Update on washing feather duvet in washing machine!!!

[jasperandchar]

UPDATE:

Okay so I did it, I washed the feather duvet in my oversized whirlpool washer, it came out fine, had no problems with the washer bouncing around or anything, it dried fine on the clothesline, I'm going to pop it in the dryer for 5 minutes just to fluff. I won't be taking my duvet's the dry-cleaners anymore! Just saved $20.00

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Has anyone washed their feather duvet in the washer on the delicate cycle before?

I'm getting the bedding ready for fall as it's getting cooler during the nights (not complaining) but have you had any luck washing your feather duvet in the washer?

Thanks

[carmanelectric]

I have. I never would have had the courage to do it, had I not seen someone do it at laundromat. Their's came out fine, and mine has too. I wouldn't suggest doing it often, but very occasionally is fine. If it is to freshen it up I would just hang it outside. If it it genuinely soiled and you are not taking it to a dry cleaner, then go ahead. It is a nightmare to balance it in the washer, I only air dry it (flip it around and whack it from time to time so the feathers don't stick). I could only imagine you would lose a lot feathers in the dryer, if you dried it that way.

[Natalka]

I would pay to get it done at the cleaners.

However, I see online that some do it - but at the laundromat where they have the really big capacity washers and dryers. I'd put it through two rinses - don't use much soap, and one thing is that you really, really have to make sure that it's totally dry.
Don't use dryer sheets or fabric softener.

http://www.daniadown.com/caringduvet.htm

[DianneS]

You can also buy a detergent that is made for washing down products. I know that they sell it at MEC (Mountain Equipment Co-op) for use with down sleeping bags, etc.

[jasperandchar]

thanks everyone for your tips & advice!

[LIVE SIMPLE]

have not washed my duvet yet but wash my down vest all the time
when i dry it i use cold dryer cycle and put tennis balls to fluff up down

[jasperandchar]

Okay so I did it, I washed the feather duvet in my oversized whirlpool washer, it came out fine, had no problems with the washer bouncing around or anything, it dried fine on the clothesline, I'm going to pop it in the dryer for 5 minutes just to fluff. I won't be taking my duvet's the dry-cleaners anymore! Just saved $20.00

[Zonny]

I've done it too. Someone told me it would leak feathers all over, but that's only true if there's a hole. Works fine!

[mamaofmany]

I've never dry cleaned mine. Only washed and dried at home. I babysit it while in the dryer so it doesn't over dry and catch fire (I'm clearly paranoid)
Also throwing clean shoes in the dryer helps to fluff it up nicely...but noisy as heck!

[kasha100]

we wash our feather pillows in the winter, put them in the dryer BUT then hang them outside at - 10 or colder weather- the damp feathers you cannot feel will freeze and be a hard lump so you know you need to stick it back in the dryer- repeat till the feathers are really dry