How to Wash Down Jackets and Bedding

1. Check fabric care labels to make sure your down goods can be put in the washing machine.

2. Check pillow and bedding seams for durability, and mend any shaky seams. For puffy jackets, fasten all zippers and empty pockets.

3. Choose a normal wash and spin cycle (unless otherwise noted by the care label), and add detergent like Tide Free & Gentle Liquid.

4. Submerge items when washer is half full and balance the load by adding a few same-colored towels.Stop the washer occasionally to press air from items. In the case of a front loading washer, there is no need to submerge the items, just use a gentle cycle and run through two rinse cycles to wash out the soap completely.

5. Tumble dry on low. (Always check care label for drying instructions before you start, to make sure that your fabrics can be machine dried, and to check at what temperature.)

Follow these tips and you'll soon know exactly how to wash bedding, down jackets and much more. Just be sure to use a quality detergent like Tide.