Can you put a king size duvet in the washing machine and if so, what load capacity does your washing machine need to have?
The most popular washing machines in the UK have drum capacities ranging from about 7 to 10 kg. Are these machines big enough to cope with king size duvets, or do you need to take your duvet to the launderette instead?
In this article, we’ll be answering these questions.
Can You Put a King Size Duvet in a Washing Machine?
Unsurprisingly, the answer to this question depends on the thickness of your duvet and the drum capacity of your washing machine.
A thin summer duvet with a low tog should fit even in 8 kg washing machines, but a thick winter duvet might be too large and heavy.
Here are some tips to determine whether or not you should machine-wash your king size duvet.
1. Check the label and your washing machine manual
Most duvets these days are machine washable, but it’s worth double checking the label first before considering putting it in the washing machine. You might also find other useful information such as the weight of the duvet, which may be given in grams per square metre (gsm).
Your washing machine manual is likely to have some advice on washing duvets. Your washing machine may even have a special duvet programme.
Look for advice on the maximum load for this programme, which will probably be much lower than the maximum load of the washing machine itself. For example, an 8 kg washing machine might only be able to cope with a 2-3 kg duvet.
Here are a few washing machines and washer dryers where the manufacturer gives clear advice on the maximum duvet weight:
- Indesit BWD 71453 7 kg washing machine: 2 kg maximum load on the Duvet programme.
- Haier HWD80-B14979 8 kg washer dryer: 2 kg maximum load on the Duvet programme.
- Bosch 10 kg Series 6 Washing Machine WGG25401GB: 2.5 kg maximum load on the Duvet programme
- Haier HWD120-B14979 12 kg washer dryer: 3 kg maximum load on the Duvet programme.
Based on this, it’s safe to assume that 7 kg and 8 kg machines can handle duvets weighing up to 2 kg, 10 kg machines can handle duvets weighing 2.5 kg, and 12 kg machines can handle duvets up to 3 kg.
2. Calculate the weight of your duvet to be on the safe side
It’s a good idea to at least estimate the weight of your duvet and then compare this to what your washing machine manual suggests regarding washing duvets.
If you have some good scales, you could simply weight the duvet. Alternatively, you can calculate it using the gsm number, which you should find on the duvet’s label.
Calculating the weight of a duvet using the gsm number
If you want to know how much your duvet weighs, you can calculate it using the grams per square metre (gsm) number that most manufacturers provide.
The gsm can range from about 150 gsm for thin polyester duvets up to 600 gsm for wool duvets.
By multiplying the gsm by the size of a king size duvet (2.3 x 2.2 metres = 5.06 square metres), you can work out the weight of your duvet.
Here is are some common gsm numbers and the weight of a king size duvet with this gsm.
- 100 gsm king size duvet – 0.5 kg total weight
- 150 gsm king size duvet – 0.8 kg total weight
- 200 gsm king size duvet – 1 kg total weight
- 250 gsm king size duvet – 1.3 kg total weight
- 300 gsm king size duvet – 1.5 kg total weight
- 350 gsm king size duvet – 1.8 kg total weight
- 400 gsm king size duvet – 2 kg total weight
- 450 gsm king size duvet – 2.3 kg total weight
- 500 gsm king size duvet – 2.5 kg total weight
- 550 gsm king size duvet – 2.8 kg total weight
- 600 gsm king size duvet – 3 kg total weight
3. If your duvet fits easily, it should be fine
If your duvet is machine washable and easily fits in your washing machine, it should be fine to wash it this way without worrying about it damaging the washing machine.
However, it really is best to follow the steps above first to make sure your washing machine can handle it.
If you really have to squash your duvet to get it in the washing machine drum, this means your washing machine isn’t big enough to cope with it. Also, your duvet won’t get washed properly if it doesn’t have enough room to move around.
Can You Convert Tog to Kg?
Duvets are rated using the ‘tog’ system, which indicates the level of heat insulation offered by the duvet. This usually ranges from 2.5 tog, which is a light summer duvet, to 13.5 tog, which is the thickest and heaviest type of duvet you’re likely to find.
Tog measures warmth rather than weight. A higher tog king size duvet is usually heavier than a lower tog duvet, but not always. You can have a heavy duvet with a low tog, or a light duvet with a high tog. This is because some duvet fillings offer more insulation relative to their weight.
If you want to estimate the weight of your duvet in kilograms, it’s best to do this using the gsm (grams per square metre) number.
Simply calculate the gsm by the size of a king size duvet (5.06 square metres) to get the weight in grams. Then divide it by 1000 to get the weight in kilograms.
For example, if your duvet has a gsm of 450:
- 450 x 5.06 = 2,277 grams = 2.3 kilograms
Alternatives to Putting Your King Size Duvet in the Washing Machine
If you don’t want to risk putting the duvet in your home washing machine, there are a few alternatives.
Getting a king size duvet dry cleaned
Taking the duvet to the dry cleaners is probably the easiest solution. However, it’s not the cheapest—it will probably cost you around £20.
Taking it to the launderette
Taking your king size duvet to the launderette is the cheapest way to get it clean, without putting your own washing machine at risk.
At a laundrette, you should be able to use one of the biggest machines for around £5, and drying the duvet will only cost a few pounds extra.
In The Wash is your guide to the best laundry and cleaning products, tips and tricks. Our mission is to solve the UK’s cleaning and laundry dilemmas!
