Anyone ever wash a queen size down comforter in a top load washer?

My mom gave me a queen size down comforter and she smokes, so it doesn't smell to good (she had it dry cleaned before storing it, but smoking in the house made it sort of stinky). I'd like to wash and dry it because the cleaners charge $45. It's a queen size comforter and the down is stitched into pockets all over. Can I put this in a regular top load washer? The cleaning instructions on the tag say to dry clean or professional launder. Is a professional laundry machine the same as the huge front loaders at the laundromat? From what I've read online, the main drawback is that when they get wet, they're extremely heavy and the drawback to putting in in the washer is that you might burn out your washing machine motor. Has anyone ever washed a down comforter this large at home in a regular top loader? If so, did the comforter get clean and did your washing machine survive the ordeal? :)