How to Wash a King Size Comforter

A king size comforter can be difficult to wash, both due to its size and type of material. But careful consideration of these issues makes this task more manageable. Plan ahead and the process will go much more smoothly and minimize the potential of damaging your comforter.

Things You'll Need

• Extra large capacity washer
• Outside clothesline
• Iron

Instructions

1. Strip the the bed and separate the comforter from the other linens. If you have matching shams made of the same material, you can include them when washing the comforter.

2. Search for the tag that includes care instructions and materials. If you can't find this tag, see if you can identify the material of the comforter. The material will help identify the setting for the washing cycle. If you can't find either tag, it's safest to assume that the material is delicate. If the tag identifies the comforter as a dry clean only material, proceed washing with the greatest caution. Dry clean only materials are best taken the the cleaners for proper handling.

3. Bundle the comforter up and place it in the washing machine. If your machine is too small, take the comforter to a local laundry facility and use the extra large capacity washers available there.

4. Set the machine to the appropriate wash cycle. If you've been unable to find a tag, err on the side of caution and set the cycle to a cold wash on the gentle cycle. This is the least aggressive washing cycle. If you have found the tag, set the cycle to the recommended setting.

5. Dry the comforter outside, if at all possible. This will minimize any shrinkage of the material as well as other damage that a heated dryer will cause. If drying outside is not possible, put the comforter in an extra large capacity dryer on the lowest setting and take it out before it is fully dry to avoid any damage.

6. Iron the comforter, if necessary. If you've dried the comforter outside, it may have a few wrinkles that need smoothing out. If you've pulled it out of the dryer slightly damp, then ironing will remove any final moisture before you place the comforter back on the bed.