Review on Ultra-Soft 100% Cotton Shell Feather Down Comforter For Full/Queen Size Bed - Lightweight Duvet Insert With All-Season Light Warmth - Ideal Bedding For Maximum Comfort By Puredown® by James Bartels

When I took it out of the package it had a funny smell to it. It wasn't the plastic package smell either. I tried airing it outside on the line for 6 hours in the sun but it didn't help at all. So I stuffed it into my top load washing machine, put on oversize water level, covered with warm water & little bit of soap and extra rinse cycle. I had to do this 3 times! I used gentle cycle for delicates. And worried the whole time that I would ruin it (because it said dry clean only) - I didn't want to dry clean and add even more chemicals to it than what already was making it smell bad. I want to clean with water, not chemicals. After 3 washes including extra rinses I put it in the dryer on low/tumble for 2 hours. (one cycle was not enough) . I was pleasantly surprised when it came out that I didn't destroy it because I fully expected it to be ruined. Its beautiful, fluffed up and only has a faint smell left (my nose is very sensitive) - there was only one square that didn't dry completely and I have it on bed to complete drying that square. I notice one other square didn't have lot of down inside it (hardly any) but all the other squares are full and fluffy. I didn't examine it before I washed it so it probably arrived like that. I haven't actually used it yet on the bed but I am so happy that I could use it in my washer and not have to dry clean it (I did use gentle cycle) and tumble/low heat that I'm leaving 4 stars. I don't know how well it will hold up with repeated washings, but I have purchased a duvet cover to put it inside of so that I will only need to wash the duvet cover in the future. I only washed it because of the smell so hopefully I won't need to do that any more. My washer is the Speed Queen (just like the old fashion top load washers) in case that makes a difference to someone. I would hate to ruin someone elses comforter because their washer was more rough on it. I watched it carefully for a while as it was washing to be sure it didn't get torn up, then let it go for a few more cycles! (In my particular machine you can override the safety feature by putting a clothespin in the back to clip a lever down so it keeps running when you open the lid. otherwise when you open the lid it turns off!)Update: 1 year later I am still using it daily. I haven't needed to wash it since. I only take off the duvet cover, and wash that occasionally. It is still fluffy and providing warmth!