Let’s face it: sometimes when you buy something really nice, it requires a little extra care. This is true of down, if you take proper care of it, it will give you the best slumber experience you can imagine. But if moisture gets to it and mold sets in, your dream bedding can turn into a nightmare. Once you have made your perfect nest, here’s how to keep it soft and snug.

When it comes to washing, less is definitely more; the soapy water can strip down clusters of their natural oils and cause them to break. This is another reason to use mattress and pillow protectors and duvets – you can wash them as often as you like, keeping your down products fresh and clean without actually subjecting them to the wear and tear of a machine. .If you have a featherbed or fiber bed, it should only be spot-cleaned, never thrown in the wash..

As long as your down products are well-protected, they should only need to be washed once or twice a year. They should never be dry-cleaned; the harsh chemicals damage the down. Instead, wash your down pillows and comforters in a large washing machine with a mild detergent (such as Dawn dishwashing liquid), in warm water on a gentle cycle for about six minutes.

If you happen to smell a strong odor after washing, just dry thoroughly – the smell will disappear. Make sure the down is completely dry as mildew can ruin your bedding. Once your down products are clean, if you need to store them, the key factor is keeping them dry and able to breathe. Use breathable bags or cotton fabric to enclose them – plastic is a big no-no as it can cause moisture to condense.

Finally, one last easy tip to keeping your down products in top condition: fluff your down comforter and pillows daily when you make your bed. This will keep them even and consistent, as well as looking nice and plump! It may sound like a little extra work to take good care of your down, but the rewards are well worth it. If you are good to your down, it will last for years, and every night will be like sleeping on a cloud!