Most comforters can be washed at home if the care label allows it and your washer drum is large enough. Use a gentle cycle, mild detergent, an extra rinse and low, slow drying until the fill is completely dry.
Check Before You Begin
Look at the care label first. It may say machine wash, dry clean only, or give a temperature limit. If it says dry clean only, follow that.
- Lay the comforter out and look for loose seams, holes or thin patches. Mend these first, or fill will escape in the wash.
- Check that the comforter can move freely in the drum. If it fills the drum tightly, use a larger machine at a laundromat.
- Spot treat stains with a little mild liquid detergent and a soft cloth.
The Washing Steps
- Load the comforter loosely, folding it in half or loosely rolling it so weight is spread around the drum.
- Add the amount of mild detergent suggested on the bottle for a small load. More is not better, since residue is hard to rinse out of thick fill.
- Select a gentle or bulky cycle and the temperature allowed by the label.
- Run an additional rinse so no detergent remains in the fill.
- If the machine has a spin step, let it finish. Removing excess water shortens drying time.
Drying Without Clumps
Damp fill can clump and hold odors, so drying matters as much as washing. Put the comforter in a large dryer on low or medium heat, along with a few clean dryer balls or clean tennis balls wrapped in a cloth to break up lumps.
Pause every 20 to 30 minutes, pull the comforter out, and shake it so the fill spreads out. Keep going until no cool or damp spots remain, which can take several cycles. If the label allows, finish by hanging it over a line or rack for a few hours.
Quick Reference
| Stage | Good habit | Mistake to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Loading | Leave space in the drum | Cramming it in |
| Detergent | Small, measured amount | Pouring extra |
| Rinse | Add a second rinse | Skipping it |
| Drying | Low heat with shaking | High heat in one go |
Plan your wash day around the weather and the clock. A comforter can take several hours to dry fully, so begin in the morning and keep a close eye on it through the day. On a mild, breezy day, an hour on an outdoor line between dryer cycles helps freshen the fill and speeds things along.
When the comforter is finished, check the stitching and corners once more. Fold it loosely and place it on a clean, dry bed or shelf. A comforter put away damp can develop a musty smell in storage, so it is always worth a final press with your hands to check the center of every section.
FAQ
How often should a comforter be washed?
Many people wash it once or twice a year, more often if there is no cover. A duvet cover can be washed far more frequently.
What if it still smells damp?
It is not dry yet. Continue drying on low heat or air it outdoors in a breeze.
The Short Version
Read the label, give the comforter plenty of room, rinse well and dry slowly while shaking out lumps. Never put it away until it is fully dry.