Down comforters are a serious investment in your sleep—the last thing you want to do is somehow ruin it by washing it the wrong way! There are two ways you can wash a comforter: You can take it to a dry cleaner or wash it yourself.

For an easier and worry-free option, dry cleaning is a no-brainer. This way, you know that a professional is handling it; it will not get damaged and it will be extra clean! The only reason that dry cleaning is often not recommended is due to the chemicals used in the dry-cleaning process can be harsh on the down, but that’s the only way to ensure that there is no shrinkage. Before you take your comforter to the dry cleaners, make sure that they have a laundry facility because not all of them do.

Washing your comforter at home is easy, as long as you have a regular sized washer and dryer! Start with cold water because hot water can make the fabric shrink up to 8%, use the fastest spin speed to get it as dry as possible, and use a gentle soap without additives. You can use a non-chlorine bleach, but do not use a fabric softener! Fabric softeners will coat the down and reduce its fluff, but you can use dryer sheets for adde. To dry, you can use hot, warm, or low—whatever you prefer—and be patient! It may take several cycles to get your comforter completely dry. Pro tip: add two or three tennis balls or dryer balls to speed up your dry time; it will sound like they’re damaging your dryer, but no harm is being done.

If your comforter is clumping or has an unusual odor, it needs some more drying time.