Maytag® washing machine and dryer in a laundry room.

How to Wash a Comforter in a few Easy Steps

Can you wash a comforter at home? You can, and you should! Comforters don’t get as dirty as other bedding, but they harbor allergens that can affect sleep. That’s why it’s important to know how to wash a comforter the right way. Luckily, washing a comforter, even a down one, is almost as easy as tackling a load of laundry. Not only does a clean comforter feel and smell great, but it also prolongs the life of the fibers and fabric. Learning how to wash a comforter at home is easier than you think.

HOW TO WASH A DOWN COMFORTER AT HOME

Comforters are categorized by the type of materials they’re filled with. Popular fillings include down, polyester, wool, cotton and silk. The most common fillers are down or polyester and both can be washed at home. It’s a common misconception that down comforters have to be taken to a dry cleaner, but—unless the label specifically instructs otherwise—you can definitely wash it at home.

Step 1: Read the Comforter’s Care Label

Before you decide to use your washing machine, check the care label to see the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions. Some materials, such as wool or silk, can be damaged or shrink in the washer, and are best left to the professionals.

If the label gives you the okay to machine-wash, be sure to follow any specific instructions, such as using cold water or a specific cycle. While a comforter’s care label should provide information, the next steps for how to wash a comforter will apply to most fabrics and fills.

Step 2: Inspect the Comforter for Stains or Holes

Examine your comforter for tears, loose seams, or other damage, and make repairs before you wash it. Any tears or loose thread could snag and cause even more damage. Stains should also be treated before washing. Be sure to move the filling away from the stained area before treating the comforter.

Step 3: Load the Comforter into the Washer

Place the comforter into your washing machine carefully. Whether you have a front-load or top load washer, your comforter needs room to agitate and tumble – it can’t get clean otherwise. If you have a top load washer with an agitator, let the comforter fall loosely around the post and try to keep the load balanced.

Use a large capacity washer that’s big enough to accommodate your comforter with ample room to spare. Comforters should generally be washed on a bulky or bedding cycle using cool or warm water. Use a small amount of mild detergent and, if your washer allows, select the extra rinse option to completely remove soap residue from the comforter.

HOW TO DRY A COMFORTER

It's imperative to thoroughly dry a comforter. Expect the drying process to take around two to three hours for the comforter to get completely dry. Leaving any part of the comforter damp or wet can lead to mildew growth and mold. Due to their large size and bulky fill, drying a comforter can take a few extra steps.

Step 4: Load the Comforter into the Dryer

Bulky bedding like a comforter needs room to move around for uniform drying. Dry on a low heat setting, unless the label says otherwise, and add two or three dryer balls to the load so that the filling moves around as it dries. This allows warm air to circulate more efficiently which can even help reduce drying time.

COMPLETE THE DRYING PROCESS BY AIR DRYING

When the comforter feels almost dry, allow it to hang so that fresh air can circulate around it for a few hours and ensure the drying process is complete before putting it on the bed.

STEP 5: DRY YOUR COMFORTER THOROUGHLY

To ensure the comforter dries evenly, remove the comforter from the dryer every half hour or so and fluff to redistribute the filling. Return to the dryer and continue the cycle until it is dry. Some dryers, such as Maytag^® dryers with Advanced Moisture Sensing, monitor inside moisture and air temperatures to help loads get evenly dry.

HOW TO WASH AND DRY A DUVET

A duvet is an insert that works as the fill for a protective case or duvet cover. Remember to remove your duvet cover before washing—duvets should be washed separately per our steps above and covers can be washed with other bedding.

How Often Should You Wash Your Comforter or Duvet?

Unlike your bedsheets and pillowcases, which should be washed every week or two, your comforter doesn’t require frequent cleanings. Unless you spill something, cleaning your comforter or duvet 2-4 times per year should be enough. If your comforter is seasonal, it’s recommended you go through the cleaning process before and after each storage.

Need a Bigger Washer for Comforters and Other Large Items?

If you’re in need of more space to wash a comforter or duvet, consider a large capacity front load, top load impeller or top load agitator washer to meet your laundry needs. Better yet, tackle large loads with a matching large capacity dryer. Many Maytag^® large capacity washers are big enough to take on the large loads you throw at them.