How to Wash a Comforter at a Laundromat
Your comforter should be washed regularly—at least once every 1-2 months, more often if you have pets or allergies. But most home washing machines can't handle a full-size comforter properly.
Quick Answer
Use the largest commercial washer available, warm/cold water, and 2/3 of your normal detergent amount. Dry on low heat with dryer balls for 45-70 minutes. The key is ensuring the comforter is completely dry—press the center to check for dampness. Total cost: $10-16.
That's where the laundromat comes in. Large commercial washers are perfect for bulky bedding. Here's how to do it right.
Why Home Machines Often Can't Handle Comforters
Standard household washers have a capacity of about 4-5 cubic feet. A queen or king comforter, when wet, becomes extremely heavy and takes up significant space. Cramming it into a small machine leads to:
- Uneven washing (some areas stay dirty)
- Soap residue trapped in the filling
- Strain on the machine's motor and drum
- Potential damage to the comforter's stitching
Laundromat commercial washers range from 5 to 8+ cubic feet and are built for heavy loads. They're the right tool for the job.
Step-by-Step: Washing Your Comforter
Step 1: Check the Care Label
Most comforters are machine washable, but check the label first. Some materials—particularly silk, wool, or certain down comforters—may require dry cleaning. If the label says "dry clean only," honor that.
Step 2: Pre-Treat Stains
Inspect your comforter for visible stains. Pre-treat them with a stain remover spray before washing. Focus on the edges and corners where body oils and dirt accumulate.
Step 3: Choose the Right Machine
Use the largest available washer—typically labeled as "commercial," "3-load," or "super-capacity." Even if your comforter seems to fit in a smaller machine, the extra space matters for proper cleaning and rinsing.
At The Wash House, our oversized front-load washers are ideal for comforters.
Step 4: Use the Right Settings
- Water temperature: Warm or cold for most comforters. Hot water can damage filling and cause shrinkage.
- Cycle: Normal or bedding cycle. Avoid heavy-duty cycles that can be too aggressive.
- Spin: Regular spin is fine. It actually helps extract water for faster drying.
Step 5: Add Detergent Carefully
Use less detergent than you think. Comforters are bulky but not heavily soiled. Excess detergent gets trapped in the filling and causes that stiff, crunchy feeling. Use about 2/3 of your normal amount for a large load.
Skip the fabric softener. It can coat the filling and reduce fluffiness, especially in down comforters.
Step 6: Dry on Low Heat
Transfer your comforter to the largest dryer available. Again, it needs room to tumble freely.
- Heat setting: Low or medium. High heat can damage filling and outer fabric.
- Time: Expect 45-70 minutes, sometimes longer.
- Check periodically: Stop the dryer every 20 minutes and fluff the comforter by hand.
The dryer ball trick: Adding 2-3 clean tennis balls or wool dryer balls helps break up clumps in the filling and speeds drying.
Step 7: Confirm It's Fully Dry
This is crucial. If any moisture remains in the filling, mildew can develop within days. Press your hand firmly into the center of the comforter—this is where moisture hides. If it feels cool or damp at all, run another dry cycle.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using a machine that's too small. If you have to stuff the comforter in, it's too small.
- Using too much detergent. Excess soap doesn't rinse out and makes the comforter stiff.
- Drying on high heat. This can damage filling, especially down and synthetic alternatives.
- Not drying completely. Damp filling leads to mildew, odor, and potential health issues.
How Often Should You Wash Your Comforter?
| Situation | Recommended Frequency |
|---|---|
| Typical use | Every 1-2 months |
| Use with a duvet cover | Every 2-3 months |
| Allergy sufferers | Every 2-4 weeks |
| Pet sleeps on bed | Every 2-3 weeks |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wash a king-size comforter at a laundromat?
Absolutely. That's exactly what commercial-size washers are for. Choose the largest machine available—typically 6+ cubic feet for a king-size comforter.
My comforter has a weird smell after washing. Why?
It probably didn't dry completely. Moisture trapped in the filling leads to mildew odor. Run it through another full dry cycle on low heat, checking the center for dampness.
How much does it cost to wash a comforter at a laundromat?
Expect to pay $7-12 for the wash (large commercial machine) plus $2-4 for drying. Total: $10-16, which is much cheaper than professional dry cleaning.
How often should I wash my comforter?
Every 1-2 months for typical use. Wash every 2-4 weeks if you have allergies, or every 2-3 weeks if pets sleep on the bed. Using a duvet cover extends the time between washes to 2-3 months.
Can I wash a down comforter at a laundromat?
Yes, most down comforters are machine washable. Use cold or warm water, mild detergent, and low heat for drying. Dryer balls are essential for down—they prevent clumping of the feathers.
What size washer do I need for a queen comforter?
Use a large or commercial washer (5+ cubic feet) for a queen comforter. The comforter needs room to move freely during the wash cycle for proper cleaning and rinsing.
Should I use fabric softener when washing a comforter?
No, skip the fabric softener. It can coat the filling—especially down—and reduce fluffiness. If you want softness, use dryer balls during the drying cycle instead.