Caring for DownCaring for Down Comforters & Pillows, courtesy of St. Geneve.
Caring for Down Pillows
Always use a pillow protector, and wash the protector frequently. Then you will rarely need to clean your pillow.
Many St. Geneve pillows are machine washable at home. These types are
noted in the style list. Only wash the pillows if they appear to need
it. For Regular, Standard and Queen pillows, wash them in pairs. Use
the maximum water level, and an extra rinse cycle. Use a pure soap and
medium temperature water. Do not Bleach. If any water is still left in
the pillow after the rinse, squeeze out the excess water.
Machine dry at medium
temperatures, and dry pillows seperately. This may take several cycles
depending on the type of pillow. Feel the pillow all over and pull
apart any clumps that may have formed, and tumble dry again. Your
pillow will come out of the laundry as puffy as they were when new.
If
your pillow is not a washable style, or you prefer to have it done
professionally, choose a good quality cleaning establishment that is
experienced in pillow cleaning. Don't go to a bargain establishment.
Caring for Down Duvets
A duvet is very easy to care for, but there are a few things to keep in mind.
Always, always, always use a duvet cover. A duvet cover is much easier
to clean than a duvet. Caring for your duvet and pillows will prolong
their life, and in return they will give you a more comfortable sleep.
When you first unpack your duvet, it may seem a bit flat. Given a few
hours, your new duvet will puff up and stay lofty for years. You will
keep your duvet fresher if you hang it outside on a nice day, two or
three times a year, being careful to place it out of direct sunlight.
Don't hang it out on a windy day, but a gentle breeze is good.
Cleaning a Down Duvet
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65 year old down.
If cleaned properly,
down can last a lifetime
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Spot Cleaning
For spots, you can knock the fill away from the area, and spot wash
with a mild soap. Rinse the affected area thoroughly with water and dry
thoroughly. Make sure the down fill is completely dry. Any clumps of
down should be pulled apart and dried again. Drying can be done either
outside, with a hairdryer on medium heat or in a large capacity dryer
on medium heat. Never use high heat. If the spot is pet urine, take the
duvet immediately to a professional cleaner.
Complete Cleaning
Only clean a duvet if it needs it ~ that is if it is soiled. A duvet
can be dry-cleaned if done properly. Only use a good quality, reputable
dry cleaner. You should air out a dry-cleaned duvet before use. We do
not recommend non-professional laundering. It is possible to wash your
bedding yourself, but doing so may jeopardize the life of your duvet.
This is because home washers and dryers are too small. Also, most
household washing machines have an agitator in the center, which places
unnecessary stress on the duvet.
Storing a Duvet
When storing a duvet, always place the duvet in a fabric cover that can
breathe. Plastic can trap moisture, and lead to mildew problems. This
advice is true for any down filled product, and most natural textiles.
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