A lot of people wonder whether they can wash a comforter at home. You certainly can, and you should! Even though your comforter may not appear as dirty as your other bedding, it can still contain sleep-affecting allergens and should be washed a couple of times a year. But if you’ve got a huge king-size comforter, can you wash it in a standard top-load washer?
King-size comforters can be washed in a top-load washer, as long as it’s large enough. Comforters need space to tumble and agitate for proper cleaning. If your machine is a top-load washer with an agitator, allow your comforter to fall loosely around the post and ensure the load is balanced.
To wash your comforter, use cool or warm water on a bulky or bedding cycle and a small amount of detergent. If your washer allows, choose the extra rinse option to remove the soap scum from your comforter. Let’s look at the required washer capacities for your king-size comforter and tips for washing one.
Is It Possible to Wash a King-Size Comforter in a Top-Load Washer?
Typically, agitator top-loaders like the Speed Queen Models come with 3.2 cubic feet of space, the smallest tub capacity. However, some manufacturers have upped the game. They now sell agitator top-loaders that come with a capacity of 5 cubic feet or more.
Capacities for high-efficiency top-loaders (those that don’t come with an agitator) and front-loaders range from 4.5 to 6.2 cubic feet.
Washing machine buying guides usually recommend a capacity of at least 3.8 cubic feet for most king-size comforters. So a larger top-load washer should have enough space to accommodate one.
The comforter’s thickness and the size of the washing machine are two factors that also come into play. If your washer is either a super capacity washer or an extra-large model, you shouldn’t have any problems washing your comforter. The comforter needs enough space to move around and get clean.
You should also review the instructions and information on the label of the comforter. Some comforters can’t be washed in a machine, especially if they have down filling or are on the older side. They may need to be steam or dry cleaned by a professional in this case.
Can You Wash a King-Size Comforter in a Front-Load Washer?
Yes, you can. Usually, if the front-load washer has a tub with a minimum of 3.7 cubic feet or more, it can adequately handle the task of washing a king-size comforter.
If you want the comforter to be thoroughly washed and get the best possible cleaning, don’t put anything else in the washer alongside it.
How to Wash a King-Size Comforter
It’s straightforward to wash a king-size comforter right at home. Your washing machine should be suitable for most king-size comforters, and you can dry the comforter in your dryer afterward.
You should hand-wash your comforter if it’s too big for your machine or very delicate materials. After that, air-dry it, and your comforter will be clean and fresh for use.
Washing With a Top-Load Washer
Choose a large-capacity washer and dryer.
If you want your comforter to be washed appropriately, use a laundry set that is spacious enough for it to tumble and agitate. If you don’t have such a machine, you can use your local laundromat’s washer instead.
Take off the duvet cover.
If you use a duvet cover, it should be kept aside and washed separately.
Examine your comforter for tears, holes, or loose threads before washing.
Before putting your comforter in the washing machine, ensure that all of the stitching is secure.
Put the comforter in the washer carefully.
If you have a top-load washer with an agitator, place the comforter loosely around the washtub, then ensure that the load is kept balanced. Normally, a bulky cycle is used for washing comforters and sheets. But you can also use a delicate cycle if you’re worried about the materials.
Use the option for the extra rinse.
With the extra rinse option, you remove additional dirt, detergent, pollen, and dust particles. This option is generally beneficial to those who have sensitive skin or skin allergies.
Use a comforter rack to finish the drying.
Your dryer may not dry your comforter completely. After removing the comforter, you can put it on a comforter rack for one or two days before placing it back on your bed.
Washing With a Front-Load Washer
Read the care directives on the tag.
If there’s a need for your comforter to be washed using your hands or a particular water temperature, you will find this information on the tag. Otherwise, you can wash your comforter in your washing machine and dry it using your dryer.
Fold the four corners of the comforter so you can easily put it in the washer.
To place your comforter into the washing machine, pick it up by its corners and bundle the blanket together. A king-size comforter can fit into most washing machines easily.
Throw a couple of tennis balls in the washing machine.
Not only do tennis balls (on Amazon) help to keep the load balanced, but they also help to fluff up your comforter as the washing is going on. Just throw them into the washer right after placing the comforter inside.
Add one capful of detergent into the right slot.
On most washing machines, you will find a detergent slot either on the top left or middle of the machine. When you find the slot, add all-purpose detergent (on Amazon) to the included cap, and also pour the detergent from the cap into the slot.
Choose the delicate wash setting and then press “Start.”
Always use the “delicate” setting for washing a king-size comforter so the fabric won’t get damaged.
Put the comforter in the dryer once the wash cycle is complete.
A complete delicate wash cycle usually takes about 45-60 minutes with most washers. Once this cycle is complete, please take out your comforter and put it into your dryer.
Add the tennis balls to the dryer to help keep the shape.
After putting your comforter into the dryer, toss the tennis balls in as well. They will help reduce the drying time while also ensuring that your comforter’s shape is properly maintained.
Dry the comforter using a low heat setting.
Remember to adjust the heat setting to the lowest option before you hit the “Start” button. 60-80 minutes is usually the average time to complete a dry cycle in a low heat setting.
How to Hand Wash a King-Size Comforter
If using your washing machine isn’t an option, don’t worry! Your bathtub is an excellent option if you’ve got a very delicate comforter or if it can’t fit into your washer. Here’s how to do it:
1. Pour a mixture of warm water and detergent into your bathtub.
Seal the drain of the bathtub using a bathtub stopper and ensure that the warm water takes up about two-thirds of the whole capacity. After that, fill the cap with detergent and pour it into the water.
2. Soak the comforter in the water for a minimum of five minutes. Put the comforter in the sudsy water, then push it down until it’s totally covered. Allow the comforter to soak up the water for some minutes.
3. Push your comforter to the back of the tub and drain the soapy water. Move your comforter away from the drain with your hands after it soaks for a while, and then you can proceed to take out the drain stopper. Allow the soapy water to drain so you can use fresh water.
4. Once the soapy water is gone, put back the drain stopper and fill the tub with cool water to half of its full capacity. As the tub refills, leave your comforter in the clean water for about three to five minutes.
Summary
Comforters come in various types and sizes. They also come made of different materials such as wool, silk, polyester, down, and cotton. Down or polyester are the most common fillers, and either of them can be washed at home.
There is a common misconception about down comforters that they should only be taken to a dry cleaner. As long as the label of the comforter does not indicate this, then you can wash it in the comfort of your home.