How large should a washer be to wash a king-size down comforter?

For a washer to clean a king-size comforter comfortably, it needs a load capacity of 3.8 cubic feet or more. Conventional front-loading washers are a better choice for large items such as comforters, because they can handle larger loads than top-loading machines.

Front-loading washers are similar in design to commercial washers found at laundromats. These washers clean clothes using gravitational pull, which forces sudsy water through the fibers of clothing, sheets and comforters. Front-load washers also get higher marks for energy efficiency than conventional top-loading washers. In addition, these washers clean items gently while using half the amount of water of conventional machines.