Before washing
Read the sewn-in care label first
This guide is written for KTAFA comforters made with a polyester artwork face, 400 gsm polyester filling and a 300TC cotton reverse. The sewn-in care label remains the final instruction for your individual product. Follow it if it differs from this page.
- Check all seams and repair any loose stitching before washing.
- Remove loose dust and hair with a gentle shake or a clean lint roller.
- Pre-treat visible marks before the full wash.
- Wash the comforter on its own. Do not add towels, clothing or other bedding.
- Make sure the comforter sits loosely in the drum rather than being tightly compressed.
Machine washing
A gentle 30°C wash protects all three layers
- Choose a large front-loading machine.A commercial front loader gives bulky filling more room to tumble and avoids the pulling action of a central agitator.
- Select a gentle or bedding cycle at 30°C.Do not use a hotter cycle. Excess heat may affect the artwork face, polyester filling and cotton reverse.
- Use mild liquid detergent.Use the normal dose for one bulky item. Excess detergent can remain trapped in the filling and be difficult to rinse out.
- Use a low or moderate spin.A harsh high-speed spin can place unnecessary stress on seams when the comforter is saturated.
- Add an extra rinse if needed.Bulky bedding can hold detergent. A second rinse is useful if you see suds or the comforter feels soapy.
- Remove promptly.Support the wet comforter with both arms rather than lifting it by one corner or edge.
Do not use: chlorine bleach, fabric softener, harsh stain removers or a wash hotter than 30°C.
Laundromat guide
Choose the machine by drum space—not only dry weight
Commercial washer capacities are measured using dry laundry weight. A comforter becomes much heavier when wet and needs spare drum volume so water and detergent can move through the filling. If it must be pushed or packed into the machine, the washer is too small.
| Comforter size |
Recommended laundromat washer |
Use this test |
| Single |
18 kg commercial front loader |
It should sit loosely with clear space above and around it. |
| Double |
18 kg minimum; size up if thick or tightly packed |
The drum should turn freely without forcing the comforter into place. |
| Queen |
27 kg commercial front loader |
Choose the next size up if the comforter fills most of the drum. |
| King or Super King |
27–28 kg minimum; use the largest available machine |
There must be enough room for the comforter to lift, fall and redistribute. |
When in doubt, size up. Machine brands use different drum shapes, so the kilogram rating alone is not a guarantee. Ask laundromat staff for the largest suitable bedding washer if the comforter looks compressed.
Drying
Low heat, plenty of space and no damp centre
Drying a 400 gsm comforter takes longer than drying ordinary bed linen. The outer layers can feel dry while moisture remains inside the filling, along the quilting lines or near the edges.
- If the sewn-in label allows tumble drying, use a large commercial dryer on low heat.
- Choose a dryer at least as large as the washer, preferably larger.
- Pause periodically, remove the comforter and redistribute the filling before continuing.
- Do not use high heat. Polyester filling is heat-sensitive and the cotton reverse may shrink under excessive heat.
- Check the centre, corners and seams carefully before removing it from the dryer.
- After drying, air the comforter flat or well supported until it is completely cool and dry.
For air drying, support the comforter across a large clean rack or several parallel lines so its wet weight is evenly distributed. Do not hang it from a single corner, and do not store it while any part feels cool or damp.
Spills and stains
Blot first and protect the artwork surface
For a fresh spill, blot immediately with a clean white absorbent cloth. Work from the outside of the mark towards the centre. Do not scrub, as friction may affect the printed face and push the stain deeper into the filling.
- Use a small amount of diluted mild liquid detergent and cool water.
- Test any cleaning solution on a hidden area first.
- Blot with clean water to remove detergent residue.
- Allow the treated area to dry completely.
- For paint, ink, oil or an unknown stain, contact KTAFA before using a specialist product.
Everyday care
Reduce unnecessary full washes
A full machine wash places more wear on a comforter than ordinary airing and spot care. Keep it fresh between washes by turning back the bed each morning, allowing trapped moisture to escape and gently shaking the comforter to redistribute the filling.
- Air in shade on a dry day rather than leaving the artwork face in strong direct sunlight.
- Rotate the comforter regularly so the same areas are not compressed every night.
- Keep pets' claws, jewellery and rough surfaces away from the printed face.
- Spot-clean small marks instead of washing the entire comforter unnecessarily.
- Wash when visibly soiled, after a spill, or when it no longer feels fresh.
Storage
Store clean, fully dry and loosely folded
Never store a comforter with residual moisture. Even slight dampness trapped in the 400 gsm filling can cause odour, mildew or staining during long-term storage.
- Use a breathable cotton storage bag or clean fabric cover.
- Store in a cool, dry and dark cupboard away from direct sunlight and heaters.
- Fold loosely and avoid placing heavy objects on top.
- Avoid long-term vacuum compression, which can flatten the filling and create hard creases.
- Do not seal in plastic unless the comforter is completely dry and the storage period is short.
- Refold it along different lines every few months during long storage.
Common questions
Comforter care FAQ
Can I use my home washing machine?
Only if the comforter fits loosely and can tumble freely. Most standard home machines are too small for a thick queen or king comforter. Forcing it into the drum can cause poor washing, incomplete rinsing, an unbalanced spin and damage to the machine or comforter.
Can I use a top-loader?
A large top-loader without a central agitator may be suitable if the comforter moves freely. Avoid tightly wrapping or packing it around an agitator because this can strain seams and create uneven washing.
Can I wash it above 30°C?
No. The specified wash temperature is 30°C. A hotter wash may affect the artwork print, polyester fill and cotton reverse.
Can I use fabric softener?
No. Fabric softener can coat polyester fibres, reduce loft and make detergent residue harder to rinse from thick filling.
Can I dry-clean it?
Do not dry-clean unless the sewn-in care label specifically permits it. Solvents and commercial finishing heat may affect the artwork print, filling or construction.
How do I know it is completely dry?
Check the centre, corners, seams and thicker quilted areas. They should feel dry and room-temperature, not cool, heavy or damp. Air the comforter after machine drying before placing it back on the bed or into storage.
What if the filling looks uneven after washing?
While the comforter is damp, lay it flat and gently redistribute the filling with clean hands. Continue drying on low heat or supported air drying, pausing periodically to shake and reposition it.
