Specialized Adjustments for Bulky Items
The bedding cycle, often labeled as “Bulky” or “Sheets,” is a specialized program that modifies the washing machine’s internal processes to handle large, absorbent textile items. These items, such as comforters and thick blankets, present unique challenges because they absorb a significant volume of water and are prone to clumping, which can strain the appliance. The cycle compensates for this by adjusting three primary mechanical settings: water level, agitation, and the final spin speed.
The machine introduces a substantially higher volume of water compared to a standard wash cycle. This increased water level is necessary to fully saturate the bulky textile fibers and ensure the detergent is thoroughly dissolved and distributed throughout the entire load. Proper saturation prevents dry spots where dirt and detergent residue can become trapped, which is a common issue when washing thick materials in a normal cycle.
During the wash and rinse phases, the cycle employs a noticeably slower and more gentle agitation or tumbling pattern. This reduced mechanical action is specifically engineered to prevent the fabric from wadding up into a tight, dense ball. By keeping the movement intermittent and less aggressive, the cycle minimizes strain on the item’s seams and stitching, protecting large textiles like duvets from damage.
The most noticeable adjustment occurs during the final spin phase, where the machine uses a significantly reduced spin speed. A bulky, water-logged item can create a severe imbalance in the drum due to uneven weight distribution. The slower rotation speed minimizes the centrifugal force, which reduces the risk of the machine vibrating excessively or triggering an automatic shutdown due to an unmanageable load imbalance. The cycle may also include frequent pauses to allow the item to naturally redistribute itself, further protecting the machine’s suspension system.
Appropriate Items and Loading Techniques
The bedding cycle is primarily intended for items characterized by their volume and high absorbency, making it suitable for comforters, mattress pads, sleeping bags, and thick quilts. While some machines may suggest using this setting for regular sheets, most standard sheets and pillowcases can be effectively cleaned using the normal cycle, reserving the specialized bedding program for genuinely puffy or filled items.
Before loading the machine, users should always check the item’s care label to confirm it is machine washable, as some down or specialty materials may require professional cleaning. It is also beneficial to inspect the item for any visible stains and pretreat them with a mild stain remover before beginning the cycle. This preparation is important because the gentle agitation of the bedding cycle is less effective at lifting concentrated soil than the aggressive action of a heavy-duty wash.
Proper loading technique is essential to ensure the cycle functions as intended and to protect the appliance from imbalance. Never overload the machine, even if the item appears compressible, as the textile needs ample room to circulate freely once fully saturated with water. For both top- and front-loading washers, the item should be placed loosely into the drum rather than tightly stuffed or wrapped around a central agitator.
The best practice is to loosely fold or bunch the large item and place it evenly around the drum to distribute its weight. This helps the machine’s sensors maintain balance throughout the wash and spin phases, especially with dense, heavy items. If multiple items are being washed, such as a comforter and a mattress pad, wash them separately to ensure maximum water penetration and a more effective, damage-free cleaning process.