Not all duvets are made equal — and neither are washing machines. If you’ve ever stood in front of your laundry machine wondering whether your 13.5 tog duvet is about to destroy it, you’re not alone. It’s a common conundrum: “Can I chuck this in, or will it rip the drum off its hinges?”

Short answer? A 13.5 tog duvet can be too heavy for some domestic washing machines — but it depends on a few key factors. Let’s unpack this (without wrecking your machine in the process).

What does a 13.5 tog rating actually mean?

In Australia, we don’t typically use the term “tog” to measure warmth — but if you’ve bought a UK-imported doona or shopped online, you’ve likely come across it. Simply put:

• Tog is a measure of thermal insulation.

• The higher the tog, the warmer the duvet.

• A 13.5 tog duvet is considered very warm, ideal for UK winters but arguably overkill for most Aussie climates (unless you’re living in the Snowy Mountains or love to sleep in a freezer).

These heavier duvets are usually thick, densely filled, and potentially problematic for washing machines not built to handle the bulk.

So… is a 13.5 tog duvet too heavy for my washing machine?

It might be. Here’s how to tell.

1. Check your washing machine’s drum capacity

Most domestic washers in Australia range between 6kg to 10kg drum capacity. A double or queen 13.5 tog duvet can weigh anywhere from 4kg to 7kg dry — and much more when wet.

Water absorption adds serious weight. Think about a sponge that triples in weight when soaked — now imagine that, but made of polyester and feathers. That’s your doona in a rinse cycle.

If your machine is:

• 6kg or under: Not suitable for a 13.5 tog duvet.

• 7–8kg: Might cope with a single or double size duvet, but not reliably.

• 9kg or above: May handle a queen duvet, especially synthetic ones.

💡 Pro tip: Refer to your user manual — manufacturers often specify the types of loads your washer can handle.

What happens if you overload your machine?

Here’s the brutal truth: overloading your washer can do more than just give you a soggy doona. It can cause:

• Unbalanced spinning – making the machine shake like it’s possessed.

• Water drainage issues – especially if the filling clumps and blocks flow.

• Motor strain – long-term damage that shortens your machine’s lifespan.

• Incomplete cleaning – your duvet may come out damp and still dirty.

A good rule of thumb? If your doona barely fits into the drum and you have to force it in, it’s too big. Washers need space for movement — squashed items won’t agitate or rinse properly.

Can dry cleaners or laundromats handle this better?

Absolutely. If your home unit can’t cope, commercial machines often can. Most self-service laundromats in Australia offer 10kg to 18kg machines, perfect for heavy-duty loads like winter duvets.

Prices vary, but you’re usually looking at $10–$18 for a wash and dry — a small price to pay for peace of mind (and not having to extract soggy feathers from your filter for weeks).

At some laundromats, attendants even offer a wash–dry–fold service. You drop off your doona, and it returns clean, fresh, and ready to use.

Is it safe to machine wash any 13.5 tog duvet?

Not always. The tog rating doesn’t just affect bulk — it can indicate a duvet’s filling material, which is crucial for washing decisions.

Common fillings:

Always read the care label. Some duvets claim to be “machine washable” but then recommend “professional laundering preferred”. That’s code for: don’t trust your Westinghouse with this.

Any tips for machine washing a heavy duvet safely?

Yes — and they’ll save you drama.

✅ Pre-wash prep:

• Check for tears or leaks in the stitching.

• Spot clean any major stains first.

• Roll or fold the duvet loosely before placing it in the drum.

✅ Use a duvet bag (if possible):

Helps protect delicate fibres, especially with feather/down fillings.

✅ Choose the right cycle:

• Use delicate or bedding mode, if your washer has it.

• Cold or warm water only – hot water can damage fillings.

• Add an extra rinse cycle to remove detergent residue.

✅ Drying tips:

• Tumble dry on low heat with dryer balls or clean tennis balls.

• This helps fluff the filling and prevent clumping.

• Make sure it’s completely dry before using — trapped moisture = mildew.

Can I wash it in a top loader?

Trickier. Australian households still love top-loaders, but they’re not ideal for bulky duvets. Why?

• Agitator rods can twist and damage the fabric.

• Smaller drum openings make it harder to load/unload heavy items.

• Less efficient spin cycles often leave duvets damp.

If you’ve got a large-capacity, agitator-free top loader, you might get away with it — but it’s still a gamble.

Real talk: What do most Aussies do?

Honestly? They avoid it altogether.

• Some shove it in the washer and hope for the best (until it backfires).

• Others make it an annual dry-cleaning job.

• Many simply use two lighter quilts layered together for winter, so they’re easier to wash and more flexible for year-round use.

And then there’s the laundromat crowd — who know that a commercial washer can do in 45 minutes what would take you half a day and a lot of swearing.

What size machine is best if I really want to wash it at home?

If you’re keen on machine-washing your 13.5 tog duvet regularly, consider upgrading to a 10kg+ front loader. These models are gentler on fabrics and built to handle large bedding.

Also look for features like:

• Bedding mode

• Custom rinse/spin cycles

• Auto load sensors to prevent overload

These additions aren’t just marketing fluff — they genuinely make a difference in how clean (and undamaged) your duvet ends up.

FAQ

Can a 13.5 tog duvet break a washing machine?

Not if your washer is large enough. But if it’s overloaded, yes — it can cause mechanical strain, unbalanced spins, or even water damage.

What’s the easiest way to clean a big duvet?

Head to a laundromat with 10–18kg machines. They’re built for bulky items and save your home washer from stress.

Can I use a regular laundry detergent?

Yes, but go easy. Use a mild detergent and avoid fabric softeners (they can reduce loft and trap residues).

Final thoughts

A 13.5 tog duvet isn’t a problem in itself — but it’s often too bulky for home washers under 9kg. If in doubt, the smarter (and safer) choice is to take it to a laundromat.

This guide on how to wash a duvet offers even more useful context around machine sizes, filling types, and tips to get the job done right.

And if you’re after more in-depth tips from laundry experts, this resource from CHOICE breaks down machine load limits in a practical, Aussie-friendly way.