Comforters are a great way to add a pop of colour or texture to your sleeping space. A lot of our customers ask us – how do comforters differ from duvets? Duvets are specifically designed to be put inside a duvet cover, are often white in colour, and usually dry clean only. Comforters, on the other hand, come in wide variety of colours, do not have a down or synthetic insert, and are usually machine washable. Comforters are the better option if you hate fussing with your bedsheets or for kids who hate to make their bed.

Can you clean your comforter at home? Yes, comforters come in a wide variety of materials and fabrics, so always read the care label before cleaning. Comforters made from delicate materials like silk, linen, or wool should always be dry cleaned or if the label says “dry clean only.” If you’re proceeding to wash your comforter at home, the care label will tell you the best temperature for cleaning. Follow these simple tips to clean your comforter at home.

Before cleaning your bed comforter,  first check for any rips, tears, or frays. It’s best to take a torn comforter to a professional seamstress to be repaired as you could risk further damage during the washing process. At Gibson’s we’re lucky to have a seamstress with over 20 years of experience who is well versed in repairing household items like drapes, comforters, duvets, quilts, and more. While completing the inspection for tears, check for any spots or stains and pre-treat them if necessary. You can use an at home spot treatment like tide to create a greener alternative by mixing a combination of 50/50 baking soda and white vinegar.

Next, pack your comforter in to your washing machine making sure to spread it evenly around the washer drum. When washing, use a gentle or natural detergent and run your washer on a delicate or gentle cycle. Once finished, run the washer again on the rinse cycle. To dry and fluff your comforter properly, consider including two new and clean tennis balls in your load. Dry on a low heat setting. Remove your comforter and fluff it a few times before making your bed.

At Gibson’s, we recommend cleaning your comforter every three to four months. If you suffer from allergies, we recommend cleaning it monthly. Our team of bedding experts have cleaned thousands of comforters and are always ready to clean and care for your bedding. Our cleaning process includes a detailed inspection, stain removal, environmentally safe cleaning process, drying and packaging techniques. Whether you’re cleaning your comforter at home or bringing it in to one of our stores, we’re always here to answer your questions!