Yes, a large comforter can break a washing machine, especially if it's too big for the machine, as the weight of the water-soaked fabric puts immense strain on the drum, motor, and other parts, leading to damage, imbalance, and costly repairs. Home washers aren't designed for such bulky items, so forcing it in can damage both the machine and the comforter; using a large-capacity front-loader or laundromat machine is recommended.
Most king-size comforters should be able to be washed using your washing machine and dried in a clothes dryer. If your comforter is too large for your machine or if it is made out of delicate materials, hand-wash it and let it air dry instead. Either way, your comforter will be fresh and clean in no time.
If the comforter fits and the door closes without needing to push it down, then it's suitable. However, if you have to force it down, it would be too bulky for your washer.
A 7 kg drum can wash a double duvet or the towels and sheets for a small family. An 8 kg drum can wash a queen or a lightweight size duvet. This is suitable for a medium size family. A 9 kg machine can wash a whole king size duvet and is the best option for large families.
A gentle or delicate cycle prevents excessive agitation, which can damage the filling or fabric. Always use cold or warm water unless the care label specifies otherwise. Hot water can shrink or warp materials like cotton or polyester.
Unless the label specifically instructs otherwise—you can wash and dry your comforter at home using a large capacity washer and dryer with a mild laundry detergent. Simply spot clean stains and repair holes or tears, then wash using a bulky cycle with cool or warm water.
Most down comforters can be washed in a front-loading machine with gentle detergent and warm water. Avoid bleach and fabric softeners, which can damage the down filling. Adding clean tennis balls or dryer balls during drying helps maintain fluffiness.
So, what if your duvet is too big for your home washing machine? Then you'll need to look at other solutions. For one, you could handwash your duvet, which is more work but just as effective. On the other hand, you could take your duvet to be professionally cleaned.
A washer with 4.5 cu. ft. capacity or above should also be able to handle king-sized duvets and comforters, so make sure you're getting the capacity you need to avoid trips to the laundromat.
Wash bedding at 60°C (140°F) for sanitizing (killing germs, dust mites, especially if sick) but use 40°C (104°F) for most regular washes, as it's gentler, saves energy, and prevents shrinkage, especially for colored or delicate fabrics like cotton sateen, flannel, or bamboo. Always check the care label, but 40°C is generally sufficient with good detergent, while 60°C is best for deep cleaning or allergies, with 90°C reserved for heavily soiled whites.
You'll need a washer with at least 4.5 cubic feet of capacity to handle a king-size comforter. In our ratings, you'll find washers with capacities ranging from a 1.9-cubic-foot compact to a 5.8-cubic-foot front-loader.
Don't Use Too Much Detergent
Excess detergent can cause residue to accumulate inside your comforter, resulting in clumped-up batting or down clusters. Even if you're using the appropriate amount of detergent, you might still want to opt for an extra rinse cycle that can reduce any lingering detergent residue.
Your comforter needs room to agitate and tumble – it can't get clean otherwise. A large capacity washer is typically one with at least 5.0 cu. ft. capacity and a large capacity dryer features at least 7.0 cu.
For a single duvet, a 6kg machine is typically sufficient. For a double duvet, aim for a 7kg model, while a king-size duvet requires at least an 8kg capacity. Super king-size duvets usually need a drum size of 9kg or larger.
I wash my king size comforter and a larger than king quilt in my front load washer all the time. I just use the bulky/bedding setting. The dryer is more of a problem because it tends to burrito and the inner parts don't dry on the first round.
Washing machine capacity typically ranges from 5 to 10 kilograms worth of load per wash cycle. Depending on the amount of laundry load in your home, you can decide on the best-suited machine. However, one thing to keep in mind is that the higher the capacity, the more water and power are consumed by them.
Step 1: Use a large capacity washer and dryer. Your comforter needs room to agitate and tumble – it can't get clean otherwise. If your laundry set isn't large enough to accommodate your comforter, use a commercial washer and dryer at your local laundromat.
11kg washing machine – can fit around 55 T-Shirts or a heavy king sized duvet and is suited for a very large sized family. 12kg washing machine – can fit around 60 T-Shirts or a heavy king sized duvet and is suited for a very large sized family.
Use a gentle cycle with mild detergent and cold or lukewarm water to keep the fabric safe. For larger or delicate comforters, it's often a good idea to consider a professional cleaning or a visit to a commercial laundry service for the best care.
Comforters. How often should you wash your comforter? Assuming no spills or excess dirt sully your comforter, and the comforter does not have a protective duvet, try to wash it every one to two months. If the comforter does have a duvet, you'll be okay to clean it a few times a year.
Comforters are also inviting to bed bug populations.
How Do You Wash a King Size Duvet? A Step-By-Step Guide