Every day, and every few weeks
A hard shake each morning redistributes the fill and lets air back into the clusters — that is what loft is. Every few weeks, pull the bedding back for an hour before making the bed, or air the piece near an open window, so moisture from the night can leave.
- Shake pillows and comforters out daily rather than smoothing them flat
- Air the bed for an hour before making it
- Protectors under pillowcases and a cover on every comforter
- Never store or bag anything even slightly damp
Washing, when it is genuinely needed
With a protector and a cover in use, a down piece needs washing rarely. When it does: a front-loading machine, gentle cycle, cool or warm water, a small amount of mild detergent and a second rinse. Top-loaders with a central agitator tear shells and clump fill.
Down alternative pieces tolerate this far more often, on a slightly shorter cycle with less heat.
Drying is where pieces are ruined
Low heat, a long cycle, and dryer balls to break up clumps. Take the piece out several times to shake it by hand. A comforter that feels dry on the outside can still be damp in the middle, and damp down is how odor and clumping start — err on the side of another cycle.
Storing between seasons
Breathable cotton or linen bags, somewhere cool and dry, with no long-term compression. Vacuum bags and plastic bins crush the clusters and trap moisture; a season in one does more damage than a year of use.