Step By Step Bleaching Process Of A Down Comforter
It is possible to bleach your down comforters having issues like unpleasant smell, stains etc., but bleaching process is totally dependent on the results of a quick test. The feathers that is used in the manufacturing of down comforters mostly consists of natural oils which can be removed simply by using harsh detergents. Remember only smooth cleansers are suggested when it comes to washing your down comforters. However, bleach is not a good option as far as getting rid of grease or oily stains is concerned, which in turn means, bleach can be best used for cleaning down. Before starting the bleaching process, it is extremely important to test for the colorfastness, meaning the down comforter should have a color that will not get faded away when washing it. After testing, if you are satisfied with the result, then move forward & go through the below mentioned steps carefully & starting the bleaching process of a down comforter:
- The first and foremost step is to check the washing as well as drying instruction tag that is given on the comforter's seam. If in case the instructions recommend that the bleach can be harmful to the comforter & only dry-cleaning is recommended, then follow the specific instructions rigorously & perform dry cleaning only.
- If the instructions suggest that the bleaching process can be performed on the comforter, then you need to make a mixture of 2 tsp. of bleach with 1/4 cup of water.
- Now, soak a cotton swab into the bleach water. Apply this wetted swab on unnoticeable portion of the comforter including the seam or hem.
- Next, press against the dampened area firmly several times with the help of a paper towel in order to rinse up as much of the moisture as possible. Verify if the color has been formally removed from the fabric. If it is held, then you can move forward with the washing process. If some of the color has been removed, or a white comforter is yellowed, take the help of a dry cleaner or contact the manufacturer to know the washing instructions.
- After that, make a mixture of 1/2 cup of bleach & 2 gallons of cool water & then dip the comforter in it for at least five minutes. Bathtub or laundry sink, washing machine’s empty tub can be used for the presoak process.
- Run out the water from the tub and take as much water out of the down duvet as you can if in case you dipped it in the bathtub or laundry sink. Take your bulky, wet bedding from the tub or sink to the washing machine in a big garbage bag or plastic bin in order to prevent dripping bleach water on the floor.
- Now, Wash out the comforter as soon as possible, with the help of a mild laundry detergent, 3/4 cup of bleach and a smooth wash cycle. If you presoaked the comforter in the washing machine, keep the setting of the machine to a “Drain and spin” cycle.
- Take out the bedspread from the washer. Shake it in order to fluff the down comforter. Place it outside over a clothesline, or indoors over a sturdy shower curtain rod in order to air-dry. If you select to dry the item in a clothes dryer, keep the setting of the dryer to a low-temperature, delicate setting.