Never wash or dry-clean down. Harmful chemicals and soap will rob the down of its oils leaving you with a flat pillow, comforter or featherbed. It will also cause pieces of the down cluster to break off interfering with its ability to trap body heat. There will also be a bad odor from dry-cleaning fluids. Drying can be problematic due to the size of comforters and featherbeds. If down is not dried properly, mildew will set in, leaving you with a bad odor and a problem for allergy sufferers. Dry-cleaners do not have equipment large enough for featherbeds.

Down bedding purchased within the last 3 or 4 years should be hung over a line on a warm, sunny, breezy day. Let nature refresh and rejuvenate them. If this is not possible hang them over a couple of chairs near an open window. Placing comforters and pillows in a dryer will fluff up the filling if it has flattened or you may wish to add some filling when you get them cleaned. If your down comforters, pillows and featherbeds are over 4 or 5 years old, take them to a down care specialist. They will be expertly cleaned and reconditioned using an all natural method which will plump up the filling and deodorize it. Possibly they need a complete renovation which includes cleaning, reconditioning and a new outer shell. If you wish to plump up your comforter, pillows and featherbed (which will reduce annoying shifting, and add extra warmth), additional filling can be added at this time.

If you purchased a high quality down comforter, most can be used year round. If you do store your comforter because you have a summer down comforter or prefer to use only a sheet, store the comforter in a cotton bag, not a plastic bag.

Take care of your down bedding by having it cleaned by a professional. Luxury quality down comforters, pillows and featherbeds deserve the proper care to protect your investment so you can enjoy your down luxuries for life.

When your down bedding is returned from being cleaned or renovated, remember to always use pillow protectors on pillows, a high threadcount lightweight duvet cover to protect your down comforter, and a featherbed cover preferably with a baffle wall to allow your newly cleaned featherbed to loft up to its full potential especially if you have added extra filling.

Did you receive an heirloom down comforter from your grandmother? After it is cleaned and renovated you can decide whether to keep the same size or upgrade to a larger size.

Don't forget your down and feather sofa cushions and throw cushions. These too can be cleaned/reconditioned, have extra filling added to plump up a sagging chair or sofa and new ticking to prevent loss of feathers and down. Look for baffling in your new ticking if you are having your sofa cushions renovated. This prevents the filling from moving out to the sides when you sit on the sofa or lean back on the back cushions. Baffling will keep it all in place.

Lisa Stevens is a Comfort Specialist at The Down Store, 238 E.58th St. New York, New York 10022. Since 1973 she has been offering her expertise in the selection and care of luxury down bedding to all who visit or call 1-800-USA-DOWN. Look for her other articles on choosing the right down comforter and luxury featherbeds.

http://www.thedownstore.com