How to wash a Snuggle Fleece comforter (and keep it plush)

You can wash a Snuggle Fleece comforter in your home washing machine. Pick a cold, gentle cycle. Make sure it dries fully, because that keeps the fleece soft.

That's the short version of how to wash a Snuggle Fleece comforter. The rest of this post covers the small details that make the difference, and it's a good time of year to do it. Spring is when most of us strip the bed and give the heavy bedding a proper refresh before it goes away for summer.

Can you really wash a Snuggle Fleece comforter at home?

Yes. Our Snuggle Fleece comforters are machine washable, and that's one of the reasons people switch to them.

The fleece and the fill are stitched together as one piece. There's no quilt cover to take off, wash and wrestle back on. You wash the comforter and it's done.

Many customers tell us they used to put off washing their bedding because of the cover. That job simply disappears here.

How to wash it, step by step

Start by checking the care label on your comforter. It's the final word for your particular piece. Then follow these steps.

1. Shake it out outside or over the bed to loosen any dust and pet hair.
2. Check the machine drum is big enough. A king or super king needs a large machine, and if yours is small, a laundromat's big front-loader is worth the trip.
3. Wash on a cold, gentle cycle. This is the same advice we give for our Snuggle Fleece throw rug, and the comforter uses the same fleece.
4. Use a small amount of mild liquid detergent. Too much soap is hard to rinse out of thick fleece and can leave it feeling stiff.
5. Run an extra rinse if your machine has the option.

Wash the comforter on its own. A full drum with towels or jeans means less room to move, and the comforter won't come out as clean.

What's the best way to dry it?

Slowly, and completely. Damp fill is the one thing that can spoil a comforter, so don't fold it away until you're sure it's dry all the way through.

On a mild, breezy day, hang it over a couple of lines or a sturdy clothes rack. Turn it halfway through the day. Give it a good shake and a fluff every few hours so the fill doesn't clump.

If you use a dryer, keep the heat low and check the care label first. Pull the comforter out every so often and shake it. Pressing a hand deep into the middle is the best test. If it feels cool or damp, it needs longer.

How often should you wash it?

There's no strict rule. Most people do it once or twice a year, plus any time there's a spill or a sick day in bed.

Sheets and pillowcases do the real work of keeping a bed fresh, because they sit against your skin. If you wash those weekly, the comforter on top stays cleaner for longer.

Spring suits the big wash. The weather is mild enough to dry a thick comforter outside, and it goes into storage fresh.

How do you keep the fleece soft and plush?

A few habits help the fleece keep its texture.

• Skip fabric softener. It coats the fibres and can flatten the plush feel over time.
• Don't use bleach. It's harsh on fleece and can mark darker colours.
• Avoid high heat. Hot dryers are the quickest way to a rough, matted finish.
• Give it a shake each morning when you make the bed. It takes a few seconds and keeps the fill spread evenly.

Our 3,100+ reviews across the Snuggle Fleece range, rated 4.8 out of 5, mention the softness a lot. These habits are how you keep it that way.

How should you store it when the weather warms up?

Once it's clean and fully dry, give it a home for the warmer months. The Snuggle Comforter Storage Bag is sized to fit our comforters and fits two king comforters. It keeps the fleece clean and protected, and it slides easily into a wardrobe or under the bed.

If you'd like something lighter on the bed through summer, the Gingham Eucalyptus Comforter Set is designed for spring and summer. It has a lighter fill than the Snuggle Fleece range, comes with matching pillowcases and is machine washable too.

Snuggle Fleece on a real bed

If you're wondering what to wash and what to keep, here's how a few of these look in real bedrooms.

• The Steel Charcoal Snuggle Fleece Comforter Set is a medium-dark grey with a cool, slightly blue undertone. It sits easily in almost any bedroom.
• The Cocoa Snuggle Fleece Comforter Set is a deep, clean brown that makes a room feel warm before you've even climbed in.
• The Burgundy Black Snuggle Fleece Comforter Set reads wine-coloured in good light and almost black in a darker room.
• The Winter Microplush Sheet Set pairs with any of them when the nights are cold, and it's machine washable as well.

Snuggle Fleece comforter care FAQ

Can I wash a Snuggle Fleece comforter in a normal washing machine?

Yes, as long as your drum is big enough for the size you own. A king or super king needs a large machine, so use a laundromat's front-loader if yours is small. Check the care label first.

Do I need a quilt cover over it?

No. The fleece outer and the fill are one piece, so it replaces your quilt and quilt cover. If you're weighing it up, our post on whether you need a quilt cover goes through it honestly.

Why does my comforter feel flat after washing?

Usually the fill is a little damp or has clumped. Shake it out well and give it more time to dry, then fluff it by hand every few hours. A low-heat tumble can help too, but check the care label first.

Can I wash the Snuggle Fleece throw rug the same way?

Yes. The Ivory Snuggle Fleece Throw Rug is machine washable on a cold gentle cycle. It uses the same fleece as the comforters, so the same care habits apply.

If you're still deciding between styles, our guide to coverless bedding explains how a comforter works. When you're ready to look, have a browse of the comforter collection.