How to Machine Wash and Hand Wash a King Size Comforter

PDF download Download Article
Keep your down & synthetic comforters fluffy & clean with this guide
PDF download Download Article

If you have a large-capacity washer, it’s easy to wash your king-size comforter at home. Simply read your comforter’s care tag to determine the best washing cycle, add it to your machine with some tennis balls, and dry it on low heat. If your comforter is too large for your machine or it’s hand-wash only, wash it in your bathtub and hang it up to air dry. Keep reading to learn the best way to machine wash and hand-wash your king-size comforter and how often to clean it!

Cleaning a King-Size Comforter at Home

Wash your comforter in a washer with a drum capacity of at least 5 cubic feet (1.5 m 3 ). Pre-treat any stains and sew up any holes. Then, read the comforter’s care tag to select the recommended washing cycle and water temperature. Dry it on low heat with 1-3 tennis balls, stopping to fluff it every 30 minutes.

Section 1 of 4:

What size washer do you need for a king-sized comforter?

PDF download Download Article
  1. 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 3 ) and a dryer that’s at least 7 cubic feet (2 m 3 ) to wash king-size comforters. [1]
    • 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.
    2. Advertisement
Section 2 of 4:

Using a Washer and Dryer

PDF download Download Article
  1. 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. [2]
    • 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.
  2. 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. [3]
  3. 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. [4]
    • Note : Most king-size comforters can only be washed in large washers that are at least 5 cubic feet (1.5 m 3 ). Small machines can’t wash your comforter properly. [5]
    • 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. [6]
  4. 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. [7]
    • Check your comforter’s care tag before pouring in fabric softener or other laundry additives.
  5. Choose the water temperature and wash cycle that’s recommended for your comforter on its care tag. Then, press “Start.” [8]
    • 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.
  6. 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. [9]
    • Note : Most king-size comforters only fit in large-capacity dryers that are at least 7 ft 3 (2 m 3 ).
    • 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.
  7. 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. [10]
    • Drying your comforter can take up to 3 hours.
    • Using a high heat setting can damage your comforter or warp its shape.
    8. Advertisement
Section 3 of 4:

Washing Your Comforter by Hand

PDF download Download Article
  1. 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 â…” full with lukewarm water. Then, pour in the recommended amount of laundry detergent according to the detergent’s instructions. [11]
    • Make sure to clean your bathtub before you wash your comforter.
  2. 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. [12]
    • 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.
  3. 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. [13]
    • If your comforter slides towards the drain, hold it toward the back of the tub with your hands.
  4. 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. [14]
    • Optional : Let your comforter soak in the fresh water for 5 to 30 minutes to help wash out the soap.
  5. 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. [15]
    • Ask a family member or friend to help you wring out the water to make it easier and go by more quickly.
  6. 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. [16]
    • 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.
    7. Advertisement
Section 4 of 4:

How Often to Wash a Comforter

PDF download Download Article
  1. 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. [17]
    • 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.”

Expert Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Can I wash a king-size comforter in my top load washer?
    Kadi Dulude
    House Cleaning Professional
    Kadi Dulude is a House Cleaning Professional and the Owner of Wizard of Homes, a New York City-based cleaning company. Kadi has over 10 years of experience and manages a team of over 90 registered cleaning professionals. Her cleaning advice has been featured in Architectural Digest and New York Magazine.
    Kadi Dulude
    House Cleaning Professional
    Expert Answer
    It depends on the size of the washer. If your comforter can easily fit into the washer without having to be stuffed into it, then it can be washed there. Just don’t put any other items in the washer while doing it.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
  • Question
    What size washer do you need to wash a king size comforter?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    A 3.8 cubic foot (or 0.12 cubic meter) machine should be able to handle a king size comforter. You should be able to find your washer’s capacity in your owner’s manual or find it by looking up your model online.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 1 Helpful 8
  • Question
    How much does it cost to dry clean a king size comforter?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    Most dry cleaners will charge between $30-$45. However, the cost may vary depending on factors like where you live and what the comforter is made of.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 2 Helpful 4
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      Warnings

      • Using hot water and high heat to wash and dry your comforter may warp its shape or ruin the fabric.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      The Easiest Way to Clean Your Room from Top to Bottom
      How to
      Clean and Deodorize Your Mattress with Baking Soda
      How to
      Get Cat Urine Out of a Mattress
      How to
      Measure Bed Size
      Super Messy Bedroom? Easy, Stress-Free Ways to Clean Up
      9 Simple Habits to Keep Your Room Clean (& How to Do a Deep Clean)
      How to
      Block Off Under the Bed
      How to
      Clean Your Room (Teens)
      How to
      Clean Underneath a Low Bed
      How to
      Make Your Bedroom Smell Good
      How to
      Clean Your Room Quickly and Efficiently
      How to
      Clean and Organize Your Room
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.consumerreports.org/appliances/washing-machines/how-to-wash-a-comforter-a1118352464/
      2. ↑ https://www.bhg.com/homekeeping/laundry-linens/linens/wash-and-dry-down-filled-items/
      3. ↑ https://www.bhg.com/homekeeping/laundry-linens/linens/wash-and-dry-down-filled-items/
      4. ↑ https://youtu.be/dC2YPzaNTMo?t=46s
      5. ↑ https://www.consumerreports.org/appliances/washing-machines/how-to-wash-a-comforter-a1118352464/
      6. ↑ https://youtu.be/gbwviuVGwPA?t=23s
      7. ↑ https://youtu.be/gbwviuVGwPA?t=15s
      8. ↑ https://youtu.be/gbwviuVGwPA?t=31s
      9. ↑ https://www.bhg.com/homekeeping/laundry-linens/linens/wash-and-dry-down-filled-items/
      1. ↑ https://www.bhg.com/homekeeping/laundry-linens/linens/wash-and-dry-down-filled-items/
      2. ↑ https://youtu.be/YvtrlfyA2NI?si=hBqOMF1rvDU0mqpC&t=81
      3. ↑ https://youtu.be/YvtrlfyA2NI?si=JOqxhvjkw7h0pulw&t=117
      4. ↑ https://youtu.be/YvtrlfyA2NI?si=aaeal785NwZG8imr&t=225
      5. ↑ https://youtu.be/YvtrlfyA2NI?si=5gRJw4IlWk1Us3iW&t=254
      6. ↑ https://youtu.be/YvtrlfyA2NI?si=guG4qIP4eC4vxaZI&t=387
      7. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-wash-a-comforter/
      8. ↑ https://www.bhg.com/homekeeping/laundry-linens/linens/wash-and-dry-down-filled-items/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To wash your king-sized comforter at home, all you need to do is follow the washing instructions on the tag. If you can put it in the washer, bundle it together by bringing its 4 corners into the middle, which will make it easier to fit into the machine. Add 2 to 3 tennis balls to your machine, which will fluff up your comforter as it washes. Add a cap of laundry detergent and set your machine to a delicate cycle. If your comforter can't be machine washed, wash it in a bathtub with detergent and cool water instead. After the wash is complete, dry your comforter on a low heat setting. For tips from our Cleaning co-author on how to ring out your comforter if you've washed it by hand, read on!

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 191,816 times.
      If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission .

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement