Getting a good night's sleep requires having more than just a good mattress or pillow. Having a quality comforter is a huge part of how well you're going to sleep at night. It's also important to make sure that you take of your comforter so that it lasts as long as possible.

How long do down comforters last and how can you clean them? If you're unsure, we've put this guide together especially for you.

We'll cover all of that and more in detail. Let's take a look.

When to Clean Your Comforter

How often should you wash your comforter? Typically, you should wash your comforter two to three times a year. A great way to remember this is by washing it when the seasons change. 

When it comes to washing it, we recommend that you don't take it to a dry cleaning service. They tend to use harmful chemicals that can damage your comforter. It's best to wash them at home in your washing machine.

Dry cleaners use chemicals such as PERC, a carcinogenic chemical. Over time this harsh chemical can damage the fabric.

Not only does it damage your comforter, but it's also harmful to your health. While you sleep and the comforter is close to your face, you'll be breathing in the chemicals. This can be harmful to your health and may cause cancer.

If you can't fit the comforter into your washer because it's too bulky, try taking it to a laundry mat and have it washed there. 

A quality comforter can last a long time, as long as it is cared for properly. Let's take a look at how you should be cleaning your comforter. 

How to Clean a Comforter

When the time comes for you to wash your comforter, it's best to follow the care instructions. If you're unsure, contact your company to ask or use all-natural cleaners and cold or cool water.

Here is how to wash big comforters:

• Remove your comforter and place it inside of the washing machine
• Set your washing to either gentle or delicate
• Use a gentle or all-natural detergent to avoid damaging the fabric
• Only add a small amount
• Set the washer to run rinse cycle twice 
• Avoid using bleach and bleach alternatives or you'll discolor the fabric
• Avoid fabric softeners

Now that it's washed, you'll need to dry it properly as well.

• Remove it from the washer and place it inside of your dryer
• Set the dryer on low heat — this will prevent extreme heat from damaging it
• The comforter will begin to fluff as it starts to dry, so make sure to periodically open the dryer and rearrange it so that the whole comforter drys
• If you see any clumps while it's drying, make sure to stop the dryer and move it around
• Avoid using dryer sheets
• Do not dry wool comforters in a dryer

When you remove the comforter, you can check to see if it is thoroughly dry by holding it up to the light. If you see any clumps on it, then it will need to be dried more. At this point, you can either put it back into the dryer for more time or set it outside to air dry. 

Tip: Throw a couple of new tennis balls in the dryer with the comforter. This can also help keep the comforter from clumping. 

How Long Do Down Comforters Last?

Typically a comforter will last anywhere from 10-20 years. However, that's a big gap! Why? because it depends on several different factors.

Let's take a look at what affects this. 

• How often is the comforter used?
• Do you lay on top of it often?
• Do you toss and turn every night or are you a still sleeper?
• How often do you clean it?
• Are you cleaning it properly or using harsh chemicals?
• Do you use a duvet cover for it?
• Do you have pets that lay on it often?

These are all factors that affect how long your comforter lasts.

The last thing to keep in mind with the life of a comforter is its quality. Do you have a name-brand down comforter or are you using a knock off cheap comforter?

A cheap comforter is exactly that, cheap. It won't last long or help you get the quality sleep that you need at night. According to Healthline, proper bedding has been proved in studies as one of the best ways to improve your sleep. 

How to Make Your Comforter Last Longer

If you've purchased a good down comforter, it's going to last you a long time. Here are a couple of things that you can do to extend the comforter's life a bit more.

• Don't sit or lay on top of it often
• Use a duvet cover over it
• A down comforter with at least 300 thread count is best
• Don't allow your pets to lay or sleep on it
• Wash it as we discussed earlier

All of these tips will help you keep your comforter in perfect shape for many years to come. 

Extending the Life of Your Down Comforter

How long do down comforters last? It depends on how well you take care of them. Using our tips, you can extend the life of your comforter.

If you need to upgrade your old bedding, invest in a new quality down comforter for a better night's sleep.

If you have any questions about down comforters or would like to purchase a new one, head over to our contact page and send us a message!