Washing Oversized Comforters: What Works Best and What to Avoid

Big, plush comforters are wonderful for sleeping, yet they are so difficult to properly clean. They’re heavy, they hog space in the washer, and once they’re wet, they weigh a ton, making clumps, damp spots, and lingering odors all too common. Get it wrong and you can flatten the loft, shift the baffles, or bake in a musty smell that’s hard to shake.

And while it might seem like a chore too big to tackle, the right approach turns it into a simple, satisfying task. With a little planning, you can clean even the bulkiest comforters without a hitch. Here’s what works best and what to avoid.

Use a Front-load Washer to Prevent Uneven Cleaning

When washing oversized comforters, the type of washing machine you use matters more than most people realize. A front-load washer is ideal because it allows the comforter to move freely during the wash, letting water and detergent reach every part evenly. 

Top-load washerswith central agitators can twist, bunch, and even tear fabric or damage the filling. This uneven cleaning can leave some sections dirty while over-saturating others, which can lead to mold or lingering odor.

What to Avoid

• Overstuffing the drum – If the comforter barely fits, the water and soap won’t circulate evenly.
• Using a machine with an agitator– It can snag fabric, shift filling, and weaken stitching.
• Skipping a rinse cycle– Oversized comforters often trap detergent, which can leave residue that stiffens fabric or causes skin irritation.

If your home machine is too small, use a commercial front-loader at a laundromat. You’ll get better cleaning in one wash without damaging your bedding.

Select Gentle Cycle and Cool Water to Protect Fabric

Oversized comforters, especially those made of cotton, linen, or silk, can wear out fast if washed in harsh settings. The gentle cycle uses slower drum movement and shorter agitation, which keeps fibers intact and prevents filling from clumping.

Cool water is best for preventing shrinkage, fading, and damage to delicate stitching or decorative elements. This combination is safe for most comforter types, including down-filled.

Steer Clear of these Mistakes

• Hot water for delicate fabrics– Heat can shrink cotton, warp silk, and break down synthetic fibers.
• High-speed spin for heavy bedding– It strains seams and may cause uneven wear.
• Normal or heavy-duty cycles– These can roughen fabric, tangle the filling, and create stress points.

When in doubt, check your comforter’s care label. If it says “cold water only,” stick to that, as fabric damage from hot water is irreversible.

Use Dryer Balls to Keep Filling Fluffy

Dryer balls are a small but powerful tool for keeping oversized comforters fluffy after washing. Whether your comforter is filled with down or synthetic fibers, dryer balls help break up clumps and keep the filling evenly distributed during drying.

They also shorten drying time, which reduces the risk of mildew from damp spots. For larger bedding, using four to six dryer balls works best.

What to Avoid

• Using scented dryer sheets instead– These can coat fibers with residue, reducing breathability.
• Skipping dryer balls with down comforters – Without them, the down can clump and flatten.
• Using too few balls – One or two won’t distribute evenly in an oversized comforter.

If you don’t have dryer balls, clean tennis balls wrapped in a thin sock can work in a pinch; they’ll still help restore loft.

Shake Midway Through Drying to Prevent Clumps

Oversized comforters can feel dry on the outside while staying damp inside. That’s why stopping halfway through drying to shake it out is essential. This simple step redistributes filling, opens up folds, and lets warm air reach all layers. It’s especially important for down comforters, where clumping can ruin insulation and make them feel lumpy.

Drying Habits to Avoid

• Drying on high heat– It can scorch the fabric and weaken seams.
• Letting it sit between cycles– Moisture trapped inside can quickly lead to odor or mildew.
• Skipping the mid-cycle check– Without shaking, you risk uneven drying and hard clumps.

Plan for extra drying time. Comforters, especially king-sized, can take two to three hours to dry completely at low heat.

Store in Breathable Bags to Keep Comforter Fresh

After all the effort of washing and drying an oversized comforter, proper storage is key to keeping it fresh. Breathable cotton or linen storage bags let air circulate while protecting against dust and dirt. 

Storing your comforter in a sealed plastic bin or vacuum bag can trap moisture, leading to mildew or musty odors over time. For seasonal bedding, a breathable bag in a cool, dry closet is the best choice.

Storage Mistakes to Avoid

• Plastic or non-breathable containers – They trap humidity, even in dry climates.
• Folding while still slightly damp – This almost guarantees mildew within weeks.
• Storing in a high-humidity area– Basements and attics are risky unless fully climate-controlled.

Slip a small sachet of lavender or cedar into the storage bag. It helps repel moths and keeps the comforter smelling clean without chemical scents.

Fluff Up Your Nights – Trust My Best Cleaners for Expert Comforter Care!

There’s nothing like curling up under a clean, fluffy comforter. However, washing one at home can be frustrating, messy, and often disappointing. At My Best Cleaners, we make oversized comforter care effortless from start to finish. 

We use commercial-grade machines and fabric-safe detergents, and our team inspects every comforter before and after cleaning. We bring back your bedding better, fresher, evenly filled, and ready to use.

Don’t wait for your comforter to look flat or start to smell musty. Schedule your FREE Pickup and Delivery Servicewith My Best Cleaners today and let our team handle the heavy lifting. We proudly serve Clinton, Maryland, and surrounding communities with comforter cleaningthat’s smart, safe, and seriously convenient, so you can sleep easily tonight and every night after.

📍 Call or text: 301-381-7319

📧 Email: jess@mybest-cleaners.com 

🏢 Visit us: 9016 Old Branch Avenue, Clinton, Maryland, 20735

🕒 Hours:

• Monday–Friday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Sunday: Closed