How to Wash a Comforter in a Washing Machine

Wash a comforter in a washing machine only if its care label allows machine washing and it fits loosely in the drum. Use the label's cycle and water guidance, then dry it fully according to its care instructions.

On this page (9 sections)

How do you wash a comforter in a washing machine?
What should you check before machine washing a comforter?
Which cycle and detergent should you use?
How do you dry a washed comforter?
What if the comforter doesn't fit your washer?
Which supplies can help with washer care?
How should you handle a comforter that needs special care?
More guides on this topic
Can you wash a comforter in a washing machine?

Wash a comforter in a washing machine only if its care label allows machine washing and it fits loosely in the drum. Choose the cycle and water temperature from the label, then dry it fully using the recommended method.

A comforter can look small enough to load but become bulky when wet. Check the washer manual, too, because its load guidance and the comforter's care label determine whether home laundering is suitable.

How do you wash a comforter in a washing machine?

Check the label, inspect the comforter, load it loosely, and follow the care instructions for washing and drying. If it won't move freely in the drum, don't force it into the washer.

Read the care label and washer manual.
Check for loose seams, tears, or damaged trim.
Close zippers and fasteners, and remove any cover if the label allows.
Place the comforter in the washer without packing it down.
Select the label's cycle, temperature, and detergent guidance.
After washing, check the fill and fabric for any signs that it needs a different drying method.

Treat the comforter as one bulky item rather than adding other laundry to fill the drum. For general loading advice, see how to load a washing machine without overloading it.

What should you check before machine washing a comforter?

The care label and washer capacity decide whether you can machine wash a comforter at home. Look for instructions about washing, water temperature, bleach, and drying before choosing settings.

Check the comforter's fabric and fill, since care instructions can differ across materials. If the label is missing or unreadable, check the manufacturer's care instructions before washing; don't guess based on the comforter's outer fabric alone.

Inspect the stitching and surface for open seams, worn patches, or delicate trim. Washing can put stress on damaged areas, so repair or seek professional advice before loading a comforter that may come apart.

How much room does a comforter need in the washer?

A comforter needs room to move through the wash, not just enough space to squeeze it through the door. If it fills the drum when dry or is tightly wedged against the sides, choose a larger-capacity machine.

Follow any capacity limits in the washer manual. A crowded load may not wash or rinse as intended, and a bulky item can make it harder for the washer to balance.

If the washer pauses during a bulky load, the cycle may be responding to an imbalance or another condition. See why your washing machine pauses during a wash cycle for common reasons.

Should you wash a comforter by itself?

Wash a comforter by itself unless its care label or washer manual says otherwise. Other items can crowd the drum or tangle around the comforter.

Remove a duvet cover or other detachable layer if its label allows, and wash it separately according to its own instructions. For similar bedding care, read how to wash pillows in the washing machine.

Which cycle and detergent should you use?

Use the settings on the comforter's care label. If it allows machine washing but doesn't specify a cycle, consult the washer manual for a gentle option suited to that fabric.

Use the detergent type and amount recommended by its instructions and your washer manual. Avoid adding extra detergent just because the item is large; follow the dosing directions for the detergent and load.

Don't use bleach, fabric softener, or a specialty product unless the care instructions permit it. A product that suits one fabric or fill may not suit another.

Should you use hot or cold water?

Choose the water temperature on the care label. If the label doesn't give one, check the comforter's care guidance or ask the manufacturer instead of assuming hot or cold water is safe.

A comforter may have more than one material, including the shell, stitching, and fill. Use the care direction that applies to the complete item.

How do you dry a washed comforter?

Dry the comforter only by a method allowed on its care label, and make sure it is dry all the way through. Damp fill can remain hidden inside even when the outer fabric feels dry.

If tumble drying is allowed, use the label's temperature and instructions. Check the center and thick seams during drying, and stop to redistribute the comforter if the instructions call for it.

If the label requires line drying, spread the comforter as directed and allow enough time for the filling to dry. Don't put it back on the bed while the inside still feels damp.

For pillow care, see can you put a pillow in the dryer. The safe drying method depends on the item label, so apply the comforter's own instructions.

What if the comforter doesn't fit your washer?

Use a larger washer or a professional laundry service if the comforter can't move freely in your machine. Don't force a bulky item into a drum that is already full.

A laundromat's larger machines may suit an item that won't fit at home. Check the machine's load guidance and the comforter's care label before starting the cycle.

Machine-washable rugs, backpacks, and shoes also need the right fit and care instructions. Read our guides to how to wash machine washable rugs, how to wash a backpack in the washing machine, and how to wash shoes in a washing machine.

Can a comforter go in a washer with an agitator?

Check the washer manual and care label before loading it into an agitator washer. Don't assume that a comforter safe for one washer design is suitable for another.

If you notice the agitator isn't moving normally, stop the cycle and consult the washer manual. A replacement part won't solve a fit or loading problem, so address the appliance issue separately.

This part connects the transmission drive shaft to the agitator base and fits various GE washer models. Confirm your washer model and follow its owner's manual before installing a part.

Which supplies can help with washer care?

A comforter's fit and care label matter more than adding washer accessories. The products below address washer connections, an agitator repair, or floor protection; they don't change the comforter's washing instructions.

The Eastman set has one blue cold-water hose and one red hot-water hose, with 3/4 in FHT connections. Use hoses only when they match your washer's connections and installation needs.

The Camco pan measures 31 x 35 in overall and includes a PVC drain fitting. Check the dimensions and installation requirements for your washer space before choosing a pan.

The coupling connects the transmission drive shaft to the agitator base. Verify compatibility with your washer model and follow the owner's manual for installation.

How should you handle a comforter that needs special care?

Follow the label's special-care instructions, including dry-clean-only or hand-wash directions. Don't try a machine cycle if the label rules it out.

If the care label is unclear, contact the manufacturer or a laundry professional before cleaning. This is especially helpful when the comforter has delicate fabric, unusual trim, or fill that needs specific handling.

For care-label guidance on another delicate item, see how to wash bras.

For a comforter that is machine washable, follow the exact washing and drying steps on its label. When it doesn't fit the home washer, choose a larger suitable machine or professional service.

Can you wash a comforter in a washing machine?

Yes, when the care label permits machine washing and the comforter fits loosely. Use the label's wash and dry directions, and check your washer manual for capacity guidance.

If it is too bulky, doesn't move freely, or requires special care, take it to a suitably sized machine or a laundry professional. For other bulky bedding, see how to wash pillows in the washing machine.

Frequently asked questions

Can I wash a comforter in a washing machine?

Yes, if the care label allows machine washing and the comforter fits loosely in your washer. Check the washer manual for load guidance, select the label's recommended cycle and water temperature, and dry the comforter as directed.

Use a cleaner or professional service if the label says not to machine wash it.

What washer size do I need to wash a comforter?

There isn't one washer capacity that fits every comforter. The bedding should have room to move without packing the drum tightly, and your washer manual may set a load limit.

If the comforter presses firmly against the drum or can't tumble freely, use a larger machine or a laundry service.

What cycle should I use to wash a comforter?

Follow the comforter's care label first, since fill and fabric change the right settings. If machine washing is allowed but the label gives no cycle, check the washer manual and use a gentle option suited to the fabric.

Avoid assuming that one cycle or temperature works for every comforter.

Can I put a comforter in the dryer?

Only if its care label allows tumble drying. Use the heat setting and drying method the label recommends, and make sure the center is dry before putting the comforter back on the bed.

If the label says to line dry or dry clean, follow that instruction instead.