Sunny Cleaners Warns Homeowners: Five Comforter Washing Mistakes to Avoid

Myrtle Beach, SC 

Sunny Cleaners, a professional garment and bedding care provider serving Myrtle Beach and surrounding areas, is educating homeowners on the most common mistakes made when washing comforters at home. Drawing attention to frequent at-home laundering errors, the company explains how improper washing techniques can lead to permanent damage, reduced comforter lifespan, and hygiene issues.

Comforters are often washed with good intentions—to keep bedding clean, fresh, and comfortable. However, due to their size and sensitive filling materials, even a single misstep during washing or drying can cause flattening, clumping, fabric damage, or lingering odors. Sunny Cleaners outlines five practices homeowners should avoid to protect their investment and maintain healthy sleep environments.

Overloading the Washing Machine

Why Overloading Causes Damage

Sunny Cleaners notes that comforters require ample space to move freely during washing. When a washing machine is overloaded, water and detergent cannot circulate evenly through the layers. This results in trapped dirt, sweat, and body oils deep within the filling, even if the surface appears clean.

Overcrowding also places excess strain on the washer and the comforter’s stitching, leading to premature wear and tear.

How to Avoid Overloading

Sunny Cleaners recommends checking the washer’s capacity before laundering bulky bedding. If a comforter barely fits into the machine, it is too large for that washer. King-size comforters typically require a front-loading washer with a minimum capacity of 5.0 cubic feet.

The company advises washing comforters alone, without adding sheets or towels, to allow proper agitation and rinsing. For oversized or heavy bedding, Sunny Cleaners suggests using a laundromat with commercial-grade machines or opting for a professional comforter cleaning service.

Using Too Much Detergent

The Problem With Excess Soap

According to Sunny Cleaners, using too much detergent is one of the most common laundering mistakes. Thick comforter fabrics and fillings trap soap residue easily, especially in high-efficiency washers that require smaller detergent amounts.

Leftover detergent residue can stiffen fabric, attract dirt more quickly, and cause musty odors over time.

Proper Detergent Use

Sunny Cleaners recommends using a mild liquid detergent formulated for delicates or down materials. Bleach and fabric softeners should be avoided, as they can weaken fibers and damage filling materials.

Only half the usual detergent amount should be used for most comforters, with a slight increase for larger sizes if necessary. Running an extra rinse cycle is strongly advised to ensure all soap residue is fully removed, particularly for down-filled comforters where residue can cause clumping.

Ignoring Care Label Instructions

Why the Label Matters

Sunny Cleaners emphasizes that care labels provide essential information designed to protect the comforter’s materials and construction. Ignoring these instructions can lead to shrinkage, color fading, stitching failure, or irreversible damage to the fill.

Some comforters are machine washable, while others are clearly labeled “dry clean only.” Treating all comforters the same can result in costly mistakes.

What Homeowners Should Check

Before washing, Sunny Cleaners advises reviewing the care label for key details, including material type, recommended water temperature, and approved drying methods. Down, wool, cotton, and synthetic fills all require different handling. Wool comforters, for example, often require professional dry cleaning to prevent matting.

Following manufacturer guidelines helps preserve the comforter’s appearance, performance, and warranty.

Skipping Stain Pretreatment

How Stains Become Permanent

Sunny Cleaners reports that skipping stain pretreatment is a common oversight that leads to permanent discoloration. Once heat is applied during washing or drying, stains from food, drinks, or pet accidents can become nearly impossible to remove.

Effective Pretreatment Tips

The company recommends spot-cleaning stains before washing using a small amount of mild detergent or gentle stain remover. Stains should be blotted—not rubbed—with a clean, damp cloth to avoid spreading.

Cold or lukewarm water should always be used during pretreatment, as hot water can set stains. For delicate fabrics such as silk or wool, or for items labeled “dry clean only,” Sunny Cleaners advises seeking professional cleaning to prevent damage.

Not Drying the Comforter Thoroughly

Risks of Incomplete Drying

Sunny Cleaners highlights that improper drying is one of the most damaging steps in the laundering process. Thick comforters, especially those filled with down or synthetic materials, retain moisture deep inside. Incomplete drying can lead to mildew, odors, and a heavy, flattened feel.

Uneven drying also causes fill clumping, reducing warmth and comfort.

Best Drying Practices

The company recommends drying comforters on low heat for extended periods rather than using high heat, which can scorch fabric or shrink filling. Adding dryer balls or clean tennis balls helps break up clumps and restore loft.

Sunny Cleaners suggests pausing the dryer every 30 to 40 minutes to shake and redistribute the filling. If possible, air drying on a rack or outdoors for several hours afterward allows remaining moisture to evaporate fully.

Professional Comforter Cleaning With Sunny Cleaners

Sunny Cleaners encourages homeowners to consider professional comforter cleaning to avoid the risks associated with home laundering. The company’s eco-friendly cleaning process includes inspection, stain pretreatment, gentle washing, controlled drying, and professional fluffing to restore comforters to a soft, hotel-quality finish.

Professional cleaning helps remove allergens, protects delicate fibers, and extends the life of comforters that are difficult to clean properly at home.

About Sunny Cleaners

Sunny Cleaners is a trusted professional cleaning service serving Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, with three convenient locations. The company offers expert care for garments, bedding, and specialty items, including comforters and duvets.

Customers can take advantage of free pickup and delivery services for added convenience.

Locations: Three locations across Myrtle Beach, SC
Phone: 843-977-6256
Hours:
Monday–Friday: 8:00 AM–6:00 PM (Plant closes at 5:00 PM)
Saturday: 8:30 AM–1:00 PM
Sunday: Closed
Online Booking: Available

Sunny Cleaners remains committed to helping customers protect their belongings through professional care, expert guidance, and reliable service.