There are few luxuries in life as wonderful as the moment you sink into a plush down comforter. Wrapping yourself in one of these bed coverings is like submerging your body into a sea of clouds – and it can make getting out of bed in the morning a near impossibility. It seems the only drawback to these comforters is the fact they require special care. If you’re looking for a simple way to clean your down comforter without making a trip to the dry cleaner, here are a few simple suggestions.

• Firstly, remember that it’s best not to wash your down comforter too often as it can ruin the tiny light feathers within. Try to limit your washing to no more than once a year in order to preserve the comforter as long as possible. In the meantime, use a duvet cover that can be washed as often as necessary.

Down comforters cannot be washed in standard sized washers. Instead, you will need an extra-large washer – such as the front-loading industrial sized machines found at a laundromat. Set the washer to the gentle cycle and use only a tiny amount of mild detergent.

• Drying the down comforter is the most time-consuming part of the entire process and can take up to several hours. Place your comforter into an extra-large dryer and take it out every 45 minutes or so to fluff and work out the clumps. Make sure it’s completely dry before placing it back inside the duvet cover. Even slight dampness can cause mold within the down.

In-between cleanings, you can freshen up the smell of your down comforter with an all-natural fabric spray or hang it outdoors for some additional airing out. Keep coffee and wine far away from your comforter and treat it with care to ensure an extra long life.