Washing a Comforter Too Big for the Washer: Tub Method & Other Solutions

If you’re someone who finds it impossible to sleep with a dirty, smelly comforter, you’re not alone. Having clean bedding is crucial for a good night’s sleep and overall health. Clean bed linens have been shown to improve sleep quality as they reduce exposure to dust mites, pet dander, and mold. On the flip side, a dirty comforter can lead to sleepless nights and health problems because of the buildup of bacteria and allergens. This makes it important to wash your comforter regularly. However, washing comforters can be a hassle, especially if they’re too big to fit in your regular washing machine. If you’ve ever faced this problem, you might be on the lookout for different ways to keep your bed fresh and clean without the stress.

Why Washing a Comforter Can Be Difficult

Washing a comforter isn’t as easy as it sounds. Here are some reasons why it can be tricky:

1. Big Size: Comforters, especially those for queen or king-size beds, are really large. They might not fit into a regular home washing machine.
2. Delicate Materials: Many comforters are made with gentle materials like down feathers or soft synthetic fibers, which need extra care when washing.
3. Heavy When Wet: Once you soak a comforter in water, it becomes very heavy, making it difficult to handle and rinse properly.

To see if your comforter is too big for your washer, try putting it inside. If it fills up the drum completely and can’t move around, it’s too big. A comforter needs room in the washer to be cleaned well; otherwise, it might not wash properly and could even harm your machine.

If you don’t want to pay for professional cleaning, you can wash it by hand. While this takes more effort, it’s a good way to clean your comforter at home without needing a giant washing machine.

Cleaning a Comforter Too Big for Your Washer

If your comforter is too large for your washing machine, don’t worry! Here are some simple methods to clean it at home:

Hand Washing

1. Set Up Your Area: Find a clean, spacious area like a section of the floor or outside where you can spread out your comforter.
2. Gather What You Need: Get mild detergent, a sponge or soft brush, and a large basin or bucket of water.
3. Spot Clean First: Check for any stains and apply a little detergent to them. Gently scrub with a sponge or brush.
4. Clean the Comforter: Lightly wet the comforter and scrub it with a soapy sponge or brush. Be careful not to soak it too much.
5. Rinse Off Soap: Use clean water to rinse out the soap, wiping with a damp cloth to make sure no detergent is left.
6. Dry Thoroughly: Lay the comforter flat or hang it in a well-ventilated area until it’s completely dry.

Bathtub Method

1. Fill the Tub: Put lukewarm water and a bit of mild detergent in your bathtub, stirring to make suds.
2. Soak the Comforter: Submerge your comforter, pressing it down gently to absorb the detergent.
3. Gently Agitate: Move the comforter around with your hands to loosen dirt, then let it soak for 10-15 minutes.
4. Rinse and Drain: Drain the dirty water, refill with clean water, and gently squeeze the comforter to remove soap. Repeat until it’s soap-free.
5. Remove Water: Press out excess water without twisting the fabric.
6. Dry Completely: Lay it flat or hang it up to dry, ensuring it’s fully dry.

Spot Cleaning

1. Find Stains: Look for small stains or dirty spots on your comforter.
2. Make a Cleaning Mix: Combine a little mild detergent with water to make a cleaning solution.
3. Clean the Stain: Use a sponge or cloth to apply the solution, scrubbing gently in circles.
4. Rinse and Dry: Wipe the area with a damp cloth to remove soap, then dry with a towel or let it air dry.

Steam Cleaning

1. Check the Fabric: Make sure your comforter is safe for steam cleaning by checking its care label.
2. Prepare the Steamer: Fill it with water and allow it to heat up as per the instructions.
3. Steam the Comforter: Move the steamer over the surface, focusing on dirty areas.
4. Let It Dry: Dry the comforter completely in a well-ventilated space to remove all moisture.

These methods will help keep your comforter clean and fresh, even if it’s too large for your washing machine.

Comforter Care Tips

Keeping your comforter clean and cozy is crucial for a good night’s sleep. To ensure it stays fresh and in excellent condition, consider these simple care tips. First, regularly air out your comforter by hanging it outside on a sunny, dry day; this helps eliminate odors and keeps it fluffy. Using a duvet cover is another great way to protect your comforter. It makes cleaning much easier since you only need to wash the cover when it gets dirty.

When you’re not using your comforter, store it in a breathable cotton bag to prevent moisture buildup and mold, steering clear of plastic bags. Additionally, give your comforter a good shake every few days to keep the filling evenly distributed and maintain its shape. Your comforter will stay clean and cozy for many years if you follow these simple instructions.