Ten Tips for Buying and Caring for Bed Coverings from Jay Dee Cleaners

Sometimes we are asked to clean bedspreads, duvet covers and comforters simply because of their size and other times it’s because the care instructions read “dry clean only, ” “wet cleaning preferred” or “professional care is best.”

Whatever the reason, these ten tips will help you keep your bedding fresh and lasting longer:

1. Duvet covers are a great investment. They help keep your comforter clean and safe from spills and can be easily removed for cleaning.
2. When buying comforters, bedspreads or duvet covers read and keep all care instructions. Care instructions may be found on a temporary label, a hang tag, or on the packaging. If not attached, keep them in your linen closet or other easily remembered spot as they contain valuable information for you and the drycleaner.
3. Beware of chintz glazes and other special finishes that give off a glossy appearance. These special additives may look great, however can wear over time causing a chalky dulled appearance.
4. If possible, make sure the bedspread has been preshrunk. Shrinkage of two or three percent can easily occur after cleaning if the fabric was not properly stabilized during manufacturing. This may cause the spread to not fit properly or appear much too small.
5. Also check the strength and quality of the stitching. Quilting stitches should run both vertically and horizontally with quilting lines 8 to 10 inches apart. Stitching should be strong, as loose stitching can allow the filling to shift during cleaning. Poor construction with loose stitching can allow the filling to shift during a care process.
6. Bedspreads and duvet covers absorb body oil, make-up, spills, and soil from dirty hands. Many of these stains are “invisible” or hard to see, so don’t be fooled and clean them once a season, or more depending upon use.
7. If there is a spill, blot with an adsorbent towel, do not rub the stain and have the item cleaned as soon as possible and tell the drycleaner about the stain. Time is an enemy of effective stain removal.
8. Fluff your comforter when you make your bed. By providing a steady flow of air, your down will continue to loft.
9. If you use a duvet cover, you may not have to clean your comforter but once every 2 – 3 years. If simple shaking does not return your comforter to its original loft, it should be cleaned.
10. Clean all matching or coordinating items such as shams, dust ruffles and curtains at the same time to ensure that any color or sheen loss is uniform.