7 ways to freshen a comforter without washing it – for a comfortable and cozy night's sleep

There really is no better feeling than fresh bedding that's soft, smells great, and is perfectly fluffy for snuggling up in.

Given that crawling under a comforter is one of life's great joys, but bulky bedding is notoriously hard to clean, you might be wondering how to freshen a comforter without the rigmarole of fully washing and drying it.

I spoke to professional cleaners for their cleaning tips on achieving exactly this, to ensure a serene-smelling night's sleep, every night.

How to freshen a comforter without washing it

Why do comforters smell musty?

'Comforters can develop a musty smell over time because they tend to trap moisture, body oils, and dust, which build up during use,' explains Hyacinth Tucker, owner and CEO of The Laundry Basket. 'This can happen if they aren't aired out properly or if they're stored in a humid environment.

'Even though we may not see it, dust mites and bacteria can also contribute to that unpleasant odor.'

This may also be a problem if you prefer to be sustainable at home and shop second-hand for your bedding. If this is the case, however, this bedding should always be thoroughly washed or dry-cleaned before use, rather than just freshened up.

Our expert-led guide on how to wash a comforter details how to give comforters a professional clean without the cost at home.

How often should you wash a comforter?

While you can freshen a comforter without washing it, it is still important to wash them semi-regularly.

According to Justin Carpenter, founder of Jacksonville Maids, rather than being a thing you are washing too frequently, your best warm comforter and best cooling comforter should be washed more often than you probably do.

'High-quality comforters that are used correctly (no food and no direct body contact) can be washed every four months,' he says. 'However, if the comforter is directly in contact with the person or food, the comforter must be washed at least every two weeks.

'However, many comforters cannot be washed in a washer, and many that are can still lose quality quickly when they are.'

Therefore, here are some alternative methods to freshen yours up between washes.

1. Shake and fluff

Probably one of the most simple methods to freshen your comforter, Karina Toner, operations manager at Spekless, recommends regularly shaking your comforter.

'Regularly shaking and fluffing your comforter redistributes the filling and aerates the fabric, preventing any areas from trapping too much moisture or body oils, which can lead to musty smells,' she says.

This is a good idea to do when switching to a winter comforter, both to your lighter, summer comforter before putting it in storage, and your cold weather alternative before putting it on your bed.

2. Tumble dry

Another effective method to freshen a comforter without washing it is by putting it in the tumble dryer, but pay close attention to your tumble dryer temperature guide when doing so, to avoid any tumble dryer mistakes.

'Toss your comforter in the dryer on a low heat setting with a couple of Bounce Mega Dryer Sheets (available at Amazon),' recommends Toner. 'These add a fresh scent and help fluff the comforter without a full wash.

You may also want to use dryer balls, such as the number one bestselling Wool Dryer Balls available at Amazon for added fluffiness (if you're wondering why you should be using dryer balls), which will also reduce stubborn lint and hair, and help to reduce wrinkles.

You can also ditch dryer sheets and use an essential oil hack by wetting a cloth and adding a few drops of your favorite essential oil to add subtle, lovely fragrance to your dryer cycle.

3. Air outside

There are so many benefits of air-drying laundry, and it's a great way to freshen a comforter without washing it, too.

'I recommend hanging the comforter outside and beating it with a tennis racquet,' says cleaning expert Carpenter. If you don't have a tennis racquet, a rug beater, such as the Traditional Racket Woven Imitation Rattan Clean Duster Carpet Rug Beater Plastic available at Amazon will also do the trick, and works to beat out dust and debris which may be making your comforter smell musty.

'The comforter can then be hung in the sun to go through what I like to call a "UV bath" – no drying needed,' adds Carpenter.

This method works as when you air out bedding the sun naturally disinfects bacteria, while helping to eliminate moisture.

4. Soak in a bathtub

As the agitation of a washing machine is generally what causes damage to your comforter, Ken Doty, COO of The Maids, recommends soaking it periodically in your bathtub instead.

'If you want to give the comforter a holistic wash, fill your bath tub with a mild detergent that is safe to use on delicate fabrics, and submerge the comforter fully.'

Then, let it soak for an hour before thoroughly hand washing with a sponge, or soft brush, such as The Laundress Stain Brush available at Amazon to remove any stubborn stains, paired with a stain removal product that really works. If you're wondering whether hot or cold water is better for stain removal, stick to cold water when soaking your comforter, to avoid setting stains or shrinkage.

'Once you've washed it properly, squeeze out any excess water by rolling the comforter as tightly as possible, but avoid wringing the comforter as to prevent wrinkles,' advises Doty. 'Then, air dry the comforter outside in clear view of the sun and shake out excess water every other hour.'

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

5. Use a dehumidifier

'To prevent a musty smell in the first place, use a dehumidifier in the bedroom,' recommends cleaning expert Toner. Indeed, investing in one of the best dehumidifiers and knowing the best place to put a dehumidifier is a brilliant way to avoid musty odors in your home in general, as they work by 'reducing excess moisture in the air, which can keep your comforter fresher longer,' explains Toner.

For a more affordable option, you can also use charcoal air purifying bags, such as the Moso Natural Air Purifying Bags available at Amazon. 'Place a few of them inside the closet or under the bed where your comforter is stored,' advises Toner. 'These bags absorb moisture and odors, helping to keep your comforter fresh.'

6. Use baking soda

Around the home, there are many things you can clean with baking soda, and Jade Piper, operations manager for BetterCleans also recommends using it if you want to know how to freshen a comforter without washing it.

She says, 'I suggest vacuuming it first, or using a lint roller (such as the Mainstays Lint Roller available at Walmart) to remove dust and hair. Next, sprinkle baking soda on the entire surface, let it sit for at least 15 minutes to deodorize, and vacuum again. Flip it and do the same for the other side.'

We recommend using the ARM & HAMMER Pure Baking Soda available at Walmart for this, which can be used for baking, cleaning and deodorizing all around the home. It will be easier to use one of our best handheld vacuums over a regular vacuum, and here at Homes & Gardens we've named the BLACK+DECKER dustbuster PIVOT VAC Cordless Handheld Vacuum available at Amazon as our best overall pick.

Then, Piper recommends giving your comforter a good shake before leaving outdoors over a sunny window or balcony door for some fresh airflow.

7. Use a fabric refresh spray

Finally, you can a fabric refresh spray, or learn how to make DIY linen spray.

'Spraying the comforter with a fabric refresh spray can instantly revive its freshness,' says cleaning expert Toner. 'Look for sprays with antibacterial properties, which work well to neutralize odors instead of masking them.'

For a natural alternative you can freshen and clean with vinegar, by mixing equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle, such as the Equate 8 oz Plastic Spraybottle available at Walmart. We recommend using the Great Value Distilled White Vinegar available at Walmart for this, as it's diluted to a 5% acidity, perfect for banishing musty odors.

'Lightly mist the comforter with this solution and hang it to dry,' advises Toner. 'The vinegar neutralizes odors while being gentle on fabric. Once dry, any vinegar scent will disappear, leaving the comforter smelling fresh.'

FAQs

Why does my comforter still smell after washing?

If your comforter still smells after washing, it might be down to a mistake you are making with powder detergent or a mistake you're making with laundry pods – namely, using too much detergent, which is a common laundry mistake to avoid.

This excess residue will attract dirt and harbor odors, and lead to a musty smelling comforter. Also, leaving your comforter damp after washing, or not allowing it adequate time to dry is a bedding laundry mistake best avoided, which will also make your comforter smell of damp and must after washing.

If your comforter is beyond help, these are our best places to buy bedding, for chic, stylish and cozy picks – that will look great in your bedroom for years to come.