How to Wash a Comforter at Home (Step by Step)

A comforter is the cosiest layer on the bed and often the most neglected at laundry time. The good news is that washing a comforter at home is easier than it looks. With the right machine, a gentle cycle and a little patience in the dryer, you can keep it fresh and fluffy without a trip to the cleaners. Here is exactly how to wash a comforter at home, step by step.

How often should you wash a comforter?

A comforter does not touch your skin as directly as a fitted sheet, so it does not need a weekly wash. For most people, every two to three months is right if you use a top sheet or duvet cover. Without that barrier, wash it monthly. Wash more often if you have allergies, sleep with pets, sweat heavily, or someone has been unwell.

How to wash a comforter at home, step by step

• Read the care label. Most microfiber and cotton comforters are machine washable, but delicate or specialty fills may need dry cleaning. Check first.
• Pre-treat any stains. Dab a little mild detergent onto spots and gently work it in before washing.
• Use a big machine. A comforter needs room to tumble. If it is crammed in, it will not clean or rinse properly. King and oversized comforters often need a commercial front-loader at a laundromat.
• Gentle cycle, cool water, mild detergent. Use a small amount of gentle detergent on a delicate setting. Harsh detergent and hot water can damage the fill and fabric.
• Rinse twice. An extra rinse clears detergent trapped deep in the filling, which otherwise dries into clumps.
• Dry low and slow with dryer balls. Add a couple of clean dryer balls or tennis balls to break up clumps and restore loft. Stop a few times to shake and redistribute the fill.

Keep it cleaner for longer

The easiest way to wash your comforter less often is to protect it. A top sheet or a duvet cover takes the daily sweat and oil, and washes easily every week with your sheets. That means the bulky comforter only needs a deep wash a few times a year, which is gentler on the fill and keeps its loft for longer.

Our Pick

Luxury Sage Comforter Soft 250 GSM microfiber fill with a smooth finish, machine washable and easy to fluff back to full loft. Sizes Twin to Super King. From $105. Shop this comforter

Want the rest of your laundry routine dialled in? See our guide on how often to wash your sheets so every layer of the bed stays fresh.

Frequently asked questions

Can I wash a comforter in a regular washing machine?
Small and medium comforters usually fit a standard front-loader. King and oversized comforters need a larger commercial machine so they can tumble freely and rinse properly.

How do I dry a comforter without clumps?
Dry on low heat with a couple of dryer balls or clean tennis balls, and pause a few times to shake and redistribute the fill. Make sure it is fully dry before storing to avoid mildew.

How often should I wash my comforter?
Every two to three months with a top sheet or duvet cover, or monthly without one. Wash sooner if you have allergies, pets, or someone has been sick.

Can I use fabric softener on a comforter?
It is best to skip it. Softener can coat the fill and reduce fluffiness. Dryer balls give you soft, lofty results without any residue.