You might fit a lightweight king duvet in an 8kg machine, but it's often too small for a standard king, risking poor cleaning and machine strain; a 9-10kg+ machine is usually needed, so check your duvet's weight/care label and consider a laundromat for bulky winter ones to avoid damage, as an 8kg is better for queen/double sizes.
Clothes and bedding can only clean effectively if they have enough room to move inside of the washer drum. A king-size comforter should have room to move freely in a large capacity washer with at least 5.0 cu. ft. capacity.
Just make sure your machine is large enough to handle the size of your doona – for king and queen sizes, a front loader with a capacity of at least 8kg is recommended (up to 10kg for king doonas).
Best for: Larger duvets
If your duvet is large or has a high tog rating and cannot fit in your washer, or is too delicate and not suitable for machine washing, then you may consider hand washing it at home. To do this, fill a bathtub about halfway with warm water and add a small amount of gentle detergent.
Depends on the weight. I wash my 4.5 tog king size in my 9kg washing machine, no problem. Wouldn't be able to put the winter weight (13.5 tog) one in there though - that goes to the dry cleaner.
What size washer do I need for a duvet? 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.
Understanding washing machine capacities
To give you an idea: 8kg washing machine - Roughly 40 T-shirts or a queen-size duvet. 9kg washing machine - Around 45 T-shirts or a king-size duvet. 10kg washing machine - About 50 T-shirts, or a king-size duvet plus a couple of towels.
For the best, most thorough wash, your duvet should fit in the drum loosely, allowing water and detergent to flow through the drum and duvet freely. Even some thicker king size duvets may not fit properly inside a 9kg washing machine. Ideally, you'll need a 10kg to 12kg washing machine.
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.
Bulky and Large Items
While 8kg and 9kg machines can manage most household laundry, a 10kg drum is preferable if you frequently wash bedding, curtains, or large towels.
8kg washing machine – can fit around 40 T-Shirts or a queen sized duvet and is suited for a medium sized family. 9kg washing machine – can fit around 45 T-Shirts or a medium king sized duvet and is suited for a large sized family.
Medium 7-9kg: a medium drum size is able to hold around 10-13 towels, 7 trousers and t-shirts, or 1 double duvet. Large 10-13kg: a large drum size can hold around 14-18 towels, 10 trousers and t-shirts, or 1 kingsize duvet.
Double size doona: 7kg to 8kg capacity. Queen size doona: 8kg to 10kg capacity. King size doona: 10kg to 12kg capacity.
If you're working with an especially thick or king-size duvet, take advantage of your washing machine's “bulky” cycle. Though not available on all washing machines, the bulky cycle uses extra water and a lower spin speed to thoroughly soak and rinse your duvet. Some machines give you the option to choose a spin speed.
For bulkier blankets like quilts, recommended to use a large load capacity washing machine. If your quilt is a king size, use a large, front loading washing machine. It's also best to put the quilt in the washing machine by itself and not with any other laundry.
When you wash bed sheets on your washer's hottest setting, you kill dust mites and microorganisms and ensure that your sheets aren't hosting dust mite family reunions. If you're washing sheets once a month, you won't cause any harm, but sleeping in your own dirt could cause eczema, dermatitis, or dust allergies.
Research from the Wang laboratory at Rutgers University showed some interesting results. For example, washing clothes at 60 degrees C for 30 minutes terminates all bed bugs and eggs. Lowering the temperature to 40 C kills all adult bed bugs, but only 25% of the eggs.
If your towel continues to smell after a longer wash, it usually signifies that bacteria is still in your washing machine - or hiding somewhere on your towel. By running the cycle again with bleach or washing your towels for a second time, you can remove any stubborn bacteria left behind.
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.
Unless the care instructions say differently, you should wash your duvet cover on a gentle, warm water cycle. Pro Tip: Don't try to force your duvet cover into your washer. Consider bringing it to a laundromat if it's too big and doesn't fit into your washer.
Feather duvets: Should be washed with a small amount of mild detergent on a gentle, warm cycle.
If you need to wash a king-size duvet, we would recommend that you grab a washing machine with a capacity of 9kg or more. An 8kg washing machine would be perfect for washing a queen-size duvet, or a few single duvets.
The right washing machine capacity for your needs
More people in your home means more, and bigger, loads of laundry. Here's a general guideline to help you select the best washing machine load capacity for your household: 1 to 2 people – 5kg to 6kg. 3 to 4 people – 7kg to 8kg.
A 9 kg machine can wash a whole king size duvet and is the best option for large families.