Washing a comforter at home can be tough. Most home washers aren’t big enough, which means your comforter may come out half-clean and still damp. Drying it fully at home can also take forever, and if it’s not fully dry, it could lead to mold. Luckily, there’s an easy fix—take your comforter to a laundromat. Laundromats have bigger machines that are perfect for comforters, giving them a deep clean and drying them much faster, saving you time and trouble.
In this blog we’ll explain step by step guide on how to wash a comforter and tips for every step. Let’s dive in!
Step-by-Step Guide to Wash a Comforter at a Laundromat
Washing a comforter at home can be tricky due to its size, so laundromats with large machines are ideal. Here’s how to do it properly:
1. Check the Care Label
Before you start, read the care label on your comforter.
This label will give you key information like recommended washing temperatures, whether it’s machine washable or dry clean only, and any special care instructions. Following these guidelines helps you avoid damaging your comforter and make it last longer.
For down comforters, be cautious as they can require specific handling. Washing a down comforter requires special care. Look for terms like “dry clean only” or “machine washable” and note any temperature restrictions.
If you are not sure how to read laundry labels, we have blog explaining every laundry symbols. Read here: “Guide to Laundry Symbols & Laundry Signs.”
2. Pretreat Any Stains
Inspect the comforter for any stains. For best results, pretreat these spots with a stain remover or a mild detergent before you wash.
Gently rub the stain remover into the fabric using your fingers or a soft brush, and let it sit for 10-15 minutes before washing. Focus on areas like the corners or edges where dirt and oils often accumulate.
Tip: Avoid using harsh bleach or strong chemicals on delicate fabrics or down-filled comforters.
3. Choose the Right Washer
Once you are at the laundromat, select a large-capacity, front-loading washer.
Standard top-loading machines with agitators can be too rough on your comforter and may cause damage like tearing the fabric or uneven cleaning. Laundromats often have oversized washers designed specifically for bulky items like comforters and blankets.
4. Load the Comforter Properly
Now, unfold your comforter and place it in the washer carefully.
Don’t crumple or stuff it in tightly—this could prevent parts of the comforter from getting cleaned evenly. Lay it in the drum in loose folds to allow for water and detergent to circulate freely.
5. Add the Right Amount of Detergent
Use a small amount of mild detergent, such as one designed for delicates or bedding. Using too much detergent can leave a residue in the comforter, making it feel stiff or greasy after drying. If possible, use a detergent without fragrances or harsh chemicals to avoid irritating sensitive skin.
For down comforters, look for detergents specifically designed for down-filled items.
6. Select a Gentle Cycle with Warm Water
Choose a gentle or delicate cycle on the machine to minimize wear and tear on the fabric.
Use warm water unless the care label specifies otherwise.
Hot water can be too harsh, and cold water may not be effective enough for deep cleaning.
Some laundromat machines allow for an extra rinse cycle—select this option if available to ensure all the detergent is rinsed out.
Avoid fabric softeners, especially on down comforters, as they can coat the fabric and reduce fluffiness.
7. Dry the Comforter in a Large Dryer
Once the wash is complete, transfer the comforter to a large-capacity dryer. Drying is just as important as washing since a damp or improperly dried comforter can develop mildew or smell musty.
Set the dryer to low or medium heat. High heat can cause shrinking or damage to delicate fabrics and fill materials like down or synthetic fibers.
To help the comforter dry evenly and prevent clumping of the filling, add a few wool dryer balls or clean tennis balls to the dryer. These help fluff the comforter and break up any clumps during the drying process.
Check the comforter periodically during drying to ensure it’s not overheating or clumping. If needed, pause the cycle, shake out the comforter, and rearrange it before resuming.
8. Ensure the Comforter Is Completely Dry
Drying a comforter can take longer than drying regular clothes, so be patient. It may take multiple cycles to fully dry.
Down or synthetic-filled comforters, in particular, take extra time to ensure that all the filling dries thoroughly. If you remove the comforter before it’s completely dry, it can develop a musty odor or even mold, so ensure there are no damp spots before taking it out.
To check, squeeze different parts of the comforter to feel for any residual moisture. If you notice dampness, continue drying in 15-20 minute increments, checking each time.
9. Transport Home and Fluff
After confirming the comforter is completely dry, take it out of the dryer and give it a good shake to redistribute the filling and restore its fluffiness. If you’ve used tennis balls or dryer balls, this step will be easier since they help break up clumps during the drying process.
When transporting home, use a clean laundry bag to keep it fresh and free of dirt.
Once home, spread the comforter out on your bed or hang it over a drying rack to let it air out and ensure it is completely dry. Fluff it up and enjoy your freshly cleaned comforter!
Why You Should Wash Your Comforters At a Laundromat
Laundromats are designed with commercial washing machines and dryers that are much larger than your typical household appliances. T
his is especially important when washing bulky items like comforters, which need plenty of space to move around and avoid getting tangled.
Additionally, laundromat washers often have stronger agitators and more efficient rinse cycles, ensuring that your comforter comes out fresh and clean without leftover detergent.
How Often Should You Wash a Comforter?
Most experts recommend washing your comforter every 1-2 months. If you’re washing a duvet cover, that may require more frequent washing since it’s in direct contact with your body, but the comforter inside can go longer without a deep clean.
Can You Dry a Comforter in a Home Dryer?
Drying a comforter in your home dryer is possible, but it can be time-consuming, and there’s always a risk of overheating or damaging the fabric if not done carefully.
For optimal results, you might want to consider using a dryer at your local laundromat, as these machines are typically larger and more efficient for drying bulky items.
Whether drying at home or at the laundromat, check your comforter regularly during the drying cycle. If it’s dry on the outside but still damp on the inside, take it out, give it a good shake, and place it back in the dryer to finish drying.
Best Laundromat To Wash Comforter In Clarksville, TN!
If you are at Windermere, Clarksville, TN, make sure to wash your comforter at The Dutchman’s Laundry! We have large capacity washers and dryers designed to handle bulky items like comforters with ease. Or, you can also just drop off your comforter and let us do the laundry, so you can save time and money. Visit our laundromat today!
Bullet-Point Summary of Key Tips:
- Wash your comforter every three to four months for optimal freshness.
- Always check the care label before washing to avoid damage.
- Use a mild detergent and opt for a front-loading machine at your local laundromat if possible.
- Add tennis balls or dryer balls to the dryer to prevent clumping and maintain fluffiness.
- Be patient during the drying process; a completely dry comforter is essential to avoid mold or mildew.
- Spot treat stains on both comforters and duvet covers to extend the time between washes.
- Laundromats are ideal for washing bulky bedding, offering commercial machines that can handle larger loads.
FAQs
Q. Can I wash a comforter at a laundromat?
A. Yes, you can absolutely wash a comforter at a laundromat! In fact, many people prefer using a laundromat for washing larger items like comforters. Laundromats usually have commercial-sized washers and dryers, which are more suitable for handling bulky bedding. These machines offer more space, better agitation, and more efficient cleaning than most home washers. So, if your comforter is too large for your washer at home, the laundromat is a great option to ensure a thorough wash.
Q. Is it OK to wash a comforter in the washing machine?
A. Yes, it is okay to wash a comforter in your washing machine, as long as it fits comfortably. It’s important to check the care label before washing, to ensure you’re following any special instructions for your specific comforter. Use a front-loading machine if possible, as it’s gentler on bulky items like comforters. If your washing machine at home is large enough, use a small amount of mild detergent and run an extra rinse cycle to ensure all the soap is removed. If your comforter is too large, heading to a laundromat may be a better choice.
Q. How do you wash a comforter that is too big for the washer?
A. If your comforter is too big for your home washer, the best option is to take it to a laundromat with larger commercial machines. At the laundromat, use a front-loading washing machine, as it’s gentler on the fabric. Add a small amount of mild detergent, and make sure to run the wash cycle with warm water. You can also add clean tennis balls or wool dryer balls to the dryer to help fluff the comforter during the drying process. This method ensures your comforter is washed and dried thoroughly without clumping or uneven distribution of filling.
Q. How to transport a comforter to a laundromat?
A. Transporting a comforter to a laundromat is simple. Fold the comforter as compactly as possible and place it in a large laundry bag or even a large garbage bag to protect it from dirt or moisture during transport. Some people also use vacuum storage bags to compress the comforter, making it easier to carry. If you have a duvet cover, you can keep the comforter inside the cover to further protect it from getting dirty on the way to the laundromat. This will save you time and effort in keeping your bedding clean.
