How often should you wash your comforter? What is the best way to wash a comforter?

Question

I have 4 cats and 2 dogs and need to wash my comforter frequently, but in general how often should you wash your comforter?
How can you clean it without ruining it in the washer? Even "super-sized" washers at the laundromat have ruined comforters for me....

My washing machine is not large enough to contain the whole comforter. When washed in the super-sized washing machines at the laundromat, it fits fine. Even though it fits and when washed in cold water and air dried - my comforters still get disfigured (stuffing in one section and empty in another). I am trying to prevent this :)

Answer 1

I feel your pain about the pets - I, too have dogs and must wash my comforter more often than most (who tell me they wash theirs about once a month). I cover my comforter with a plain sheet, to match the dogs, so that I can just wash the sheet more often than the entire comforter. I also just got a front-loading washer that seems to be more gentle on the comforter (and everything else).

Answer 2

I also have 4 cats but only 1 dog, and I wash my comforter once a week in the washing machine using the gentle cycle and cold water.

I've been doing this for years and my comforter still looks good, but the comforter that I use is actually a homemade quilt, so maybe that has something to do with it.

It's thinner than most quilts or comforters and during the winter we must add a blanket or two underneath for warmth.

Answer 3

You could hand wash it if you have a big tub and hang it out to dry but really the large laundromat machines are going to be your best option. If you do try to wash it yourself make sure to use a liquid laundry soap.

And to prolong it's use between washings when it's not really 'dirty' you might try running a lint roller over it to pick up pet hair and spray it with febreeze to kill the pet ordors

Answer 4

Use a home washer with a gentle cycle.
i would say 2 weeks tops between washings with your situation

Answer 5

I would suggest every 1-2 weeks to wash it and I would read the label on your comforter for how to wash it, if you still have the label, because many comforters have different instructions

Answer 6

I would wash in cold water in a supersized washer to preserve the color and hang it up to dry on my bedroom door!

Answer 7

I have pets too, used to have 4 cats and a dog, I feel your pain about the bunching of the padding... I hate that! I use the dry cleaners.

Answer 8

You will need to wash it when you think it is dirty.I never wash mine,I soak it in my machine,then spin,then soak again.I like to line dry mine.