How to Wash a Doona at Home: The Complete Australian Guide

Washing a doona at home can feel like a much bigger job than washing your sheets or doona cover. Doonas are bulky, different fillings require different care, and even a large washing machine may not have enough drum space for a thick Queen or King doona to move and rinse properly.

The good news is that many modern doonas can be washed at home — provided the care label allows it and your washing machine is large enough for the doona to move freely.

If you're also comparing different pillows, doonas and other bedding, our Ultimate Sleep & Bedding Buying Guide explains what to consider when choosing the right bedding for your sleep setup.

In this guide, we'll explain how to wash a doona step by step, how to tell whether your washing machine is big enough, how washing differs between common doona materials, and how to dry your doona properly before putting it back on the bed.

How Often Should You Wash a Doona?

There's no single washing schedule that suits every doona or household.

How often your doona needs cleaning depends on factors such as how frequently it's used, whether you use a doona cover, the type of filling, pets, spills and the manufacturer's care instructions.

Using a removable doona cover helps protect the doona itself from regular contact with sweat, body oils and everyday dirt. Because the cover is much easier to wash, it can be cleaned more frequently while reducing how often the bulky doona inside needs a full wash.

You may want to wash your doona if you notice:

• Visible stains or marks
• An unpleasant or stale smell
• Spills or accidents
• Significant dust or dirt
• The doona hasn't been cleaned for an extended period

Regardless of when you decide it's time for a wash, always check the care label first.

Check the Doona Care Label First

Different fillings, outer fabrics and constructions can require very different cleaning methods. A washing method suitable for one synthetic doona may not be appropriate for wool, bamboo, down or feather.

Check the label for:

• Whether the doona can be machine washed
• Recommended or maximum water temperature
• Recommended wash cycle
• Whether bleach or fabric softener should be avoided
• Whether tumble drying is permitted
• Recommended drying method or temperature
• Whether professional cleaning is required

The manufacturer's care instructions should always take priority over general washing advice.

If your doona is labelled dry clean only, don't put it through a standard home washing cycle.

What Size Washing Machine Do You Need for a Doona?

One of the biggest mistakes when washing a doona at home is assuming that a washing machine's kilogram capacity automatically tells you which size doona it can wash.

It doesn't.

Doonas vary significantly in thickness, GSM, filling and construction. A lightweight Queen doona may occupy much less drum space than a thick Queen doona despite being designed for exactly the same bed size.

What matters is having enough space inside the drum for the doona to move freely during washing and rinsing.

As a practical guide:

• Single and Double doonas: may fit in a large household washing machine, provided there's plenty of room for the doona to move.
• Queen, King and Super King doonas: can require considerably more drum space, particularly with thick or high-GSM fillings. A commercial-size laundromat machine may be the better option if your home machine can't accommodate them comfortably.

Never force a doona into the drum. If you need to tightly compress it to get it inside or it fills most of the available space while dry, use a larger machine instead.

Remember that your doona will also become considerably heavier once saturated with water.

The thickness and weight of a doona can make a significant difference to how bulky it is to wash. If you're unsure what the different bedding weights mean, our What GSM Quilt Do You Actually Need? guide explains how common GSM ratings compare across Australian seasons and climates.

What You'll Need

If the care label confirms your doona can be machine washed, you'll generally need:

• A washing machine with sufficient drum space
• A laundry detergent suitable for the material
• An appropriate stain treatment if required and permitted
• Enough time to dry the doona completely

Don't automatically add bleach, fabric softener or other laundry additives. Check the individual care instructions first.

How to Wash a Doona Step by Step

Step 1: Inspect the Doona

Before washing, check the outer fabric, stitching and seams for:

• Tears or holes
• Loose stitching
• Damaged seams
• Areas where filling could escape

Washing can place additional stress on damaged fabric, so repair significant damage where appropriate before putting the doona through a wash cycle.

Step 2: Treat Any Stains

If there are visible stains, check the care instructions before applying a stain remover.

Where permitted, gently spot-treat the affected area with an appropriate product. Avoid aggressive scrubbing or automatically using strong stain removers, particularly on delicate fabrics and natural fillings.

Step 3: Load the Doona Loosely

Place the doona into the machine without forcing or tightly compressing it.

There should be enough space for it to move during washing and rinsing. If it barely fits while dry, use a larger machine.

Step 4: Choose the Correct Cycle

Follow the care label rather than automatically selecting your usual wash cycle.

Pay attention to:

• Water temperature
• Wash cycle
• Detergent
• Spin setting

If the manufacturer specifies a gentle, delicate or wool cycle, use that setting.

An additional rinse may be useful for some bulky washable bedding when permitted by the care instructions, particularly if detergent remains within the material.

Step 5: Dry the Doona Completely

Drying is just as important as washing.

Because doonas contain layers of filling, the outer fabric can feel dry while moisture remains trapped inside.

Follow the care label to determine whether your doona should be tumble dried, line dried, dried flat or professionally dried.

If tumble drying is permitted, follow the manufacturer's recommended heat setting. If air drying, provide plenty of airflow and reposition the doona periodically to encourage even drying.

Before putting it back on the bed or into storage, check several areas — particularly thicker sections — to make sure the filling is completely dry.

How to Wash Different Types of Doonas

The correct washing method depends heavily on the filling and construction.

If you're comparing different materials, our Wool vs Bamboo vs Microfibre Quilts guide explains the differences in warmth, feel, everyday care and suitability for different sleepers.

Synthetic and Microfibre Doonas

Many synthetic and microfibre doonas are designed to be relatively easy to maintain and may be machine washable.

However, washing temperatures, drying instructions and detergent requirements can still vary. Always follow the individual care label and make sure your machine provides sufficient drum space.

Bamboo Doonas

Bamboo doonas can contain different fibre blends and constructions, so don't assume every bamboo doona has identical washing instructions.

Some may be machine washable while others have more specific care requirements. Follow the temperature, cycle and drying method specified for the individual product.

If you're considering bamboo for your next quilt, Australian Evolution's Australian Made Bamboo Quilits include lightweight 200GSM Summer and 400GSM All Season options made here in Australia.

Wool Doonas

Wool requires particular care.

Depending on its construction, a wool doona may permit a specialised wool or gentle washing cycle, while another may require professional cleaning.

Heat and excessive agitation can affect wool fibres, so follow the manufacturer's instructions rather than assuming all wool doonas can be washed the same way.

Down and Feather Doonas

Some down and feather doonas can be washed at home while others have specific professional-cleaning requirements.

When machine washing is permitted, follow the specified detergent, temperature and drying instructions carefully. Thorough drying is particularly important because dense natural filling can retain moisture internally.

Sherpa and Fleece Doonas

Sherpa and fleece-style doonas can be particularly bulky, making washing-machine drum space especially important.

If machine washing is permitted, follow the product's specific washing and drying instructions.

Our EverWarm Luxury Sherpa Doona, for example, has a substantial 700GSM construction. With thicker Queen, King and Super King doonas like these, a commercial-size machine may be more practical if your household washer doesn't provide enough room for the doona to move freely.

Should You Use a Doona Cover?

A doona cover can make ongoing care considerably easier.

It creates a removable protective layer around your doona, reducing direct exposure to everyday dirt, body oils and spills.

Because the cover is much smaller and easier to wash, it can be cleaned more frequently while helping the doona underneath stay cleaner for longer.

A doona cover also lets you change the appearance of your bedding without replacing the doona itself.

How Long Does a Doona Take to Dry?

There isn't a universal drying time.

It depends on:

• Doona size
• Filling material
• Thickness and GSM
• How much water remains after spinning
• Drying method
• Temperature and airflow

Rather than relying on a fixed number of hours, check the doona itself.

Feel and gently press several areas, particularly thicker sections. If any part still feels damp, continue drying according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Never store a doona while it's still damp.

Why Does My Doona Smell After Washing?

One possible cause is moisture remaining inside the filling.

The exterior of a thick doona can dry faster than its internal layers. Putting it back on the bed or into storage before it's completely dry can lead to unpleasant odours.

If you notice an unusual smell after washing, first check whether the filling is thoroughly dry and refer to the care instructions before rewashing or applying additional cleaning products.

When Should You Replace a Doona Instead of Washing It?

Washing can refresh and maintain a doona, but it can't reverse every form of wear.

It may be worth considering replacement if:

• The filling has become permanently uneven or heavily compressed
• The outer fabric or seams are extensively worn
• The doona no longer provides the comfort or warmth you expect
• Persistent odours remain despite appropriate cleaning
• The product has deteriorated beyond practical repair

There isn't necessarily a fixed age at which every doona needs replacing. Material, construction, frequency of use and how well it has been cared for all affect its lifespan.

If you're comparing replacement options, you can browse our Pillows & Bedding collection for bedding suited to different seasons and sleeping preferences.

Doona Care Tips to Help It Last Longer

A few simple habits can help maintain your doona between washes:

• Use a removable doona cover
• Follow the manufacturer's care instructions
• Deal with spills promptly
• Air bedding when appropriate
• Never store a damp doona
• Store seasonal bedding somewhere clean and dry
• Avoid tightly compressing a doona for extended periods unless recommended
• Redistribute and fluff the filling where appropriate for its construction

If you're putting heavier or seasonal bedding away for several months, our How to Store Bedding Between Seasons guide covers how to clean, dry, protect and store bedding correctly between uses.

Complete Your Doona & Bedding Setup

Knowing how to care for a doona is only one part of choosing bedding that suits your home, climate and sleeping preferences.

For a broader comparison of pillows, doonas, mattress toppers and other bedding, read our Ultimate Sleep & Bedding Buying Guide.

If you're deciding between quilt fillings, our Wool vs Bamboo vs Microfibre Quilts guide compares the characteristics of three popular options.

For choosing the appropriate quilt weight, our What GSM Quilt Do You Actually Need? guide explains how GSM relates to warmth and seasonal use.

You can also browse our Pillows & Bedding collection to compare our wider bedding range.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Wash a Doona in a Top-Loading Washing Machine?

Potentially.

The important considerations are the doona's care instructions, the machine's design and whether there is enough space for the doona to move.

If your top-loader uses a central agitator, take particular care that the doona isn't tightly wrapped or compressed around it. If you're unsure, a large commercial front-loading machine may be the easier option.

What Size Washing Machine Do I Need for a Queen Doona?

There isn't a reliable universal kilogram capacity for every Queen doona.

Different Queen doonas vary significantly in thickness, GSM and overall bulk. A better test is whether the doona sits loosely inside the drum with enough room to move during washing and rinsing.

If it fills most of the drum while dry, consider using a larger commercial machine.

Can I Wash a King Doona at Home?

Yes, if its care label permits machine washing and your washing machine has enough drum space.

King and Super King doonas can be very bulky, particularly with heavier fillings. If the doona needs to be tightly compressed to fit, use a larger commercial machine.

Can I Use Fabric Softener on a Doona?

Only if the manufacturer's care instructions permit it.

Different fillings and fabrics respond differently to laundry products, so follow the instructions for the individual doona.

Can I Put a Doona in the Dryer?

Only if the care label says tumble drying is permitted.

If it is, follow the manufacturer's recommended heat setting and drying instructions.

How Do I Know When My Doona Is Completely Dry?

Don't judge it by the outer fabric alone.

Feel and gently press several areas of the doona, particularly thicker sections, to check for moisture within the filling. If any part still feels damp, continue drying according to the manufacturer's instructions.