How Long Do Comforters Last?
Our down comforters can last for at least twenty years, while you should be prepared to replace your down alternative comforter every four years or so. Because you sleep beneath the comforter, rather than on top of it like you do a mattress, this bedding piece is one you’ll count on for many years. Down clusters do eventually break down with regular use. Wear may be more prominent where the comforter rubs against you, such as at the shoulders, especially if you’re a restless sleeper who tosses and turns. Additionally, the comforter may wear out faster if you spend time resting on top of it, or if you have pets who share the bed—this contact crushes the down, which may cause it to wear down faster.
How to Make Your Comforter Last Longer
Quality-crafted down and down alternative comforters are bedding investments—when you choose the right one and treat it with care, it’ll last you for many years. To keep yours in the best shape and extend its lifespan, it helps to know how to choose and care for your comforter or duvet insert. Here are our four easy steps for getting the most out of your comforter, and tips for deciding when it’s time for a replacement.
The best comforters are made with superior materials, like 100% cotton shells and RDS certified down or a high-quality down alternative fill. While there are less expensive options on the market, higher quality shell and fill materials last longer, feel better, and may be backed by a manufacturer guarantee.
Comforter construction plays a part in your comforter’s lifespan, too. Look for double-needle top-stitched finishing and baffled or sewn-through box construction that helps keep the fill in place. Materials and construction techniques can be fantastic indicators of quality.
Protective comforter covers and duvet covers prevent stains and dirt from seeping into and damaging your comforter. If you have a pet who likes to snuggle up at night, or if you’re fond of lounging in bed while reading or sipping coffee, slipping your comforter into a protective cotton cover makes laundry day easier. Washing only the duvet cover prevents over-washing your comforter, which can break down the fill and wear out the comforter prematurely.
Not only do they prevent stains and keep dirt and spills from ruining your comforter, but protective covers are also important for people who suffer from allergies—dust mite proof and allergen-blocking barriers prevent a range of irritants from getting into your comforter, so you can use it comfortably for many years to come.
Not only do they prevent stains and keep dirt and spills from ruining your comforter, but protective covers are also important for people who suffer from allergies—dust mite proof and allergen-blocking barriers prevent a range of irritants from getting into your comforter, so you can use it comfortably for many years to come.
For the best results, always consult the washing instructions included with your comforter prior to laundering. The suggested laundering methods ensure lasting performance. Too-frequent washing or harsh detergents can reduce the lifespan of your comforter. After washing, make sure your comforter is completely dry before use or storage to prevent mildew or mold. Adding wool dryer balls or tennis balls to the dryer can speed drying time and fluff your comforter. Your comforter may appear wrinkled or flat right when you remove it from storage or the dryer, but re-fluffing your comforter by shaking it vigorously can help restore its loft.
Before storing your comforter, wash it according to instructions and allow it to dry completely. Then, fold it and place it in a breathable storage bag. A dust- and bug-proof storage bag keeps contaminants, bedbugs, and mites out, while still allowing airflow. Store your comforter in a cool, dry area. Keep your comforter on the top of the stack while in storage—don’t place anything on top of it as the pressure can damage the down fill. When you remove it from storage, restore loft by shaking the fill into place and tumble drying it on low.
How Can You Tell if Your Comforter Needs to Be Replaced?
Knowing when to replace a down comforter comes down to whether it is still providing warmth and if the fill and shell are in good condition. To determine how long a comforter will last and if it’s time to replace your comforter, check these three key areas.
Shell
Examine the comforter shell’s condition. Are there any pinholes or larger tears? Are there stains or discoloration from mildew or mold? If fill is leaking from the shell, check the shell and seams for damage. Some damage, such as split seams or excessive leaking of down, may be considered a quality issue under our lifetime guarantee.
Shell
Experts recommend cleaning comforters two or three times a year—the change of seasons is a popular time. But depending on your situation, you may want to launder more frequently: If pets enjoy your bed, if you have young kids, or if you lounge on top of your comforter, it may collect more skin oils, dirt, pet hair, grime, or crumbs, and need cleaning more often. If that’s the case, choose a machine-washable option for fuss-free cleaning. Always follow the laundering instructions from the manufacturer, but many machine-washable comforters should be laundered in a large front-loading machine and dried thoroughly.
Fill
After you’ve fluffed your comforter, does the fill remain lofty, or does it seem to sink right away? Is the fill bunching or shifting within the shell? Hold your comforter up to light from a window or lamp. Do you see brighter areas? This indicates that fill has settled or shifted. If you note fill breaking down, you may need to replace your comforter in the next one to three years.
Corner Ties
Alone, broken or torn corner ties aren’t a sign that your comforter needs to be replaced—you can attach new ones, or use the comforter without them—but the condition of these ties may shed some light on the overall status of your comforter. If they’re torn, it may be a sign that your bedding has been well-used and it may be time to consider replacement options.
When you choose a high-quality comforter that’s been carefully crafted from top materials, your comforter will last decades. Proper care can extend its lifespan so you can snuggle up under your favorite bedding as long as possible. Explore our Tips & Ideas page for more tricks to creating the perfect, coziest bed.