Is it possible to shrink a comforter?

Author: Sheldon Ritchie  |  Last update: Wednesday, September 3, 2025

Typical washing and drying of an item will reduce the stated size by appx 5-10%. We often encourage folks to use protectors on your bedding, like pillow protectors for your pillows and duvet covers for your comforter or duvet insert.

Can you shrink a comforter?

If you're looking to shrink your bed linen intentionally, consider soaking them in hot water (for up to 10 hours), then air drying. This will encourage the fibres to contract, resulting in a snugger fit for your bedding.

What to do if a comforter is too big?

  • Go to a laundromat with oversize washing machines and dryers which can accommodate an oversize comforter.
  • Have it dry cleaned.
  • Bring it to a laundromat that will wash and dry it for you.

What do I do if my comforter is too big for my washer?

If you have a comforter that's too big to properly fit your washer, you can still avoid a trip to the Laundromat. Here's how to clean a comforter at home by hand: Fill your bathtub halfway with warm water and a capful of detergent. Immerse your comforter in the tub and swirl it gently for several minutes.

Can I put my comforter in the dryer?

Drying a Comforter in a Dryer

You can evenly dry your comforter by carefully loading it into the dryer, selecting a bulky cycle setting and customizing the cycle temperature—if possible—to a low or no-heat setting. Rebalance and fluff your comforter and reload it into the dryer periodically to promote even drying.

How to Wash King Sized Comforter | No Laundromat | No Washing Machine (2020)

Should you get a comforter a size bigger?

A slightly oversized comforter is almost always better than one too small. These have been a popular choice in recent years thanks to the thicker, pillow-top mattresses on the market.

How do you make a twin queen comforter fit?

How To Make A Queen Comforter Fit A Twin? Just adjusting the queen comforter's size makes things come in easy. The easiest method is to hide all the overhand. Your bed needs to be arranged against a wall, and you pull the comforter's excess to that side.

Will my comforter fit in my washer?

Will a comforter fit in a washing machine? What size washer do I need to wash comforters? Twin and full size comforters should fit in a standard sized washing machine. Ensure the washer is at least 3.5 cubic feet for a queen, and 3.8 cubic feet for a king.

How often should you 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.

Will a queen size comforter fit a full?

When a bedding manufacturer differentiates between full and queen sizes, a queen size comforter is typically slightly longer and wider. While a queen size comforter can be used on a full size mattress, it is likely to drape down on either side.

What to do if comforter is too big?

If your laundry set isn't large enough to accommodate your comforter, use a commercial washer and dryer at your local laundromat.

Can you shrink bedding?

Over washing

Washing bedding for too long can lead to shrinking. Similarly, washing on too harsh a cycle can also shrink bedlinens. You want to keep temperatures down and use the delicate cycle whenever possible.

Can you put a down comforter in the dryer to fluff?

Place your comforter in a large capacity dryer. Add a few clean tennis balls wrapped in white socks. The tennis balls will help break up clumps as the comforter tumbles. Use a low heat setting and check every 15-20 minutes.

Should your comforter be the same size as your bed?

Therefore, those with full mattresses should opt for a comforter with less width, between 81 and 84 inches. Those with queen beds should consider one with more width, between 86 and 88 inches. Twin size comforters may not fit well on a twin XL mattress.

Will a twin comforter set fit a twin XL?

Twin bed size comes in 38 x 75 inches in dimensions. Meanwhile, a twin XL is mildly longer than a standard twin 5 inches. Accordingly, twin XL goes well to people over 6 feet, and the twin is better for ones under 6 feet. Therefore, a twin comforter fits the twin XL 5 inches shorter than the bed's length.

How do you wash a queen size down comforter?

First, remove the duvet and check the comforter for stains. If there are any present, treat the stain before inserting the comforter into the washer. Before washing your down comforter, check your care tag for special instructions. Then add a gentle laundry detergent and the comforter and run on a bulky/sheets cycle.

Should a bedspread touch the floor?

Should a Bedspread Touch the Floor? Whether you want your bedspread to touch the floor or not is completely down to personal preference. A bedspread that touches the floor looks luxurious and can also help to hide anything below the bed if you use it for storage.

What color comforter makes a room look bigger?

Generally, the way to open up a room is by bringing in lighter shades when adding color and sticking to neutral tones as much as your style allows.

Can I put a king comforter on a queen bed?

Conclusion. Using a king comforter on a queen bed can work, providing extra coverage and a cozy look. However, it's important to consider the dimensions to avoid an awkward fit. A slightly smaller king comforter can offer a good balance without overwhelming the bed.

How do you dry a comforter without shrinking it?

Drying Your Comforter and Quilt

Use Low Heat in the Dryer: Select a low or medium heat setting to prevent damage to fibers, especially in synthetic or down-filled items. High heat can cause shrinking and damage the filling.

What happens if you put a soaking wet comforter in the dryer?

Risk of Damage: Introducing a heavily soaked blanket into your dryer can significantly strain the appliance's mechanism. The additional weight increases the stress on the dryer's motor and can lead to mechanical failures or decreased efficiency over time.

Should you wash a comforter before using it?

Always wash your bedding before use. Your comforter could have been sitting in a warehouse for a year before it gets to you. Or it could be coming from overseas on a ship. There might be bedbugs, mites, dust & dirt on the bedding.

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