What are the best ways to dry heavy bedding after a major accident

When heavy bedding gets soaked after a major accident, drying it properly is crucial to prevent mold, odors, and damage. Here are the best ways to dry heavy bedding like comforters or quilts in simple steps anyone can follow.

**1. Remove Excess Water First**
If your bedding is very wet, start by pressing or blotting out as much water as possible using towels. Avoid wringing it out roughly because that can damage the fabric and filling.

**2. Use a Dryer with Care**
Put the comforter or heavy blanket loosely into a large-capacity dryer so it’s not bunched up inside. Add wool dryer balls or clean tennis balls to help separate the fibers and speed up drying while keeping the filling fluffy[1][2][3]. Use low heat settings or special “ready to store” programs if your dryer has them[1]. You might need multiple drying cycles for thick bedding.

**3. Air Dry When Possible**
If you don’t have access to a big dryer, hang your bedding outside on a sunny day where there’s good airflow. Sunlight helps kill bacteria and speeds evaporation[5]. Spread it out flat if you can, flipping occasionally so all parts dry evenly.

**4. Use Fans Indoors for Faster Drying**
Place fans around your wet bedding indoors to circulate air over it continuously[5]. This helps moisture evaporate faster than just letting it sit still.

**5. Be Patient and Check Often**
Heavy bedding takes time to dry fully—sometimes several hours or even days depending on thickness and humidity levels. Make sure no damp spots remain before storing away because leftover moisture causes mildew smells and mold growth.

By combining these methods—pressing excess water out first, careful tumble drying with balls added for fluffiness, sun exposure when possible, plus indoor fans—you’ll get your heavy bedding dried safely without damage after an accident[1][2][3][5].