Inside Out spoke to John Cridland of Island Cleaners for his tips on keeping down bedding pristine.

Down filled comforters, duvets and pillows require special care and attention. Most home washers are not equipped to handle the bulk of a duvet or comforter as an extra capacity front load washer is required. Laundromats are often the best option.

First, check the care label and follow the instructions. If the down item can be washed, choose an extra mild or all natural detergent to avoid stripping the down of its natural oils and run through two rinse cycles to make sure all the soap has been removed.

Dry the comforter in an extra-large capacity dryer on low. This may take a few hours, but it'll ensure that all the down is completely dry to prevent mold growth and a pungent smell. Add a couple of tennis balls to the dryer to help fluff the down as it dries.

The goal is to prevent the down from clumping together. Take the comforter out a few times throughout the drying process and fluff it up. If you're unsure if the comforter is completely dry, try holding it up to an overhead light. If you can see clumps through the fabric, put it back in the dryer. If the down seems to be evenly spread out and diffused, it's probably pretty close to being dry.

If it's still damp after a few hours and you have a backyard, lay the comforter out in the sun on a sunny day so that the air can circulate on all sides.

Alternatively, professional dry cleaners are on hand to ensure a pristine clean.

Please call 949-5391 for more information or stop by Island Cleaners located in the Artco Plaza just off Shedden Road.