Do Laundromats Have Washers for Bulky Items?
Washing Bulky Items: Where Laundromats Excel
One of the biggest reasons people choose laundromats â even people who have their own home washer â is to wash bulky items that simply don’t fit in a standard domestic machine. Doonas, heavy blankets, sleeping bags, thick duvets, king-size bed sets, rugs, and large curtains all benefit enormously from the large-capacity commercial machines available at laundromats like Love Wash.
What Counts as a Bulky Item?
Anything that a standard 7â8 kg home washing machine struggles to handle properly is a bulky item in laundromat terms. Common examples include:
- Doonas and duvets (especially queen and king size)
- Heavy woollen or fleece blankets
- Sleeping bags
- Mattress protectors and mattress toppers
- Large rugs and bath mats
- Thick curtains and drapes
- Heavy jackets, snow gear, and winter coats
- Pet beds and cushion covers
Trying to wash these items in an undersized machine results in poor cleaning â the item can’t tumble freely, detergent doesn’t reach all areas, and the machine may become unbalanced. A large-capacity commercial machine ensures even washing and thorough rinsing.
What Size Machines Do Laundromats Offer?
At Love Wash, we stock a range of washer sizes to handle anything you bring in:
- 8â10 kg washers: Standard loads â everyday clothing, light towels, regular linen.
- 14 kg washers: Larger family loads, thick blankets, heavy denim.
- 18â20 kg washers: Full doonas, sleeping bags, large rugs, bulk commercial loads.
Our large-capacity machines are purpose-built for heavy-duty washing and are significantly more powerful than domestic equivalents. They provide a proper, thorough wash even for items that have been stored for months.
How Often Should You Wash Bulky Items?
Most manufacturers recommend washing doonas and heavy blankets every 3â6 months, or more frequently if you have allergies, pets, or if the item has been exposed to spills. Sleeping bags should be washed after every 3â5 uses if used in the outdoors. Mattress protectors can be washed every 1â2 months.
Many Love Wash customers build a quarterly bulky item wash into their routine â loading the large machine with their doona, mattress protector, and throw blankets in a single visit. It’s efficient, thorough, and considerably cheaper than a dry-cleaning service for most washable items.
Tips for Washing Bulky Items
- Always check the care label first â most doonas are machine washable but some require dry cleaning
- Use a gentle or delicate cycle for down-filled items
- Add a couple of clean tennis balls to the dryer with doonas to prevent clumping
- Ensure bulky items are fully dry before removing from the dryer â damp fill material can develop mould
Book Ahead for Large Machines
Our large-capacity machines are popular on weekends. Visit mid-week or early morning on weekdays to guarantee access without waiting. Love Wash’s locations across St Marys, Bella Vista, Waterloo, and Zetland all have large-capacity machines available.
