King-sized comforters are the center of your bedding collection. It keeps you warm and cozy all night, but keeping it clean and fresh can be a real challenge. And when it comes to washing, one of the biggest questions you might have is, “What size washer do I need for a king-sized comforter?”
This guide will cover the factors you need to consider when choosing a washer size and provide recommendations for different types of washers so you don’t have to stress about it!
Things to Consider in Finding the Right Washer Size
Choosing the correct washing machine for a king-sized comforter is vital to avoid frustration, uneven washing, and damage to the comforter and the washer. Consider these three key aspects when selecting a washing machine for your king-sized comforter.
1. Size of the Washer
Before you choose a washing machine for a king-sized comforter, the size of the washer should be your first consideration. Measure both the washer and comforter to ensure they are a good fit. The washer should be at least 3.7 to 5 cubic feet or larger and capable of accommodating 11 to 14 pounds of the comforter bedding.
2. Capacity of the Washer
Capacity is another factor to consider. It is defined by the volume of water it can hold in its tub. The size of the tub is usually measured in cubic feet. A washer with too small a capacity will leave your comforter cramped and not thoroughly cleaned.
On the other hand, a washer that’s too large will use more water and energy, and it might not be necessary if your comforter is the only item you need to wash. So, you should find a washer with a capacity that’s just right for your comforter. Let’s take a closer look at the example from Consumer Reports.
Small Tub Washer
A small tub washing machine typically has a capacity of around 3.2 to 3.5 cubic feet, limited to small loads of lightweight items of 14 pounds, such as underwear, socks, T-shirts, or a queen-sized comforter.
Medium Tub Washer
It can accommodate a variety of items with a capacity of 4 to 4.5 cubic feet and around 14-16 pounds of laundry, like heavy pants, sheets, and towels.
Large Tub Washer
With more than 5 to 6.2 and more cubic feet capacity, large tubs can handle much larger loads like your kind-sized comforters and bedspreads or 20-25 pounds of laundry.
In addition, The Spruce stated that a washing machine with a drum capacity of at least 5.0 cubic feet or larger is recommended to effectively wash a king-sized comforter. So large tubs are definitely for you. Also, they added that machines with a removable center agitator can provide more space and flexibility for oversized items like comforters.
It is also generally recommended to have a dryer with a capacity that matches the size of your washing machine and the items you plan to dry in it. For a king-sized comforter, a dryer with a capacity of at least 7.0 cubic feet or bigger would be appropriate.
3. Type of Washer
Lastly, you must think of the type of washing machine. There are three main categories: top-loading, front-loading, and portable. Each type boasts advantages and disadvantages; the ideal choice will depend on your specific requirements and tastes.
However, as we are searching for king-sized comforter washers here, the portable ones are disregarded, and only the two washers with larger capacities are considered. Here’s how they are different from one another.
Front-Loading Washers
According to the Whirlpool website, front-load washers are a type of washing machine with a door on the front. Front-loading washers are a popular choice for their efficiency and water-saving capabilities. One of the reasons front-load washers are suitable for king-sized comforters is that they have a larger drum capacity than other washing machines.
This means larger items, like king-sized comforters, can be washed in one load without the need to divide them into multiple loads.
Pros:
- Large capacity
- Efficient cleaning
- Easy to use
- Stackable
Cons:
- Higher water and energy consumption
- Poor balance
- Short lifespan
- cannot add more clothes while working
Top-Loading Washers
As the name suggests, top-loading washers are washing machines with loading doors on top. It comes in two main types, one uses an agitator, and the other uses an impeller, as mentioned by the Whirpool website. This type of washing machine differs from front-loading washing machines, where the door is located at the front.
In terms of design, top-loading washers have a drum that rotates horizontally and a central agitator (a cylindrical object that moves back and forth), which helps clean the clothes. The central agitator helps thoroughly wash clothes by providing a deep-cleaning wash, particularly for large and heavy items like your king-sized comforters. Some top-loading washers even have a dedicated cycle specifically for washing comforters, which is a big plus!
Pros:
- Large Capacity
- Gentle Wash
- Energy Efficiency
- Cleaner Wash
- Easy-to-use
Cons:
- Expensive than a top-loading washer
- Too tall
- Require Maintenance
- Low performance
Recommended Washers for King Size Comforters
Here are five washer recommendations that are worth considering if you plan on buying one:
1. LG WM39998HBA Front Load Washer & Dryer
A 4.5 cubic foot capacity drum washer. It features TurboWash technology to reduce cycle length and has 14 wash cycles, 5 temperature settings, and 5 spin speeds. It also has 6 different washing motions and a ventless condensing system for drying. It’s Wi-Fi enabled for convenient operation and can steam clothes to remove stains; however, it has a longer dry cycle.
2. Samsung WA50R5400AV
This 28-inch top-loading washing machine boasts a 5 cubic foot capacity and a sleek black stainless steel finish. It offers versatility with its 12 pre-set cycles and 5 temperature settings. Being Energy Star certified, it is designed to consume low power and has a convenient Self Clean cycle for maintenance.
The machine also features an active water jet for pretreating heavily soiled fabrics. The VRT Plus technology ensures a quiet operation. The only limitation is the absence of an allergy cycle.
3. GE GFW5SPNRS Smart Front Load Washer
It is a 5 cubic feet front-loading washer with 12 wash cycles. It features UltraFresh technology to prevent mold growth, OdorBlock to prevent stinky laundry, an automatic detergent dispenser, and a self-clean process. It is also Wi-Fi enabled and has a One-Step Wash + Dry option. However, with all these unique features, it’s no wonder this is quite expensive.
4. Maytag MHW6630H
This machine has a compact 4.8 cubic feet capacity and features 12 wash cycles, 2 rinse cycles, 4 speeds, 4 wash temperatures, and 4 rinse temperatures. It has a built-in water faucet, an extra power button, and a deep fill option for additional cleaning power. And according to the Upgraded Home website, the machine can be controlled through voice commands with Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri. Cool, isn’t it?
5. Electrolux Titanium EFLS627UTT
The Electrolux Titanium EFLS627UTT is a modern design front-loading washing machine with a 4.4 cubic feet capacity and 9 wash cycles, including standard, heavy-duty, quick wash. It features a steam cleaning option that removes stains and a perfect balance system for reduced vibration and noise. It is Energy Star certified for energy efficiency.
FAQs:
Q1: Can my 7kg washing machine wash my king-sized duvet?
This is a question from this website, and the answer is a 7kg washing machine can wash a double bed duvet but not a king-sized one. It may not thoroughly clean even a double bed duvet.
Q2: How long does it take a king-sized comforter to dry?
Drying a comforter takes longer than the actual washing. It takes between 2-3 hours to dry your comforter in a dryer machine and more than 3 or several more hours to air dry, depending on the weather condition. Check it every 30 minutes for a dryer machine, or you can also put tennis balls for a faster dry.
Q3: How many pounds is a king-sized comforter?
A king-sized comforter’s average weight is 20 pounds. This weight can change depending on what it’s made of and how much stuffing is inside.
Final Words
So there, you have all the information you need to choose the right washer size for your king-sized comforter. Remember the importance of finding a perfect washer to ensure that your comforter is cleaned thoroughly and that your washer stays in good condition.
Don’t hesitate to measure your comforter and washer, consider the washer’s capacity, and think about the type of washer that best suits your needs. You can also check with the care label of your comforter to ensure you’re using the correct washer for cleaning.