Comforter Season: How to Keep Your Bedding Fresh, Clean, and Fluffy All Winter Long
As the temperatures drop, comforters and duvets make their way out of storage and onto our beds. They keep us warm, cozy, and comfortable through the long winter nights. But they also collect dust, sweat, pet hair, and allergens over time — which means washing them properly is key to keeping your bedding fresh and your sleep healthy.
In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about caring for your comforters and duvets, whether you prefer to wash them yourself or have us handle it through our pickup and delivery service.
Comforter vs Duvet: What’s the Difference?
Although often used interchangeably, comforters and duvets are not quite the same thing.
Comforter: A single, quilted piece that goes directly on your bed. It’s usually filled with down or synthetic fibers and used without a cover.
Duvet: A plain insert that slips inside a removable cover. The cover is washed regularly, while the duvet insert itself is cleaned less frequently.
Filling matters too. Down-filled comforters and duvets provide excellent warmth but require special care: they dry more slowly and need lower heat to protect the feathers. Synthetic-filled items are easier to wash and dry but can lose their loft if overheated.
Why we price differently: Down items take longer in the dryer, which is why their wash-and-fold price is a bit higher — it’s about time and proper care, not just size.
Washing Your Comforter in a Laundromat: Step-by-Step
Washing a comforter at home often means overstuffed machines and half-dry corners. That’s why many people bring them to laundromats during comforter season. Here’s how to get the best results:
Load with room to move — Use an extra-large washer so the comforter can circulate freely.
Pick the right cycle — “Bulky” or “Bedding” settings are designed to handle heavier loads evenly.
Use warm water — Warm is ideal for breaking down sweat and dirt without damaging delicate fabrics.
Dry thoroughly — Medium heat for synthetic; low and longer for down. Add wool balls to speed up drying and restore fluff.
💡 Tip: Don’t rush the drying step — moisture trapped inside can lead to mildew or that “damp” smell. If in doubt, run an extra 15–20 minutes on low.
Pickup & Delivery: Clean Bedding Without Leaving Home
If you’d rather not wrestle your king-size duvet into the car, our Pickup and Delivery service is the easiest way to keep your bedding fresh.
Here’s how it works:
We pick up and bag your comforters and duvets right from your door.
Wash them in our large-capacity machines with the right settings for their fabric and fill.
Dry them gently with wool balls and reverse tumble for even drying and lasting fluff.
Return them to you clean, dry, and bagged — ready to put straight on the bed.
It’s ideal for busy households, condo dwellers, or anyone who simply wants to outsource a bulky task to professionals who do this every day.
How Often Should You Wash Comforters and Duvets?
Many people wash their comforters once a year — often just before putting them away. But with regular use, they actually need more frequent care to stay fresh.
Recommended washing frequency:
Comforters: Every 2–3 months, or more often if you sleep with pets.
Duvet covers: Every 2–4 weeks, like regular sheets.
Duvet inserts: Every 3–5 months depending on use.
Regular washing removes allergens, sweat, and dust mites that accumulate over time, helping you breathe easier and sleep better.
Make It Part of Your Winter Routine
Think of comforter care as part of your seasonal home routine, like changing furnace filters or switching to winter tires. A freshly washed comforter not only feels better but also lasts longer, retaining its loft and warmth.
Whether you prefer self-service or drop-off at Soda Laundry laundromat or the convenience of our Pickup and Delivery service, winter is the perfect time to refresh your bedding.