You should wash your comforter based on whether it has a protective duvet cover and your personal usage habits:
- If your comforter has a duvet cover, wash the comforter itself about two to three times a year (roughly every 3-6 months). The duvet cover should be washed more frequently, ideally weekly or every 2-4 weeks if you use a top sheet
- If your comforter does not have a duvet cover, wash the entire comforter every 1 to 2 months because it is directly exposed to sweat, oils, dust, and allergens
- Allergy sufferers, people with pets or children, or those who eat in bed should consider washing their comforter more often
- If you don't use a top sheet and no duvet cover, washing the comforter weekly or at least biweekly is recommended to maintain freshness and hygiene
In summary, using a duvet cover significantly reduces how often you need to wash the comforter itself, shifting most of the washing to the cover. Without a cover, washing every 1-2 months is advisable, with more frequent washing if conditions warrant. Additional tips include washing comforters in large- capacity machines on gentle cycles with mild detergent, drying on low heat with dryer balls to maintain fluffiness, and ensuring the comforter is completely dry to avoid mildew
