The Best Ways to Refresh Your Comforters for the New Year

The new year is here, and you’re probably knee deep in putting away Christmas decorations and getting your home back in order after the holiday festivities. After an exhausting day of clearing the clutter, don’t forget your evening ends tucked away in your bedroom.

Are your bedrooms ready for the new year? Sure, swapping out sheets or giving the pillows a quick fluff might feel like enough, but is it really? To start the new year fresh with a space that feels cozy, clean, and inviting, there’s one major detail you can’t overlook: the comforter.

In this post, we share some of the best practices to ensure those comforters are as fresh as the rest of your home. Read on for some tips to help you start your new year right by taking one item off your resolution list.

1 of 5 | Start with a Deep Clean

If your comforter hasn’t had a proper cleaning in a while, starting with a deep clean is the best way to refresh it. Not only does this remove dust, allergens, and stains, but it also gives the bedding that crisp, like-new feel you love. Here’s how to tackle the job step by step—even if you’re new to comforter cleaning.

Step 1: Check the Care Label

Before doing anything, take a close look at the care label on your comforter. This little tag is your roadmap to cleaning it the proper way. It tells you whether the comforter is safe to machine wash, requires hand washing, or needs professional dry cleaning. Some materials, such as down or wool, need extra care, while polyester blends or cotton comforters can usually handle a gentle cycle in the washer.

Step 2: Prepare for Machine Washing

If your comforter is machine washable, here’s how to do it:

• Choose the Correct Washer: Use a large-capacity washer to give the comforter enough room to move freely. A cramped washer can lead to uneven cleaning.
• Select the Proper Settings: Set the machine to a gentle cycle with cold water. Hot water might seem like a good idea, but it can damage fabrics and shrink materials like wool or cotton.
• Use Mild Detergent: Go for a detergent that’s free of harsh chemicals or fragrances. A small amount (about half of what you’d normally use) is enough to clean without leaving residue.

Step 3: Hand Washing for Delicate Comforters

For delicate textiles or comforters with intricate stitching, hand washing in a bathtub is a great alternative.

• Fill the Tub: Add lukewarm water and a mild detergent designed for delicate fabrics.
• Soak and Swish: Submerge the comforter and gently agitate the water to loosen dirt. Let it soak for about 30 minutes.
• Rinse Thoroughly: Drain the tub and refill it with clean water. Rinse the comforter until no soap suds remain—leftover detergent can stiffen the fabric.

2 of 5 | Remove Stains with Targeted Cleaning

Stains happen, even on guest room comforters that don’t get used every day. Whether it’s a spill from last year’s holiday guests or an unnoticed mark from storage, tackling stains the correct way can make your comforter look fresh again. Here’s how to do it the proper way:

Step 1: Identify the Stain

Is it a food stain, an oily mark, or maybe a spot from mildew or mold? Different stains require different treatments, so pinpointing the culprit can save you time and effort. If you’re unsure, it’s okay to start with a general stain remover and adjust as needed.

Step 2: Pretreat the Stain

For most stains, a good pretreatment is key to loosening the dirt or discoloration before washing.

• Use a Stain Remover: Opt for a gentle product like Oxiclean or a DIY mix of baking soda and water. Apply it directly to the stain and let it sit for 15-20 minutes.
• Try White Vinegar for Odors: If an unpleasant odor accompanies the stain, dab a mixture of one part white vinegar to two parts water onto the spot. This works well for sweat stains or mildew.
• Test First: Always test any cleaning solution on a small, hidden area of the comforter to make sure it doesn’t cause discoloration.

Step 3: Use the Correct Cleaning Method

Once the stain is pretreated, it’s time to clean it out. The method you choose depends on the comforter’s material:

• For Machine Washable Comforters: After pretreating, toss the comforter into the washer and use a gentle cycle with cold water. Add a mild detergent to the drum and let the wash cycle do its job. Avoid using fabric softener, as it can leave residue on the stained area.
• For Hand Washable Comforters: Gently dab the stained area with a clean cloth and lukewarm water, then rinse. Be careful not to scrub too hard, as this can damage delicate textiles such as cotton or silk.

3 of 5 | Fluff Up Flat Comforters

A flat, lifeless comforter isn’t exactly inviting. Over time, comforters can lose their loft and become compressed from regular use or improper storage. Thankfully, fluffing them back to life is easier than you might think. Follow these simple steps to revive your comforter and make your bedroom feel extra cozy.

Step 1: Toss It in the Dryer

The quickest way to fluff up a comforter is by using your clothes dryer.

• Choose Low Heat or Air Fluff: Too much heat can damage delicate materials such as down or polyester, so opt for a low-heat setting or an air fluff cycle.
• Add Dryer Balls or Tennis Balls: Toss in a couple of dryer balls or clean tennis balls. These help evenly redistribute the filling, breaking up clumps and restoring the comforter’s loft.
• Dry in Intervals: Check the comforter every 15-20 minutes to avoid overheating or uneven drying. Shake it out between cycles to help fluff the filling further.

Step 2: Use the Sun’s Natural Power

If you prefer an eco-friendly option, air drying under the sun works wonders.

• Hang It Outside: Lay the comforter over a clothesline or flat surface in a sunny spot. The sun’s warmth naturally fluffs the filling, while fresh air removes any lingering odors.
• Shake and Flip: Every hour or so, give the comforter a good shake and flip it over. This ensures both sides receive equal exposure to sunlight and airflow.
• Protect It From Dirt: Place a clean sheet underneath if you’re drying it on a flat surface to keep the comforter clean.

Step 3: Manually Redistribute the Filling

Sometimes, the filling inside your comforter shifts to one side or clumps together. If this happens:

• Shake It Out: Grab the corners of the comforter and shake it vigorously to evenly redistribute the filling.
• Massage the Clumps: Use your hands to gently knead any stubborn clumps of filling back into place. Work section by section until the comforter feels even.
• Fluff It on the Bed: After shaking and massaging, lay the comforter on the bed and pat it down lightly to give it a final shape.

4 of 5 | Steam or Iron for a Crisp Look

A smooth, wrinkle-free comforter can instantly elevate the look of your room, making the space feel polished and inviting. But if you’ve never steamed or ironed a comforter, you might wonder where to start. Here’s a quick guide to help you achieve that crisp finish—without damaging your bedding in the process.

Step 1: Check the Care Label

Just like with any cleaning or maintenance step, always begin by reading the care label on your comforter. Some fabrics (such as wool or silk) are sensitive to direct heat and may require a gentler approach. If the label specifically says “Do Not Iron,” opt for steaming—or skip this step altogether.

Step 2: Use a Garment Steamer for Gentle Wrinkle Removal

Steaming is a safe option for most comforters, especially those filled with down or made from delicate materials:

• Hang the Comforter: Drape your comforter over a drying rack, shower rod, or even your bed. Make sure it’s suspended or laid flat so you can easily move the steamer over each section.
• Fill the Steamer: Use distilled water if possible, since mineral-heavy tap water can leave deposits.
• Steam in Sections: Slowly pass the steamer’s nozzle over each section of the comforter. Keep a few inches of distance between the nozzle and the fabric to prevent oversaturation. The steam will relax wrinkles and refresh the material without crushing the loft.

Step 3: Iron with Care (if the Label Allows)

If your comforter is made from sturdy fabrics like cotton or linen, a quick ironing session can give it a hotel-like finish:

• Low Heat Setting: Set your iron to the lowest heat that will still smooth out the wrinkles. This helps avoid scorching or melting any synthetic fibers.
• Use a Pressing Cloth: Place a clean cotton cloth or pillowcase between the iron and your comforter. This extra layer protects delicate fibers from direct heat.
• Press, Don’t Glide: Gently press the iron onto the cloth rather than moving it back and forth. Lifting and pressing in sections helps reduce friction and prevents damaging the comforter’s surface.

5 of 5 | Protect the Comforter with a Clean Duvet Cover

Think of a duvet cover as a shield—it protects your comforter from stains, dust, and wear, while also adding a stylish touch to your room. If you’ve never used one, here’s everything you need to know about choosing, cleaning, and using a duvet cover to protect your comforter.

Why Use a Duvet Cover?

A duvet cover works like a shield for your comforter. It keeps dirt, pet hair, spills, and body oils from making their way onto the actual comforter, which can be much harder to clean. Plus, swapping out a duvet cover is far easier (and faster) than washing an entire comforter. It’s the perfect solution if you want to refresh your room quickly.

How to Choose the Correct Duvet Cover

When selecting a duvet cover, think about comfort, style, and practicality.

• Material Matters: Go for breathable, easy-to-clean fabrics such as cotton or linen. These materials feel great against the skin and are simple to launder. For extra coziness, opt for a flannel cover during the winter months.
• Pick the Correct Size: Ensure the duvet cover fits your comforter snugly. Too small, and it will feel cramped; too large, and the comforter may shift around inside.
• Style It Up: A duvet cover lets you easily update the look of the bed. Choose a festive or neutral design to complement your décor.

Prepare Your Home for the New Year—Refresh Your Comforters with In The Bag Cleaners!

Get your comforters ready for the new year with these easy tips or let the professionals handle it for you. If option two feels like the best fit, look no further than the premium comforter cleaning services we offer at In The Bag Cleaners!

Our expert team specializes in deep cleaning and caring for your comforters, ensuring they’re fresh, fluffy, and ready for the new year. Call us today at 316-553-5351 to schedule your comforter cleaning service!