Cleaning a down comforter is something that does not have to go to the dry cleaner and pay an expensive price. The trick is to have a washer that is large enough. We go to the laundromat to do our heavyweight king size comforters but lightweight and smaller comforters can be done at home.
When drying just remember that time is your friend. Drying on low or air dry with tennis shoes will result in a fresh clean and fluffy comforter!
More from How Stuff Works on cleaning down comforters:
The down filling in comforters and quilts is held in place by tufts of yarn or by stitched-through patterns. Most down-filled comforters and quilts are washable, but some older ones are too fragile to be cleaned at home. Test comforters and quilts for colorfastness by wetting an inconspicuous spot with the detergent solution you plan to use and blotting the area with a white blotter.
If the comforters or quilts are in good condition, machine-wash and dry them. Use cold water and an all-purpose detergent. Fragile down comforters and quilts should be hand-washed in the bathtub or a deep laundry tub.
Drape a wet comforter or quilt over several clotheslines to allow excess moisture to drip out; reposition it periodically. If the comforter or quilt is strong enough to be dried in a clothes dryer, use a low temperature setting and include a pair of clean, dry tennis shoes to help fluff the down. The dryer can also be set on air-dry (no heat) to dry the quilt.
If the comforters or quilts are in good condition, machine-wash and dry them. Use cold water and an all-purpose detergent. Fragile down comforters and quilts should be hand-washed in the bathtub or a deep laundry tub.
Drape a wet comforter or quilt over several clotheslines to allow excess moisture to drip out; reposition it periodically. If the comforter or quilt is strong enough to be dried in a clothes dryer, use a low temperature setting and include a pair of clean, dry tennis shoes to help fluff the down. The dryer can also be set on air-dry (no heat) to dry the quilt.