When it comes to laundry, there are few tasks more daunting than washing bulky bedding like comforters, blankets, and duvets. These items are often too large to fit into a standard home washing machine, which is why many people turn to laundromats. But washing these oversized fabrics at a laundromat can seem intimidating if you’re not sure how to do it properly. Thankfully, with the right approach, you can keep your bedding fresh, clean, and looking like new without any hassle.
Choosing the Right Machine
The first step to successfully washing bulky bedding at a laundromat is picking the right washing machine. Laundromats typically offer a variety of machines, and it’s essential to choose one that’s large enough to accommodate your comforter or blanket. Look for the biggest washers, often labeled as “super size” or “jumbo” washers. These machines are designed to handle larger loads, including oversized items like comforters, quilts, and heavy blankets.
Before loading your bedding into the washer, make sure to check the weight limit of the machine. Overloading a washing machine can prevent your bedding from getting properly cleaned, as it won’t have enough room to move around freely. If your bedding is particularly heavy, you might want to separate it into two smaller loads to ensure that each item gets the attention it needs.
Pre-Treating Stains
Before heading to the laundromat, it’s always a good idea to check your bedding for stains. The larger the item, the harder it is to spot and treat stains while it’s in the machine. Pre-treating stains before you load your bedding into the washer ensures that those areas get a thorough clean and prevents them from setting in.
If you spot any stains, apply a stain remover or a bit of laundry detergent directly onto the affected areas. Gently rub the stain remover into the fabric with your fingers or a soft cloth, being careful not to damage the material. For particularly tough stains, like grease or pet marks, you can let the pre-treatment sit for about 15–30 minutes before washing, giving it time to break down the stain. This step is crucial, especially for bedding that gets a lot of use, like blankets and comforters.
The Right Detergent
When it comes to choosing detergent for your bedding, you’ll want to opt for a mild, gentle detergent that won’t damage the fabric. Many commercial laundromats offer a variety of detergent options, but you should always choose one that’s appropriate for the specific type of bedding you’re washing. For example, down comforters require a detergent that’s designed to be gentle on delicate fabrics, while heavy-duty blankets might need a stronger detergent to break down dirt and oils.
If you’re washing an item with special needs, such as wool or a hypoallergenic blanket, it’s best to use a detergent formulated for those fabrics. Additionally, many laundromats offer fabric softeners that can make your bedding feel even softer and fresher. However, if you’re washing sensitive items, like a down comforter, avoid using too much fabric softener, as it can interfere with the loft and breathability of the feathers.
Washing Cycle Settings
When washing large bedding items, it’s important to select the correct washing cycle. Many laundromats have machines with different wash cycle options, so understanding which one works best for your bedding is crucial.
For most comforters, blankets, and duvets, a gentle or delicate cycle is often the best choice. This cycle is gentler on the fabric and uses a slower spin, which is essential for preventing damage to the material. However, if your bedding is particularly soiled or heavily used, you might want to opt for a heavy-duty cycle to ensure a deeper clean.
Another factor to consider is water temperature. For most bedding, warm water is ideal for removing dirt and stains while being gentle on the fabric. However, check the care label on your bedding for specific temperature instructions. Some comforters, especially down-filled ones, may require cold water to prevent the filling from clumping. As a rule of thumb, always follow the care instructions to avoid damaging your bedding.
Drying Your Bedding
Once your bedding is clean, it’s time to move on to drying. Drying large items like comforters and blankets can be tricky, but laundromats have industrial-sized dryers that can handle these bulky items much better than a standard home dryer. To ensure your bedding comes out dry and fluffy, you’ll need to follow a few key steps.
First, check the size of the dryer. Make sure the dryer is large enough to comfortably fit your comforter or blanket. You don’t want to overcrowd the dryer, as this will prevent the bedding from drying evenly. If you’re unsure, it’s better to use two dryers for larger items to ensure proper airflow and even drying.
Next, choose the right heat setting. High heat might seem like the easiest way to dry your bedding quickly, but it can sometimes cause shrinking or damage, especially if the fabric is delicate. If possible, use a low to medium heat setting, which will still dry your bedding thoroughly but more gently. You may need to run a couple of cycles to get the bedding completely dry, particularly for thicker comforters.
To help fluff up your bedding and prevent it from becoming lumpy, you can add a few dryer balls or clean tennis balls to the dryer. These will tumble around with the bedding, helping to break up clumps and keep the filling evenly distributed. If you’re drying a down comforter, this is especially important, as the dryer balls can help maintain the loft and softness of the down feathers.
Checking for Dryness
Once the cycle is finished, it’s essential to check whether your bedding is fully dry. Large bedding items can take longer to dry than expected, especially in a laundromat’s commercial dryer. If your comforter or blanket is still damp, you’ll need to run it through another cycle. The last thing you want is to put your bedding away while it’s still damp, as this can cause mildew or an unpleasant odor.
When checking, focus on the corners and seams, as these areas tend to trap moisture. If you notice any damp spots, just give it another spin. Don’t be tempted to take the bedding out until it’s completely dry, as this will preserve its freshness and prevent any mold or mildew growth.
Down and Feather Bedding
If you’re washing down comforters or feather-filled blankets, there are a few additional things you should keep in mind. Down and feathers require a bit more care during the washing and drying process, as they are delicate and can clump together if not treated properly.
When washing down items, always use a gentle detergent, and make sure to select a low spin cycle to avoid damaging the filling. If possible, opt for a front-loading washing machine at the laundromat, as these are gentler on delicate fabrics compared to top-loaders with agitators.
During the drying process, be patient. It may take several cycles to completely dry a down comforter, and it’s important to make sure the down filling is evenly distributed throughout the fabric. You can use dryer balls to help fluff the feathers as they dry. It’s crucial to avoid overheating the down, as this can cause the feathers to lose their loft and make the bedding feel flat.
Dealing with Pet Hair on Bedding
For pet owners, one of the biggest challenges when washing blankets and comforters is dealing with pet hair. Pet hair can quickly become embedded in bedding, making it harder to get a thorough clean. If you have pets, consider using a lint roller or pet hair removal tool before washing your bedding. This will help to remove most of the hair before it gets trapped in the fabric during the wash.
Get the Best Results
Taking care of your comforters, blankets, and bedding at the laundromat doesn’t have to be difficult. With the right washing machine, gentle detergent, and appropriate drying techniques, you can keep your bedding fresh, fluffy, and free of stains. Remember to check your bedding’s care instructions, avoid overloading machines, and be patient during the drying process. By following these simple steps, you’ll have bedding that’s as clean and cozy as the day you bought it, all without the stress of home washing and drying. So the next time you head to the laundromat with a big load of bedding, you’ll know exactly what to do to get the best results!
