How long to soak a printed comforter? Help!

[RosieCotton]

My nephew came home from college and of course did not wash his comforter once. And he sweats.

 

It is a Springmaid printed comforter with a cream background from Target which says wash on delicate in cold water. Dry clean best results. People online who owned this one (I checked reviews before we bought it for him) said it will bleed in the washer. So far no bleeding, but I know this comforter is 2 years old. Never been washed it sat on the shelf for a year before he took it.

 

I have it in the washer water now with a little more liquid Tide than normal and am letting it soak. It has gone thru the delicate cycle (which didn't really churn it much) so I am tempted to switch it over to the regular cycle for more action. I've coated the top edge even with Tide and scrubbed it with my fingers and nails. It may be lightening a little but not much.

 

The top edge is quite yellowed, and I'm not sure I can save it but I'd really like to.

 

Thought on how long to soak this? All day???

Any other tips?

 

Grrrr.

 

 

[Tap]

Since it sounds like you have already tried regular detergent, I would soak in Oxyclean if you have it.Maybe even mix some in a spray bottle and spray it directly on the area.  If no oxyclean, then a stain remover that uses enzymes (like Zout) are pretty effective on  protein based stains.  I wouldn't turn up the speed on the agitator on the washer, of the filler inside the comforter will likely be ruined. What ever you do, do not dry it until you are ready to give up on the stain.  Once sweat stains are heat set, they are much, much harder to get out.

 

If you want to pull it back out the washer, you could put it in the tub and rub the area with some baking soda (gives a good scrub a little more friction) and then use vinegar on the area to help lift anything the baking soda loosens.

 

Hydrogen peroxide is great on protein stains, but it can also bleach fabric, so I would try that as a last ditch effort before you toss it.  If you do it, just apply a generous amount to the affected areas and let soak for 30 minutes or so before washing.

 

 

[prairiewindmomma]

A few thoughts:

1. He obviously didn't care, and it's his comforter, so I wouldn't get bent out of shape over this.

2. Use a color catcher sheet and some oxyclean and wash it. You need to break down the oil and skin residue.

3. Set it outside to sun for a bit when it's out of the washer.  After it's dry, rewash again with the same routine.

4. My boys only have grey and navy bedding because boys, ew.

[Pippen]

I would spray it with Resolve and wash again. I doubt just soaking and using regular detergent is going to do the job.

[zoobie]

You can try a paste of baking soda and water. Let it dry, then wash. 1 part Dawn + 2 parts hydrogen peroxide gets out just about everything, but it might lighten the print. Dry the wet comforter in the sun. 

[RosieCotton]

Wow I'm shocked!

It has done a great job so far. Soaked 3 hrs

 

Still some in the crease of the top I am going after it again with soda and maybe vinegar too.

 

I used a whole small box of soda today on it in the paste.

 

Letting it sit another 2 hours then I'll rinse it.

 

Great job folks!

[RosieCotton]

Oh  -- and why I wanted to save it? I never said earlier I was in "save it" mode.

 

I'm keeping it now that it is perfect and fresh again.  :laugh: 

Getting him another one he can be harder on.

 

I couldn't put it in the sun it has set-  so it's on low drying now it soaked 8 hours, then I rewashed it again with double Tide. Just

 

I still am really,really shocked! It smells great and looks fab!

 

:hurray:

 

 

 

 

[justasque]

Nice job OP!  You might want to go with traditional sheets and a fleece blanket - easier for him to wash, and less likely to stain if he doesn't.