How To Remove Wrinkles In A Comforter

No matter what the comforter is made of, wrinkles happen — sometimes they're in the comforter when it's straight out of the package, before you've even had a chance to use it. If the comforter is brand new and machine washable, wash it according to the instructions on the care tag, which will also help remove any chemicals on the fabric. If the item is not machine-washable or has recently been washed, a gentle spritz of water and a tumble in the dryer on a low- or no-heat setting removes those pesky wrinkles.

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Remember to read the care tag on the comforter — if the tag indicates "dry clean only," do not wash it. Some manufacturers recommend washing comforters only in a front-loading machine, as the agitator in a top-loader may damage the bedding. If your new comforter is down-filled, it may not be recommended to wash. Some down-comforter manufacturers recommend letting the down air out for several days before use. Place the comforter over a clothesline in a protected, non-humid area to allow it to air and fluff up a bit. Use a duvet cover to protect a down-filled comforter, as down is not meant to be washed frequently.

Place a new comforter in a washing machine to freshen it up and remove wrinkles. If the comforter is for a queen-sized or larger bed, use a high-capacity washer such as those found at a laundromat, as the comforter needs room to move to get clean. Add enough laundry detergent to handle a medium-sized load and wash the comforter according to the care tag's directions. Select an extra spin cycle after the final rinse to squeeze out excess water.

Remove the comforter promptly after the final spin cycle completes to help prevent wrinkles Shake it out gently to release additional wrinkles.

Dryer balls or tennis balls keep your comforter fluffy. Dry the comforter according to instructions on the care tag, typically at a low-heat setting. If it is a machine-washable down comforter, select a low- or no-heat setting and add a couple dryer balls or clean tennis balls to help fluff it up. Check the comforter every 30 minutes or so; a synthetic comforter may take less than an hour to try, while a down comforter could take significantly longer, especially on a no-heat setting. Fluff up a down comforter each time you check it to help prevent clumps and wrinkles.

Remove the comforter from the dryer promptly; otherwise, wrinkles occur. Hang it over a clothesline if it's not completely dry, or place it back in the dryer. Place the dry comforter back on the bed, or fold it neatly for storage.

Fill a spray bottle with a little water. Spray a light mist over the wrinkled comforter — just enough to make the fabric mildly damp, not soaking wet. Place the comforter in a large capacity dryer set to the lowest heat setting. Add a couple dryer balls or clean tennis balls if the comforter is down, to help fluff it up.

Remove the comforter after 10 minutes. If the comforter is still wrinkled, spritz a little more water on it and check it again in 5 to 10 minutes, removing it promptly to prevent additional wrinkling.

Place the comforter on the bed or fold it neatly to put away while it is still wrinkle-free; leaving it balled up in a clothes basket will cause wrinkles.