Don’t Do These Five Things When Washing Your Comforter

You wash your comforters with the best intentions: to keep them clean, fresh, and cozy for another good night’s sleep. But a single wrong step in the washing process can cause flattening, clumping, or fabric damage. Their size makes them tricky to wash evenly, and their filling can be sensitive to too much soap or moisture.

Before you start your next wash cycle, take a few minutes to learn what not to do. Here are the five things you should never do when washing a comforter.

Comforters need enough room to move inside the washer; otherwise, they don’t actually get clean. When the machine is packed too tightly, water and detergent can’t circulate through the filling. That leaves dirt, sweat, and oils trapped deep inside, even if the surface looks washed.

How to Avoid Overloading the Washer

To keep your comforter truly clean and fluffy, the key is giving it enough space to move freely.

Check your washer’s capacity. 

If your comforter barely fits, it’s too big for that machine. For a king-size comforter, use a front-loading washer with at least a 5.0 cubic foot capacity.

Wash one item at a time

Skip the urge to throw in sheets or towels. Comforters need a full room to tumble and rinse properly.

Use a laundromat or Comforter Cleaning Service.

Many professional cleaners have oversized machines made for bulky bedding.

When your comforter has space to breathe in the wash, it’ll come out fresher, fluffier, and free of hidden dirt. Overloading might save time now, but it’ll cost you in wear and tear later.

More detergent doesn’t mean cleaner bedding. In fact, it can do the opposite. When you pour in too much soap, it doesn’t rinse out completely, especially from thick fabrics and fillings. That leftover residue attracts dirt faster, stiffens the fabric, and can even make your comforter smell musty.

The buildup is especially common if you’re using a high-efficiency washer that requires less detergent than older models.

How to Use Detergent the Right Way

This one’s easy to fix with a little restraint and the right product.

Stick to a mild formula

Choose a gentle liquid detergent made for delicates or down materials. Avoid bleach or fabric softeners, as they can damage fibers.

Measure carefully

Use only half the amount you’d normally use for a regular load. For large comforters, add just a bit more, but don’t go overboard.

Run an extra rinse cycle

This ensures no detergent remains trapped inside. For down comforters, it’s a must to prevent clumping or residue.

By keeping your detergent use in check, you protect the integrity of the fabric and extend the life of your comforter. Remember: clean doesn’t mean soapy – it means residue-free and refreshed.

You’d be surprised how many people skip reading that little fabric tag on their bedding. Yet, it holds the exact care instructions meant to protect your comforter. Ignoring it can lead to shrinkage, color fading, or even ruining the fill completely.

Some comforters are safe to wash at home, while others clearly state “dry clean only.” So treating them all the same is like washing silk and denim together – something’s going to go wrong.

What to Look for on the Care Label

Before you hit start on your next load, take ten seconds to check the label. It’s there for a reason.

• Material type: Down, wool, cotton, or synthetic fills each need different cleaning methods. For example, wool comforters often require dry cleaning to avoid matting.
• Water temperature: Most comforters do best with cool or warm water, not hot. Heat can break down stitching or filling.
• Drying method: Some comforters should air dry, while others are safe for low tumble drying. Always follow what the label says.

When you follow the manufacturer’s guidelines, you don’t just keep the comforter clean. You keep its warranty and lifespan intact. That tiny tag might be boring, but it’s your best insurance policy against accidental damage.

We’ve all seen it: a small stain shows up, you shrug, and the comforter goes straight into the wash. The problem? Once heat sets in during the wash and dry cycles, that stain becomes nearly impossible to remove.

Skipping pretreatment is a small mistake that creates a permanent reminder of last week’s late-night snack or your pet’s muddy paws.

Simple Stain Pretreatment Tips

Taking five minutes before washing can make all the difference.

• Spot-clean first: Use a small amount of mild detergent or a gentle stain remover. Blot the stain with a clean, damp towel instead of rubbing it.
• Use cold water: Hot water can make stains set faster. Always start with cold or lukewarm water when treating spots.
• For delicate fabrics, ask for professional help: If your comforter is silk, wool, or labeled “dry clean only,” search “duvet dry cleaning” or “comforter dry cleaning service.” Professional cleaners know how to remove stains safely.

When you pretreat, you give your comforter the best shot at coming out spotless. It’s a simple step that keeps your bedding looking as fresh as the day you bought it.

Comforters, especially down or thick ones, hold moisture deep inside. If that dampness doesn’t dry out completely, you’ll end up with mildew, odor, and a flat, heavy feel that’s hard to fix. A rushed drying cycle can also lead to uneven fill clumps, especially in down or synthetic comforters.

How to Dry a Comforter the Right Way

Taking your time here matters just as much as washing correctly.

• Use low heat and patience: Set your dryer on low and let it run longer. High heat can scorch fabric or shrink the fill.
• Add dryer balls or clean tennis balls: They help break up clumps and restore the loft.
• Fluff between cycles: Pause every 30–40 minutes to shake and redistribute the filling. Continue drying until there’s no hint of dampness.
• Air dry afterward: If you can, hang it outside or on a large rack for a few hours to let air circulate through the layers.

Fully drying your comforter is what keeps it light, fluffy, and odor free. It might take time, but rushing the process often means you’ll be redoing it anyway.

To give your comforter the best possible care, don’t risk cleaning it alone. Get professional help with Sunny Cleaners in South Carolina. 

Our modern, eco-friendly cleaning process restores freshness, removes allergens, and protects delicate fibers from damage. We handle everything, from inspecting and pretreating stains to gentle washing, drying, and fluffing, so your comforter comes back soft, clean, and hotel-quality.

Schedule your FREE Pickup and Delivery Service today and enjoy fresh, cozy bedding minus all the hassles! You can depend on Sunny Cleaners for all your comforter cleaning needs!

📍 Locations: Three convenient Sunny Cleaners locations across Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

📞 Call: 843-977-6256

🕒 Hours: Monday–Friday 8:00 AM–6:00 PM (Plant closes at 5:00 PM), Saturday 8:30 AM–1:00 PM, Closed Sunday

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