Comforters, blankets and bulky bedding can be difficult to wash at home. Here’s how to clean them properly using a larger laundromat washer and dryer.
By Lissette C.
Updated August 13, 2026
5 Min Read
Comforters, blankets, mattress covers and other bulky items are some of the hardest things to wash in a regular home washing machine.
Even when you can squeeze them inside, that doesn’t always mean you should.
A trip to a laundromat in Allentown, PA can make washing bulky bedding much easier. Here’s how to do it properly.
Before washing any comforter or blanket, look at the care label.
Some materials require cold water, a gentle cycle, low drying temperatures, or professional cleaning. Following the manufacturer’s instructions is the safest way to avoid damaging the filling or fabric.
Your comforter should have room to move inside the washer.
If you have to push or pack it tightly into the drum, the machine is probably too small. Water and detergent need space to circulate through the fabric.
This is one of the biggest reasons people use larger-capacity machines at a laundromat for bedding.
Bulky laundry does not automatically require a huge amount of soap.
Too much detergent can become trapped inside thick bedding and may be difficult to rinse completely. Use the recommended amount for the machine and load size.
Avoid filling every remaining inch of the washer simply because there’s room.
A comforter may wash better by itself or with only a few compatible items. Heavy towels, sheets and blankets can absorb large amounts of water and change how the load moves during the cycle.
Getting a comforter clean is only half the job.
Thick bedding can hold moisture deep inside even when the outside feels dry. Give it enough time in the dryer and check several areas before taking it home.
If the care label allows machine drying, using an appropriately sized dryer gives the comforter enough room to tumble rather than staying tightly packed together.
While you’re tackling the comforter, it may be a good opportunity to check the care instructions on the rest of your bedding.
Mattress protectors, washable pillows, blankets and other larger household items can easily get overlooked during normal weekly laundry.
Taking care of several bulky items during one dedicated laundry trip can be much easier than trying to fit them into your normal loads.
Wash Works Allentown is located at 2018 Union Blvd, Allentown, PA 18109 and is open 24 hours for self-service laundry.
That means you can tackle everyday clothing, family-sized loads, bedding and other laundry whenever it works for your schedule.
If you aren’t sure whether your comforter fits a washer, don’t judge by whether you can physically squeeze it inside. There should still be enough space for the item to move during the wash.