Can you wash a comforter with an agitator?

Author: Nestor Ullrich  |  Last update: Saturday, May 17, 2025

Can you safely wash a comforter in a machine with an agitator? Handel says yes, with some caveats. “Most machines can be used if they are big enough and your comforter is not delicate,” he says.

Can I wash a comforter in a washer with an agitator?

Can you wash large comforters with an agitator in a top-loading washing machine? Yes, the agitator in a top load washer can provide a good scrub to break apart dirt particles.

When should you not use an agitator?

Delicate items are better washed in a non agitator machine since this will give you less wear and tear on clothes. Mainly you'll be looking at those few things: capacity, what cleans better, and what is more gentle on clothes.

What kind of washing machine can wash a comforter?

Load into a large capacity washer

Your comforter needs room to agitate and tumble – it can't get clean otherwise. A large capacity washer is typically one with at least 5.0 cu. ft. capacity and a large capacity dryer features at least 7.0 cu.

What do you do if your comforter is too big for your washing machine?

You have three options for washing a big, heavy queen-sized comforter: 1. Go to a laundromat with oversize washing machines and dryers which can accommodate an oversize comforter. 2. Have it dry cleaned. 3. Bring it to a laundromat that will wash ...

How to WASH A COMFORTER at home in washing machine

How do you wash a heavy king size comforter?

How to Clean a Comforter
  1. Select water temp: Set the washing machine to warm-cool water. ...
  2. Select delicate cycle: Set the washing machine cycle to delicate. ...
  3. Add laundry detergent: Add a mild detergent to the washing machine. ...
  4. Check: Once the cycle is complete, check the comforter for any residual soap or moisture.

What size washer do I need for large comforter?

Large capacity washing machines: 4.5+ cubic feet

A washer with 4.5 cu. ft. capacity or above should also be able to handle king-sized duvets and comforters, so make sure you're getting the capacity you need to avoid trips to the laundromat.

How to wash a comforter in a top loader?

Washing a Comforter in a Top Load Washer
  1. Load the Comforter. Spread out the comforter, then pick it up by grabbing each of the four corners. ...
  2. Wash the Comforter. Add a capful of gentle laundry detergent, then wash the comforter on a delicate setting. ...
  3. Dry the Comforter.

What is the difference between an agitator and an impeller washing machine?

Agitator washers are typically more traditional, tend to use more water and may have shorter cycles, ideal for heavily soiled loads. Impeller washers often use less water and motion and may have larger capacities, making them perfect for bulky items and delicates.

What mode do you wash a comforter in?

Use the bulky or delicate cycle.

Whether you're removing stains or just refreshing, choose a wash cycle based on the recommendations on your comforter's care label and how dirty it is. If your comforter is elegant or flimsy, or if your washer isn't so gentle on clothes, you can use the delicate cycle.

What are the disadvantages of an agitator washing machine?

Agitators in a washing machine do an excellent job cleaning dirty and grimy clothes, but they can also be tough on certain types of clothing, such as delicates and knits. Non-agitator washers are typically more expensive but more efficient and have a larger capacity.

Which is better, a washer with an agitator or without?

If you prioritize shorter cycles and deep cleaning for heavily soiled clothes, an agitator machine is a great option. However, for delicate fabrics, bulky items, or efficiency, a non-agitator washer may be the better choice.

Why do modern washers not have agitators?

A washing machine with an impeller uses less motion and water than a washer with an agitator. Designed so laundry has more room to move, it drives clothes from the outer rim of the wash basket to the center, using a small amount of water to optimize the friction.

How often should I wash a comforter?

Comforters. How often should you wash your comforter? Assuming no spills or excess dirt sully your comforter, and the comforter does not have a protective duvet, try to wash it every one to two months. If the comforter does have a duvet, you'll be okay to clean it a few times a year.

How to wash heavy blankets in a washing machine?

You can wash most blankets weighing up to 20 pounds in your household washing machine on a gentle cycle with cold water and a mild detergent. Avoid using bleach, which can damage the blanket's fibers over time, and fabric softeners, which may create a buildup that gives your blanket a scratchy feel.

Can you wash pillows in washing machine with agitator?

Use cold water to avoid shrinkage. A front- or top-loading washing machine without an agitator is ideal for washing pillows, but you can still use a machine that has an agitator.

What brand of washing machine is the most reliable?

Our surveys indicate that LG is the most reliable brand that makes front-load and top-load HE washers, while Speed Queen is the most reliable brand for top-load agitators. Electrolux, LG, and Miele shine among compact front-load washers.

Is a removable agitator a good idea?

Versatile Load Capacity: A washing machine with a removable agitator allows extra large and bulky items to fit inside the wash tub, something not possible with stationary impeller designs. Whether laundry, bedding, or oversized items, the agitator can be taken out to accommodate diverse fabrics.

Can you wash a comforter in a washer with an agitator?

Whether you have a front-load or top load washer, your comforter needs room to agitate and tumble – it can't get clean otherwise. If you have a top load washer with an agitator, let the comforter fall loosely around the post and try to keep the load balanced.

Which washing machine is best for comforters?

Electrolux Titanium EFLS627UTT. Electrolux Titanium EFLS627UTT is the best washer for heavy blankets, making it the perfect option for washing a king-size comforter. In addition, it removes stubborn stains better than any other washer on the market. With its modern design, it can be the perfect addition to any bathroom ...

How do you wash a comforter that is too big for the washer?

Fill two-thirds of the bathtub with warm water and add a fill cap of laundry detergent. Step 2: Submerge the duvet. The best way to wash a comforter is to begin by submerging it. Soak the product thoroughly in the sudsy water and leave it for at least five minutes.

Are comforters too heavy for washing machine?

Before washing, make sure your washer and dryer can handle the bulky items, and don't forget when they are wet, they are very heavy. Most household washers and dryers aren't adequately sized to accommodate something as large as a heavy comforter or quilt.

Can you fit a king size comforter in a 4.5 cu ft washer with agitator?

Comforters: Instead of lugging your king-sized comforter to a laundromat, you can wash it in any washer with a claimed capacity of at least 4.5 cubic feet, according to our tests. It's best washed by itself for better agitation and rinsing. An extra rinse cycle might also be helpful for these bulky items.

Is there a big difference between a 4.5 and 5 cubic feet washer?

A washer with a 4.5-cubic-foot tub (also sometimes referred to as a medium-size washer) can process around 16 pounds of laundry or less, which is equivalent to about 11 towels. A 5-cubic-foot washer can handle between 18 and 25 pounds of laundry, or the equivalent of 18 towels.

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