items.
Pet Parents® PetTergent®, Enzymatic Pet Laundry Detergent, 32 oz 32 Loads Pet Stain Remover & Pet Odor Eliminator, Laundry Detergent for Pets (Calming, 32 oz)
If you’re looking for a detergent that is specifically designed for pets, then Pet Parents® PetTergent® is the one for you. It is the only detergent for pets that eliminates pet odors, stains, and soils, so there’s no need for additives, boosters, stain sticks, or sprays to use on top of your detergent.
Pros
- Specifically formulated for pet laundry needs
- Uses naturally-occurring enzyme blends as a pet stain remover
- Made with pet safe ingredients and vet-approved, pet-safe scents
Cons
- May not be as effective on tough stains as other detergents
- The scent may not be strong enough for some users
- The bottle may be difficult to handle for those with arthritis or weak grip strength
We were tired of turning over laundry labels and finding tons of chemicals, so we did something about it. PetTergent uses naturally-occurring enzyme blends as a pet stain remover, OdorArmor and SebumDestroyer as pet odor removers, and uses pet-safe & biodegradable surfactants to clean pet laundry. It is formulated not only to be specific to pet messes, but made with pet safe ingredients and vet-approved, pet-safe scents to not irritate pet skin or noses, and is safe to use on all laundry.
Pet skin is up to 10x thinner than our own skin, and their noses are up to 100,000x better than ours, meaning their needs are physically, biologically, and chemically different. PetTergent is made with 90%+ bio-based and biodegradable ingredients derived from nature, and all ingredients are approved by the EPA Safer Chemicals Ingredients list, and bottled in recyclable packaging. So we can protect our pets and keep their world beautiful.
Pet Parents® PetTergent® is a great choice for pet owners who want a detergent that is safe for their pets and effective at removing pet odors and stains.
The Laundress Wool & Cashmere Shampoo
If you’re looking for a gentle yet effective detergent for your wool, cashmere, merino, mohair, and blends, The Laundress Wool & Cashmere Shampoo is a great option.
Pros
- The double-concentrated formula is made with bio-based ingredients and is gentle on delicate fabrics.
- It can be used for both hand and machine washing.
- The updated formula is now ultra-concentrated and can provide up to 31 washes per bottle.
Cons
- The detergent is scented, which may not be ideal for those with fragrance sensitivities.
- The bottle does not come with a measuring cup, which may make dosing a bit tricky.
- It may not be suitable for removing tough stains.
We’ve used The Laundress Wool & Cashmere Shampoo on our delicate wool and cashmere items, and we were impressed with how gentle yet effective it was. The detergent is easy to use and doesn’t require a lot of product to get the job done.
The updated formula is now double-concentrated, which means you can use less detergent per wash, and the bottle can provide up to 31 washes. We also appreciate that the detergent is made with bio-based ingredients, which is a plus for those who are environmentally conscious.
However, the scent may be a bit overpowering for some, and the lack of a measuring cup can make dosing a bit tricky. Additionally, the detergent may not be suitable for removing tough stains, so you may need to pre-treat stains before washing.
Overall, if you’re looking for a gentle yet effective detergent for your wool and cashmere items, The Laundress Wool & Cashmere Shampoo is a great option to consider.
Gear Aid Revivex Down Cleaner for Jackets and Sleeping Bags, 10 fl oz wash
If you’re looking for a gentle and effective detergent to clean your down comforter, sleeping bags, or jackets, then Gear Aid Revivex Down Cleaner is a great option. It is a mild formula that contains no extra ingredients like perfumes, softeners, or optical brighteners that can harm technical fabrics and down insulation. With this detergent, you can restore loft and warmth while preserving the natural oils in down gear.
Pros
- It is a concentrated down wash formula that cleans up to 10 jackets or 5 sleeping bags.
- It is safe for use on all products with feather insulation including: comforters, duvets, down blends, and treated down.
- It is easy to take care of your down jacket and gear at home by keeping it clean, naturally.
Cons
- It may not work well on heavily soiled items.
- It is a bit expensive compared to other detergents.
- It may not be readily available in local stores.
We highly recommend Gear Aid Revivex Down Cleaner for Jackets and Sleeping Bags if you want to keep your down gear fresh, lofty, and warm. It is a great product that can help restore the natural insulation properties of your down gear. The mild formula is gentle on your gear and the environment, making it a great choice for those who are conscious of their impact on the planet.
In our experience, this detergent effectively removes dirt and grime on down-filled jackets, vests, sleeping bags, and pillows without damaging the fabric or insulation. It is also safe to use on waterproof-breathable shell fabrics. We love that it is a concentrated formula that can clean up to 10 jackets or 5 sleeping bags, making it a cost-effective option in the long run.
Overall, Gear Aid Revivex Down Cleaner for Jackets and Sleeping Bags is a great investment if you want to keep your down gear clean, fresh, and performing at its best. It is a reliable and effective detergent that can help extend the life of your gear while preserving its natural insulation properties.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best detergent for your down comforter, there are a few key features to consider. We want to ensure that the detergent we choose is effective at cleaning and removing stains, yet gentle enough to avoid damaging the delicate down feathers.
Firstly, it is important to choose a detergent that is specifically designed for down products. These detergents are formulated to be gentle on the feathers while still providing a thorough clean.
Another important factor to consider is the detergent’s ingredients. Look for detergents that are free from harsh chemicals such as bleach or fabric softeners, as these can damage the down feathers and reduce the lifespan of your comforter.
It is also important to consider the type of washing machine you have. Front-loading machines are generally gentler on down products than top-loading machines, as they use less water and are less likely to agitate the feathers.
When using a detergent, it is recommended to use a small amount and to avoid using too much. Excess detergent can leave a residue on the feathers and reduce their ability to insulate.
To summarize, when choosing a detergent for your down comforter, look for a product that is specifically designed for down products, free from harsh chemicals, and suitable for your type of washing machine. Use a small amount of detergent and avoid using too much to ensure a thorough yet gentle clean.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the proper way to machine wash a goose down comforter?
Machine washing a goose down comforter is generally safe if done properly. Use a large capacity front-loading washing machine and a mild detergent specifically designed for down. Set the machine to a gentle cycle with warm water. Do not use fabric softeners or bleach. After the wash cycle, run the comforter through an additional rinse cycle to ensure all detergent is removed.
Is it safe to clean a feather duvet in a top-loading washing machine?
It is not recommended to clean a feather duvet in a top-loading washing machine as the agitator can damage the feathers and cause clumping. A front-loading washing machine is a better option as it is gentler on the feathers.
Can vinegar be used when laundering a down comforter?
Vinegar can be used as a natural fabric softener and to help remove any odors from the comforter. However, it is important to use it sparingly and dilute it with water before adding it to the wash cycle. Do not use vinegar if the comforter has any stains or discoloration as it may cause further damage.
What are the guidelines for hand-washing a down comforter in a bathtub?
Hand-washing a down comforter in a bathtub is a good option if a front-loading washing machine is not available. Fill the bathtub with lukewarm water and add a mild detergent designed for down. Gently agitate the comforter in the water for a few minutes, then drain the water and refill with clean water for rinsing. Repeat the rinsing process until all detergent is removed.
What type of soap is recommended for washing down comforters?
A mild detergent specifically designed for down is recommended for washing down comforters. Avoid using harsh detergents, fabric softeners, or bleach as they can damage the feathers and reduce the loft of the comforter.
What is the correct method for drying a down comforter after washing?
After washing, it is important to dry the comforter completely to prevent mold and mildew growth. Use a large capacity dryer on low heat and add a few clean tennis balls or dryer balls to help fluff the feathers. Stop the dryer every 30 minutes to fluff the comforter by hand and ensure even drying. It may take several hours for the comforter to dry completely.