If you have decided to purchase fine bedding it is important to know how to properly care for your purchase. Let’s face it - fine bedding and accessories can be costly! There are many different options available for caring for your comforter and accent pieces. Proper care will guarantee the longevity of your bedding, keeping it looking and feeling as good as the day you bought it.

To begin, it is important to always follow the proper “Care Instructions” for your product. You can be certain that 95% of fine bedding will recommend dry cleaning the product. Even though the commitment to Dry Clean your bedding may seem overwhelming, it really is the only way to insure it’s longevity.

The Dry Cleaning industry may seem like a very vast and mysterious world. What exactlly happens on the other side of that counter? How do you really know that your product will be returned to you in its original state? Here is some helpful information that may make the Dry Cleaning experience a little less daunting as well as more effective.

Dry cleaning is highly recommended becasue the process itself is less invasive and generally easier on fabric fibers. This is because fluids used to clean fabrics do not contain water so they do not fully penetrate the fibers. This helps eliminate fading, discoloration and distortion.

The majority of Dry Cleaners use a chemical based solution called perchloroethylene, or “perc”. This cleaning agent is considered effective as it typically prevents loss of color, shrinkage and distortion of fabrics. However, this chemical treatment is not recommended by most bedding manufacturers. Thomasville, for example, recommends a petroleum based method, using a chemical called DF2000 solvent in place of “perc”. This solvent is made by Exxon and is more expensive. However it is the most effective method in preserving the quality of your bedding. Petroleum based solvents do not fade fabrics and are best for the cleaning of darker dyes (which are more likely to fade quickly). Most Dry Cleaners do not use this method becasue of the cost. Be sure to ask your Dry Cleaner about this! They may offer either method, and it will save you more money in the long run.

Another method suggested by manufacturers is called the “Green Earth” method. As you may guess from the name, this type of solvent is a more earth friendly alternative to chemicals. Green Earth will not shrink or fade your bedding. However, it is not as effective for spot and stain removal.

Of course, prevention is the first step in extending the life of your bedding. Keeping your comforters and accessories out of direct sunlight will prevent uneven fading. Also the longer you wait to have your bedding Dry Cleaned, the longer you give stains the opportunity to set deep in the fibers of the fabric. Try to stay on a schedule with your Dry Cleaning to prevent permanent damage to the fabric.

Take the time to research your Dry Cleaner’s methods and ask questions! And remember, following preventative measures will extend the life of your purchase.