How to Clean a Comforter Without Washing It? (Best Methods)

Learning how to clean a comforter without washing it may be useful when you are busy or simply want to avoid a thorough wash.

Comforters are all about adding warmth and style to your bedroom décor.  The problem is that these comforters are typically so big and fluffy that they will not fit in a standard washing machine.

And sometimes, you simply want a quick way to freshen it up. So, how do you do it?

You can clean a comforter using white vinegar and water, giving it a fluff and tumble, hanging it in the sun, or using linen spray. 

The Confusion of Washing Your Comforter

Learning when to wash your comforter is essential. Though you should wash it at least once every couple of months, it ultimately depends on your unique sleeping patterns. 

The accumulation of sweat and dead skin cells can be reduced by using a flat sheet and sleeping in pajamas instead of lying directly in the blanket.

Comforters should be washed less frequently if you do not have dogs in the bedroom or if you do not have dust mites or allergy issues. However, this frequency could be increased to monthly if you do. 

Saving Yourself from Washing Comforters Regularly

One solution is to invest in a duvet cover if you are concerned that your comforter will not hold up to so many washes. 

Duvets are great because they can be removed and washed without having to toss the entire bulky comforter.

But, keep in mind that a duvet cover will not save you from the occasional washing of the comforter inside. 

How to Clean a Comforter without Washing It?

It is frustrating to spend many hours washing a comforter just to have it come out lumpy and wet at the end of the day.

But, sometimes, you do not have that much time available to do a thorough cleaning. Or, there may not be any commercial cleaning service available in your area. 

This is when you can stick to the following procedure to give your comforter a new lease on life and buy you some extra time before the next wash.

• Begin by dusting the comforter with baking soda.
• Now, leave it there for at least an hour.
• Then, vacuum it with the hose attachment.
• Turn the duvet over and do the same thing on the reverse side.

If you want to give the comforter an extra burst of cleanliness, you can spray it with fabric deodorizer or use a mixture of white vinegar and water. 

Other Ways to Freshen Up a Comforter without Washing

Depending on how dirty your comforter is, you can definitely try many different ways to freshen it up without having to wash it thoroughly. 

Give it a Fluff and Tumble

Tumble-drying it for at least 30 minutes on low heat can revitalize your comforter.

When doing it, throw in some dryer sheets and tennis balls to give the comforter a light beating as it travels through the dryer to help fluff it up. 

Tumble drying not only makes the comforter feel fluffier but also helps remove the dust and dead skin cells that have settled into it over time. 

Another Alternative to Consider

If your comforter can withstand it, toss it in the dryer on high for at least 20 minutes.

Tumble drying in this manner is quite successful at eliminating dust mites. Bedding that cannot be dried in a tumble dryer on high heat can be dried in the hot sun for about three hours.

Fact: Allergens in your bedding can negatively impact sleep quality and contribute to a musty smell in the bedroom if not removed regularly. 

Add a Linen Spray

Pillow mist, often known as a linen spray, is a product used to provide bedding with a subtle fragrance and a quick refresh.

Simply, use a sufficient amount of linen spray to revive the smell of your comforter after you have dried it in the dryer or laid it out in the sun.

Many different fragrances are available, including:

These aromas are relaxing, so you can sleep better at night, and they can keep your comforter smelling like new for longer in between washes. 

An Alternative to Commercial Linen Sprays

You can manufacture your own linen spray from common household goods if you do not already have one on hand.

In a dark spray bottle, combine 30 drops of your preferred essential oil with vodka and distilled water. The vodka in this recipe will not make your home smell like a dive bar, so relax.

Once it dries, vodka leaves no lingering scent and helps to kill bacteria on your bedding.

Fact: Understand the importance of storing essential oils in a dark bottle or else they will react with UV light and spoil.  

Expose a Comforter to Sunlight and Fresh Air

To revitalize your comforter without having to wash it, try hanging it outside in the sunshine and fresh air.

Natural sunlight has antibacterial characteristics, and ventilation can eliminate odors and fluff up the comforter.

Here is what to do: 

Consider the Weather

Make sure it is a sunny, dry, and windy day by checking the forecast. Hanging out your comforter to dry while it is wet or rainy will extend the drying time and increase the risk of mildew. 

Shake it Well

You should shake your comforter before hanging it in the fresh air. This will loosen any dirt or dust in the filling and help fluff it back up. 

Find a Suitable Spot

Find a place outside where you may hang your comforter in the sun. It is possible to do this with a clothesline, a railing on a balcony, or even just two chairs.

Spread the comforter out evenly over the line or support so that it receives as much air and sunlight as possible. 

Fold it over a line or use clothespins to attach it so that air can circulate through the entire piece of fabric.

Fact: To ensure that all sides of the comforter get some sun and air, flip it over every couple of hours, and the sunlight and the breeze will be able to reach all areas more effectively. 

Additional Options to Consider

Use an upholstery attachment on your steam cleaner or a handheld fabric steamer to clean and sanitize the comforter.

Be sure to observe all warnings and directions provided by the manufacturer. After steaming, let the comforter dry thoroughly on a drying rack. 

An Important Consideration

If nothing else works, take your comforter to a professional dry cleaner. It is necessary if it is made of delicate materials or if it specifically states that it should be dry cleaned only.   

How to Spot Clean a Comforter Without Washing It

Little stains and spills on a comforter can be removed by spot cleaning instead of having to wash the entire comforter.

If you need to clean specific spots on your comforter, use these instructions. 

Be Sure to Read the Label First

Always refer to the comforter’s care label to determine which cleaning methods and products are safe for the material and filling before attempting any spot cleaning. 

Get Rid of Any Excess Stain

To get rid of any solid residue left behind after a spill, use the back of a spoon to carefully lift and scrape away as much of the substance as possible from the comforter. 

Prepare a Cleaning Solution

Add a drop or two of mild dish soap or laundry detergent to a cup of cool or lukewarm water and stir.

It is recommended that you use a cleaner made for delicate fabrics. 

Use the Cleaning Solution

You should check the cleaning solution’s potency on a small hidden section of the comforter before using it on the entire piece.

Here is how to proceed:

• To use the cleaning agent, wet a clean, white cloth or sponge with the cleaner.
• Then blot or dab the stained area gently, without scrubbing as it can spread the stain.
• To rinse, dab the area with cool or lukewarm water using a clean towel or sponge.
• Gently wipe the area with a dry towel to remove any wetness.
• Do not rub or press too hard since this could tear the cloth.
• Let the treated area dry fully by air drying.

Fact: A fan or hairdryer on the cool setting and placed at a safe distance from the fabric might help speed up the drying process. 

Takeaway

Learning how to clean a comforter without washing it can quickly cut a lot of hard work and save you some time.

Of course, sometimes, you really cannot avoid washing your comforter, but it is possible to freshen it up using baking soda and water.

Hanging it in the sunlight may also help. And of course, sometimes, spot cleaning can save the day.