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Cleaning a Featherbed Topper?

Does anyone have a estimate price for getting a down feather topper (full) dry cleaned? I'm not confident in my ability to wash it myself and I've had it for almost 10 years. Just trying to get an estimate before trying to take it to the dry cleaner. I'm a college student so I only work part time, but would love to get it dry cleaned before winter gets here.

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Bronze Feedback Medal for All Time! 196 Feedbacks
September 15, 20180 found this helpful

Every city is going to be different. Best option is to put call around to a few dry cleaners in your town and get estimates.

If yours isn't dry clean only, and says it can be washed. The least expensive way would be to take it to a laundromat and use one of their big machines and wash it on delicate.

Use two rinse cycles if you can to get all the suds out and if the directions permit it, dry it in the dryer with a few tennis balls on a the lowest heat setting it offers.

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Start with 30 minutes and then add in 15 minute increments if you can, until it is dry. Even after it is dry, don't put it on the bed the same day--drape it over a the couch or between chairs overnight (in a clean dry area away from pets).

Ideally, if you had a hot sunny day (Indian summer) hang it outside, but that isn't always possible. Also not good if you have allergies!

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Bronze Feedback Medal for All Time! 196 Feedbacks
September 15, 20180 found this helpful

Mary Hunt stole my method! How cool is that! I have been using my method since, hmm....carry the one....well over 30 years! I feel almost famous!! I love it. That just made my week!!!!!

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Gold Feedback Medal for All Time! 949 Feedbacks
September 16, 20180 found this helpful

This is a great method and we know it works that is why so many people (like you) recommend it. Experience is so much better than words.

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I always learn something useful from reading your postings/answers.

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Bronze Feedback Medal for All Time! 196 Feedbacks
September 16, 20180 found this helpful

Thanks cybergrannie's! I always learn from your posts too! :)

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Gold Post Medal for All Time! 677 Posts
September 15, 20180 found this helpful

I took my sons sleeping bag to the laundromat because my machine wasnt big enough. I dropped it off because I didnt want to spend the time there. I live in NY and was charged $12.

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Gold Feedback Medal for All Time! 949 Feedbacks
September 15, 20180 found this helpful

First you will have to look at the tags on your topper to see if it dry clean only or if it is washable.
Dry clean only will probably be $30-$75 according to where you live. Call any local dry cleaners and ask about their prices for dry clean and laundry.

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It is usually recommended to not dry clean a topper/comforter that says it is washable so check to make sure the dry cleaners can wash toppers and be sure to have them write this on your ticket should you decide to let them handle it.

  • If your topper is washable then you should be able to do this with a little planning.
  • If you do not currently use a public laundry mat then you should check some out and pick out one that is nice and clean and has oversized washers and dryers. I would also look at settings on both to see if you can use the speeds you want - such as a second rinse and a medium hot on the dryer. Ask attendant if you're not sure. Check how much change you will need to have with you.
  • Make a list and purchase supplies so you will have everything before you start your trip.
  • I would recommend using Woolite or a very gentle detergent so you will not have to deal with excess suds.
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    If your topper is light colored you may want to use a little non-chlorine bleach to help bring back some of the original color.
  • Dryer sheets or fabric softener are generally not recommended as they can cling to the goose feathers and could cause problems.
  • Use new or very clean tennis balls to help fluff up the feathers. If you have less than clean tennis balls (not smelly ones) you can put one in a sock and tie the end with a cloth tie (not plastic). Some people use tennis shoes but I rarely see a tennis shoe that I would want in my dryer.
  • The instructions that Pghgirl listed are very good and should be easy to follow. You can also find those instructions on this link;
  • www.everydaycheapskate.com/.../
  • There are other sites for similar instructions but I would recommend that you print them out and take them with you just in case you forget a step or two.
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  • You might want to ask Santa Clause to put a Duvet on his list (if it will work on your topper) since I'm sure you have been a good girl and deserve something to make your life easier.
  • Hope your cleaning is a big success.
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April 10, 20190 found this helpful

Unfortunately, I think many of these posts are confusing "topper", as in mattress topper/featherbed (you sleep on TOP of this), with duvet/comforter (you sleep UNDERNEATH this). These have VERY different fill, construction, weight, and care requirements.
Typically, featherbeds will be a much higher feather-to-down ratio (& therefore heavier, especially when wet). They don't commonly have baffles or channels stitched into them to evenly distribute the fill, so feathers tend to clump ALL together when wet, making it a challenge to run it through the dryer. Comforters can easily be washed & dried at home, but featherbeds are difficult to dry. DO NOT make the mistake that it will take just an hour or so in your dryer or that you can simply air-dry it in the sun - you'll end up with moldy feathers if it is not completely dry. I've seen some estimates say to plan to use your dryer for at LEAST 3 hours...not sure mine would last that long without igniting!

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Silver Answer Medal for All Time! 424 Answers
September 15, 20180 found this helpful

You really should check your telephone book and find local dry cleaners numbers and tell them exactly what you need cleaned, and be sure and give the size , ask them point blank what they charge.

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