What size washer do you need for a king-sized comforter?
Use a washer with a 5 cubic feet (1.5 m) drum capacity. Smaller washers and dryers do not have enough room to properly clean large, bulky bedding. Most cleaning experts recommend using a washer that’s at least 5 cubic feet (1.5 m) and a dryer that’s at least 7 cubic feet (2 m) to wash king-size comforters. If you don’t have a large enough washer and dryer, either: Wash your comforter by hand and let it air dry. Wash your comforter at a laundromat using an industrial-sized machine. Take your comforter to a dry cleaner.
Using a Washer and Dryer
Check your comforter’s care tag for washing instructions. Look at the care label on your comforter to ensure it’s safe to machine wash. The care tag also lists the water temperature and washing cycle that are recommended for your comforter. Most down and polyester comforters are safe to machine wash. Comforters made of delicate materials, like silk, wool, and lace, are typically hand-wash only. If your comforter isn’t machine washable, wash it by hand using the instructions below.
Apply a stain remover on any stains and repair any tears. Pinch away the filling from any stained spots and apply a stain remover. Let it sit for 15 minutes, or according to the stain remover’s instructions. If there are any rips or holes on your comforter, sew them closed with a needle and thread. For blood and urine stains, use an enzyme-based stain remover.
Grab the corners of your comforter so it's easy to put in the washer. Pick up your comforter by the corners and bundle together the blanket. Ensure that it fits comfortably in the machine with some room to spare. If you have a top-loading washer, it should fit loosely around the agitator. Note: Most king-size comforters can only be washed in large washers that are at least 5 cubic feet (1.5 m). Small machines can’t wash your comforter properly. If your comforter does not fit into your machine, wash it by hand. Wash your comforter by itself. Adding sheets or clothing can prevent your items from getting washed properly. Optional tip: Throw 1 to 3 clean tennis balls in the washing machine with your comforter. They can help fluff your comforter and keep the load balanced.
Pour mild laundry detergent into the appropriate slot. Follow the instructions on your laundry detergent to measure the recommended amount for your load size. Then, pour it into the detergent slot or directly into the drum, depending on your washing machine. Check your comforter’s care tag before pouring in fabric softener or other laundry additives.
Select the temperature and setting that’s safe for your comforter. Choose the water temperature and wash cycle that’s recommended for your comforter on its care tag. Then, press “Start.” For delicate comforters like down, you typically choose the “Delicate” cycle. For sturdier fabrics, you typically choose the “Bulky” or “Bedding” cycle. Tip: Add a second rinse cycle to your washing settings. This helps ensure all of the soapy residue is removed from your bedding.
Place the comforter in the dryer and add 1 to 3 tennis balls. If your comforter is dryer-safe, shake it out and set it inside the machine along with several tennis balls. The tennis balls fluff your comforter as it dries and can help cut down on the drying time. Note: Most king-size comforters only fit in large-capacity dryers that are at least 7 ft (2 m). If your dryer isn’t big enough or your comforter isn’t dryer-safe, hang it on a clothesline or drying rack outside to air dry. Use wool dryer balls instead of tennis balls, if you prefer.
Dry your comforter on low heat, fluffing it every 30 minutes. Set your dryer to the lowest heat setting. Then, stop the dryer every 30 minutes to shake and fluff your comforter so the filling doesn’t twist or bunch up. Just keep repeating this until your comforter is dry. Drying your comforter can take up to 3 hours. Using a high heat setting can damage your comforter or warp its shape.
Washing Your Comforter by Hand
Fill your bathtub with lukewarm water and add your detergent. If your comforter is hand wash only or will not fit in your machine, wash it in your bathtub. Use a bathtub stopper to seal the drain and fill your tub about ⅔ full with lukewarm water. Then, pour in the recommended amount of laundry detergent according to the detergent’s instructions. Make sure to clean your bathtub before you wash your comforter.
Add in the comforter and massage it with your hands. Place your comforter in the soapy water and push it down so it is completely submerged. Then, use your hands to knead and massage your comforter in the soapy water for several minutes; agitating your comforter helps get it clean. Use your feet, a long poll, or a soft-bristled scrub brush to agitate your comforter, if you prefer. Optional: After massaging your comforter, let it sit in the soapy water for 1 hour.
Push the comforter to the back of the tub and drain the soapy water. Move the comforter away from the drain and then unplug the drain stopper. This allows all of the soapy water to drain out of the tub. If your comforter slides towards the drain, hold it toward the back of the tub with your hands.
Soak and massage your comforter in fresh water to rinse out the soap. Seal the drain back up and fill your tub with lukewarm water. Knead and massage your comforter for several minutes to help rinse out all of the soap inside the bedding. Optional: Let your comforter soak in the fresh water for 5 to 30 minutes to help wash out the soap.
Empty the tub and wring out the excess water from your comforter. Remove the drain stopper and let the water drain. Then, press the comforter against the side of the tub to remove most of the water. Use your hands and feet to wring out the excess water. Ask a family member or friend to help you wring out the water to make it easier and go by more quickly.
Dry your comforter in the dryer or let it air dry. If your comforter is dryer-safe and you have a big enough dryer, dry it on low heat and fluff it every 30 minutes. Alternatively, hang it up on a clothesline outside or drape it over a drying rack to dry. It may take 1 to 2 days for your comforter to fully air dry. Flip the comforter over about halfway through drying to help speed up its drying time. If you don’t have a clothesline or drying rack, drape your comforter over chairs or your stair railing.
How Often to Wash a Comforter
Wash your comforter at least once or twice a year. Comforters don’t absorb as much sweat, oil, and dirt as your sheets, so they don’t need to be cleaned regularly. A wash about once or twice a year is enough to keep your comforter clean. If you don’t use a flat sheet under your comforter, wash it about 3 to 4 times per year. Wash your comforter whenever it gets stained. If you’re storing your comforter, wash and dry it before putting it away. House cleaning professional Kadi Dulude recommends spraying your comforter with vinegar and putting it in the dryer every few months to help “kill the dust mites and freshen [it] up.”
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