Ever stared at your washing machine’s settings and wondered what “bedding” actually means? If you’ve hesitated before tossing in sheets, comforters, or blankets, you’re not alone. Understanding this setting is key to keeping your bedding clean, fresh, and in great condition.

In this article, we’ll explain exactly what the “bedding” cycle does, why it matters, and how to use it properly. We’ll also share essential tips for washing bulky items safely and effectively.

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What Is “Bedding” in a Washing Machine? A Complete Guide

Wondering what the “bedding” setting on your washing machine means? If you’ve glanced at your washer’s controls and been puzzled by this option, you’re definitely not alone. Many modern washing machines include a special cycle called “Bedding,” designed specifically for washing larger or heavier fabric items like bed sheets, comforters, quilts, blankets, and even sleeping bags. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly what the bedding cycle does, when to use it, how to get the best results, and common mistakes to avoid.

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Understanding the “Bedding” Cycle

What Does the Bedding Setting Do?

The bedding setting is a custom washing machine cycle tailored for bulky and heavy fabric items typically used on beds. Unlike standard cycles for daily clothing, the bedding cycle manages items that:

• Take up a lot of space in the drum
• Absorb large amounts of water
• May need extra care to avoid damage or uneven washing

The cycle is programmed to use more water, gentler agitation, and longer soak or rinse times to ensure every part of your bedding gets clean, while preventing potential damage to both the fabric and the washer.

Why Not Use a Regular Cycle?

Standard or “normal” cycles don’t always accommodate large, heavy, or absorbent items. Bedding is more likely to tangle, cause unbalanced loads, or come out poorly cleaned if you use a general cycle. The bedding setting addresses these issues by:

• Adjusting drum rotations for better distribution
• Modifying water levels and spin speed
• Preventing overload and wear on the machine

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How the Bedding Cycle Works

Let’s break down what typically happens during a bedding cycle:

1. Extra Water Intake:
   Bedding cycles use more water to thoroughly saturate bulky fabrics, ensuring detergent spreads evenly and residue is rinsed away.

2. Gentle Agitation:
   The machine moves the drum more slowly or in a specific pattern. This helps reduce stress on fibers and lessens the chance that sheets or duvet covers get twisted or knotted.

3. Longer Soak and Rinse:
   Bedding cycles often include extended soak times or additional rinses to remove deep-seated dirt, dust mites, and detergent residue.

4. Balanced Spinning:
   Bedsheets, blankets, and comforters naturally weigh more when wet. The cycle may spin at a moderate speed or pause to rebalance the load, avoiding strain on the washer’s motor and drum.

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Benefits of Using the Bedding Setting

Choosing the bedding cycle on your machine offers several key benefits:

• Thorough Cleaning: Bedding items are cleaned more deeply thanks to extra water and agitation patterns designed for thick fabrics.
• Protects Fabric: Reduced mechanical stress means less pilling, tearing, or stretching of your comforters and sheets over time.
• Machine Longevity: Prevents overloading and excessive vibration, extending the life of your washer.
• Even Detergent Distribution: More consistent cleaning, with less residue left behind on bulky items.

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Typical Items Washed on the Bedding Cycle

Use the bedding setting for:

• Bed sheets and pillowcases
• Comforters and quilts (check the label for washability)
• Duvet covers and blankets
• Mattress pads and protectors
• Sleeping bags (if machine-washable)

Tip: Always check care labels before washing—some delicate materials (like silk or wool-filled items) may require specific settings or hand-washing.

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Step-by-Step: Washing Bedding in Your Machine

Washing your bedding doesn’t have to be a hassle! Here’s how you can do it safely and effectively:

1. Prepare Your Bedding

• Shake out loose debris, such as hair or dust.
• Remove pillowcases from pillows.
• Unbutton or unzip duvet covers where possible.

2. Check for Stains

• Pre-treat visible stains with gentle stain remover before washing.

3. Load the Washer Properly

• Avoid overfilling. Large comforters may need to be washed alone.
• Try to balance the load by adding towels if washing a single bulky item.

4. Add Detergent Appropriately

• Use the right amount: too much detergent is difficult to rinse from thick fabrics.
• If your washer uses HE (High Efficiency) detergent, use that type as directed.

5. Select the Bedding Cycle

• Choose the “Bedding” (or similar: Bulky, Large, or Bulky/Bedding) setting.
• Adjust water temperature according to the care label—hot for white cotton, warm or cold for colors.

6. Start the Wash

• Let the machine complete the full cycle.

7. Dry Properly

• If possible, shake out bedding before loading into the dryer to reduce wrinkles.
• Dry on a low or medium heat setting unless the label says otherwise.
• Larger items may need extra cycles or to be aired out after drying.

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Best Practices for Washing Bedding

Washing bedding properly keeps it fresh, extends its life, and maintains hygiene. Here are some proven tips:

• Wash Sheets Weekly: Helps reduce allergens, sweat, and dust mites.
• Don’t Overload: Bedding needs space to move in the drum to be cleaned thoroughly; never cram too much in.
• Avoid Fabric Softener: It can build up and affect absorbency, especially for towels and mattress protectors.
• Use Gentle Detergent: Harsh chemicals can make fibers rough or weaken them over time.
• Check After Washing: Large blankets or comforters may hide residual soap—run an extra rinse if needed.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with the bedding cycle, you can fall into some laundry traps. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them:

1. Using the Wrong Cycle:
   Bedding washed on a regular cycle may be left damp, poorly cleaned, or damaged.

2. Overloading the Drum:
   Cramming in too much bedding can prevent it from washing and rinsing thoroughly, and may strain your washer.

3. Ignoring Care Labels:
   Some bedding materials require low temperatures, delicate Spin cycles, or air drying.

4. Skipping Pre-Treatment:
   Heavily stained sheets (like from oils or spills) benefit from pre-treatment for best results.

5. Using Too Much Detergent:
   Thick bedding can trap detergent, leading to skin irritation or residue buildup.

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Special Considerations for Different Washer Types

Not all washing machines are the same. Here’s what to keep in mind:

For Top-Load Washers

• Spread bedding around the central agitator to balance weight.
• Pause mid-cycle to rearrange if needed.

For Front-Load Washers

• Don’t stuff bedding tightly; leave room for tumbling.
• After loading, check the drum balance—unbalanced loads can cause loud vibrations.

For High-Efficiency (HE) Washers

• Use low-sudsing HE detergent.
• Check for “Bedding” or “Bulky/Large” specialty cycles.

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Bedding Cycle and Machine Care

Washing heavy or bulky items adds stress to your washing machine. Taking care helps both your bedding and your washer:

• Regularly Clean the Drum: Prevents buildup from detergent and fabric softener.
• Inspect Seals and Gaskets: Bedding can release lint, which sometimes collects at the door seal, especially in front-load models.
• Run a Drum Clean Cycle: Once a month, run an empty hot wash with a cleaner or vinegar to maintain your machine.

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Bedding Cycle Features: What to Expect in Different Brands

• Samsung: Their bedding cycle uses lots of water and gentle action to avoid tangling, designed for blankets, sheets, and large duvets.
• LG: Specific “Bedding” or “Bulky/Large” cycle, which adjusts spin speeds and water levels, with options to add extra rinse or steam.
• Other Brands: Many include bedding (bulky, or large) programs with similar aims—read your user manual for any unique features.

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Final Thoughts

The “Bedding” setting on your washing machine is a convenient and effective way to care for large, heavy bedding items. Using this cycle gives your sheets, comforters, and blankets a deeper clean while also protecting their fabric and your washer. With the right practices—like not overloading, using just enough detergent, and adhering to care labels—you’ll keep your bedding feeling soft, fresh, and inviting for years to come.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What items should I wash on the bedding cycle?
You should use the bedding cycle for items like bed sheets, pillowcases, comforters, duvets, heavy blankets, mattress pads, and other bulky bedding. Always check each item’s care label to ensure machine washing is safe.

Can I wash more than one bedding item at a time?
It depends on your washer’s capacity. Large washers often handle a set of sheets and pillowcases together, but bulky items like comforters may need to be washed separately for the best results.

Do I have to use the bedding cycle, or can I use a regular one?
The bedding cycle is recommended for bulky and heavy items. Using a regular cycle may result in poorly cleaned bedding, incomplete rinsing, or unbalanced loads that could stress your machine.

What water temperature should I use for bedding?
Follow the care label’s instruction. Cotton sheets and white bedding usually tolerate warm or hot water, while delicate or colored bedding should be washed in cold or warm water to avoid shrinking or color fading.

My washer doesn’t have a bedding cycle. What should I do?
If your washer lacks a bedding or bulky cycle, use the largest load size, set extra rinse if possible, and wash large items individually or in small batches. Use a gentle or “delicate” cycle with plenty of water and low spin speed to protect both your bedding and your machine.

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By using your washing machine’s bedding cycle correctly, you’ll enjoy cleaner, softer, and longer-lasting bedding every time you slip into bed. Happy washing!