How to Clean Duvets, Quilts, Comforters & Blankets (Without Ruining Them)

Spring cleaning isn’t just for closets and pantries—it’s also the perfect time to freshen up your bedding. From duvets and quilts to comforters and blankets, these bulky items need extra care. The question is: should you wash them at home or trust a professional cleaner?

At Bibbentuckers Dry Cleaning, we help Dallas & Fort Worth families keep their bedding spotless, fresh, and long-lasting. Here’s what you should know before you throw that comforter into the washer.

One of the biggest questions with large bedding is whether it can be safely washed at home. While it may seem simple, washing machines often aren’t equipped to handle the bulk—or the delicate fabrics—that come with comforters, duvets, and quilts.

Risks of home washing include:

• Color fading or fabric damage – Coordinating accessories like pillow shams may no longer match.
• Machine damage – Overloading can strain or even break a household washer.
• Uneven cleaning – Bedding can bunch up, leaving detergent trapped inside.

💡 Pro tip: When in doubt, check the care label. If it’s unclear, professional cleaning is your safest option.

Unlike sheets, comforters and quilts don’t need weekly washing. In fact, over-washing can wear down the fabrics and stuffing.

• Every 3–6 months: General cleaning for comforters, duvets, and heavy blankets.
• Seasonal or yearly: Quilts and heirloom pieces that aren’t used daily.
• Immediately: If there are stains, spills, or pet accidents.

Not all bedding is created equal. Care depends heavily on materials:

• Down comforters – Soft, cozy, but delicate. Require gentle cleaning and proper drying to prevent clumping.
• Cotton-filled duvets – Durable but can shrink or lose shape if washed incorrectly.
• Synthetic fills – Easier to wash but may still need a large-capacity machine to clean thoroughly.

For valuable or delicate items, professional dry cleaning is usually the safest route.

If the care label allows machine washing, here’s how to do it without damaging your bedding:

1. Wash solo – Don’t overload the machine with clothes or towels.
2. Use delicate cycle – Add an extra rinse to flush out detergent.
3. Mild detergent only – Too much soap can leave residue.
4. Even loading – Spread bedding evenly in the tub.
5. Low-heat dry – Or better yet, air-dry flat to prevent shrinking.

While DIY cleaning might work for some bedding, large or delicate items benefit from professional treatment. At Bibbentuckers, our team:

• Uses specialized machines built for bulky bedding.

• Applies fabric-safe detergents to protect colors and textures.

• Offers stain removal expertise for tough spots.

• Ensures a perfect finish without the risk of damage.

Skip the hassle (and the risk of ruining your bedding), schedule professional comforter & bedding cleaning in Dallas-Fort Worth.