ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, November 17, 1996 TAG: 9611190022
SECTION: HOMES PAGE: D-2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: GARY KRINO ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Down comforters. Sleeping never felt so good. Kind of like wrapping yourself in a fleecy cloud and floating off to a better place.
If you want that comforter to last and look its best for years, though, there are some things that you should know. These hints concerning comforter care are from Steve Bechwar, product manager for Coming Home, the bed and bath division of mail-order giant Lands' End, which just happens to sell down comforters by the truckload.
When properly cared for, says Bechwar, a down comforter should last as long as 20 years. The operative words here are ``properly cared for.''
A washable comforter cover helps prevent body oils from getting into the down. Oil and down do not mix.
Plumping your comforter regularly keeps the down evenly distributed.
Comforters should be washed or dry cleaned about once every two years (less frequently if you use a comforter cover, because the cover should help keep the comforter from becoming soiled). If you decide to go with washing, it's best to use a commercial-size washer like those found at many coin-operated laundries. It can take up to six hours to wash and thoroughly dry a comforter.
Expect to pay about $30 for dry cleaning, Bechwar says.
Comforters also need airing from time to time.
Down also needs to breathe, so never store a comforter in a plastic bag or when it's damp.
If you'd like to know more about down comforters, give Lands' End a call at (800) 345-3696 and ask for its free booklet.
LENGTH: Short : 38 linesby CNB