Can You Wash a King Comforter at a Laundromat?

1. Check the care label at home

Most down-alternative and synthetic comforters are machine washable. Many down comforters are too, but some ask for a special detergent, and a few are dry-clean only. Silk and wool comforters often have their own instructions. If the label says dry clean only, follow it.

While you are at it, check whether the duvet cover or shams can go in the same trip; they usually wash with your regular sheets.

2. Bring what you need

• A gentle detergent (down comforters may call for a down wash).
• Two or three dryer balls or clean tennis balls.
• A large bag to carry the comforter home once it is clean and dry.

3. Pick a big enough washer

Choose a washer where the comforter fills no more than about three quarters of the drum, loosely. For a king, that usually means 40 lb or larger. The extra space is what lets water and detergent move through the filling.

At 1st Class Laundry, washers of 40 lb and up on record: Glassboro: 40 and 120 lb; Pine Hill: 40, 60 and 80 lb; Berlin: 40, 55, 60 and 80 lb; Atco: 80 lb.

4. Wash gently

• Pre-treat stains with a little detergent.
• Use a modest amount of detergent; too much leaves residue that is hard to rinse from thick filling.
• Pick the water temperature the label recommends.
• If the machine offers an extra rinse, it helps with thick bedding.

5. Dry it all the way through

This is the step people rush. Move the comforter to a large dryer, add the dryer balls, and use a moderate heat setting. Every so often, pull it out, shake it and turn it so the filling redistributes. A king comforter typically takes noticeably longer than a load of clothes. Feel the center and the corners before you leave; any cool, damp or clumped spots mean it needs more time.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Squeezing a king comforter into a washer that is too small.
• Using a full cup of detergent; thick filling holds on to soap.
• Washing it with jeans or towels, which can rub and pill the fabric.
• Taking it home slightly damp and folding it away.
• Using high heat on a comforter whose label asks for low or moderate heat.

Or drop it off

If you would rather skip the wait, our comforter and bedding service at Pine Hill and Glassboro washes and fully dries it for you, with no appointment needed.

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