Just washed a new king sized feather duvet. It's dry-clean only. Now what?

[4kids4me]

As it was drying dh said, "Doesn't that smell really funny?" Yup, it stinks now. I washed it b/c son vomited a little on it. The smell isn't that, though. Kinda mildew-y. Have I completely ruined my duvet??? Anything I can do?

[Stacey in MA]

almost like a fishy smell. Anyway, the smell did go away, and we still use the blanket. I would suggest though that you make sure it is thoroughly dry so it doesn't get mildewy. Also, make sure you clean our your dryer's lint filter a time or two while drying it b/c mine had tons of tiny downy feathers that came out and really filled up the filter! They were a weird super-light feather that I almost couldn't catch with my hand to clean up. Hard to explain. Anyway, it should be OK.

FWIW, we cleaned ours for the same reason! Ha! Tis the season of sickness....

Hope little one is feeling better. GL!

- Stacey in MA

[Whisperlily]

It will dry out just fine. :) When the feathers are dry it won't smell anymore. It might require a little redistribution of the feathers depending on how the duvet is made. Just make sure you give it plenty of time, lay it out flat and turn it over now and then so that the feathers are really dry before putting the cover back on (if you have one.)

[Crissy]

The smell will disappear once the down is completely dry.

My full sized, summer-weight down comforter takes three trips through the dryer.

[4kids4me]

Thanks so much for the assurance!!!! Will keep drying it (on it's third hour now).