How to Wash a Duvet in 6 Easy Steps?
Before we start – what kind of duvets are there?
Duvets can be produced from various materials. Most of high quality duvets have in some part polyester covers, while some in part use bamboo material or cotton. As for fillings, we have natural and synthetic duvet fillings. Natural duvets are usually filled with goose down or feathers and these are duvets mostly used for hot sleepers. Synthetic duvets can have synthetic fillings (synthetic down imitator), microfiber and wool.
Microfiber duvets
Microfiber is a very popular material for many products that are related to our bedroom. It is a synthetic material that is very durable, so your microfiber duvet will last a long time. It also looks nice and is comfortable, so it should come as no surprise why it is a material used so often.
You can wash it in the washing machine, and it is important to know that you must not use fabric softener and that you should avoid washing the microfiber duvet with something made of cotton.
Upsides:
Microfiber duvets are best for anyone who loves a fluffy duvet! They are easy to find, and are very affordable. The microfiber duvet is also very light and it’s hypoallergenic and good at keeping you warm. This duvet is average when it comes to breathability.
Downsides:
Microfiber duvets are not really great for Summer months. You might experience too much heat. The other down side is that the microfiber filling sometimes tends to bulk up in some areas of the duvet. Make sure the duvet has the microfiber evenly distributed and fixed in place with seams, or else you’ll have to fluff it often to make it comfortable and nice.
Feather/down duvets
Like any natural material, the feathers and down are very comfortable and soft. When you cover yourself with a down duvet, you will have the feeling that the duvet has hugged you and is warming you up. However, that means that it is not suitable for summer.
When it comes to washing, use as few chemicals as possible and use only the cold-water cycle if you wash it in the washing machine so as not to damage your down duvet.
Upsides
There isn’t anything softer in this world than down duvets. If you are opting for a down duvet, you’re in for the fluffiest of them all. At the same time, they will keep you warm so much you’ll never want to leave the bed. And luckily for you, there are ethical ways to obtain natural down – so you can rest assured that the product you’re using is safe for the environment and the life around you.
Downsides
Down duvets are extremely heavy, they are a little more expensive than your average duvet, and most importantly – they’re not hypoallergenic. Although the manufacture process makes sure the materials are clean and safe – there is no guarantee that your allergy won’t be induced by it. Down is also a little less breathable, you definitely shouldn’t use it during Summer and it’s extremely hard to keep clean.
Recommended washing temperatures for microfiber & down duvets
Since these are two completely different materials, one of which is natural and the other is not, this greatly affects the temperature for washing and drying. Since down is even more sensitive than feathers, you have to be very careful when washing and drying it. You need to do this regularly and you should only use warm water, which is 30 degrees C. Drying also at a low temperature. And you must dry it completely, to prevent mould from appearing.
Microfiber is a synthetic material, so you can wash it at 60 degrees C, without fear of being damaged. Drying can also be done at a higher temperature compared to a down duvet.
How to wash a duvet in 6 steps?
Whether it is clothes or a duvet, you must follow all the instructions given by the manufacturer. People often think that these instructions are not so important and therefore do not follow them. And then they wonder why the duvet was damaged. To make it last as long as possible and be like new, follow the manufacturer's instructions. Also following steps will help you to wash a duvet effectively.
1. Make sure to stick together any open seams
Before you put the duvet in the washing machine, you should first inspect the duvet itself and determine if there is an open seam and if it is torn somewhere. These can be very small damages that seem insignificant to you, but that can destroy both the duvet and the washing machine. You have to know that down and feathers, as well as other material used, can fall out of the duvet even through the smallest hole. And that will clog your washing machine. So stick together if there is an open seam.
2. Pre-treat it with a stain removing detergent
If you notice stains, it is best to pre-treat them, otherwise, it is possible that just washing them in the washing machine will not remove them. Use stain-removing detergent to treat stains, and be sure that detergent is intended for this type of material. If it is a small stain, you can also use a mixture of baking soda and water.
3. Wash it in a large/commercial washing machine on a gentle setting
It is necessary to wash the duvet in a washing machine where there is enough space. To provide enough space, do not add clothes when washing the duvet. Just wash the duvet. But many have small washing machines where not even a duvet can have enough space. This will cause the filling to be too compressed and it won’t be cleaned properly. Then the solution is to take your duvet to a commercial washer.
4. Rinse twice to remove excess detergent
The down duvet usually doesn’t rinse enough from the first time, so you should repeat the rinse cycle at least one more time. The reason for this is that the down and feathers absorb the detergent and then it is very difficult to rinse. And if it is not washed enough, the smell will be too strong and you will be irritated by the presence of detergent.
5. Use a large dryer on low air cycles
As is the case with washing, you should also provide a duvet with a dryer where there is enough space. Set it on low temperature and low air cycles, to dry properly. You will also need to periodically stop the drying process and manually move down in the duvet. If you fail to do so, it will not dry out completely. And you have to avoid that at all costs.
6. Leave the duvet to dry for an additional 24 hours in the open air
When the drying cycle is over, the duvet should be over 90 percent dry. However, due to the type of material, it almost always happens that parts that are not completely dry remain, although you do not notice it at first glance. That is why it is ideal to leave the duvet to dry in the open air all day long. Only then will you be sure it is really dry. Don't expose it to the sun – just ensure that there is enough open air and circulation.
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FAQs about how to wash a duvet
Customers always have additional doubts when buying a duvet. Especially if it’s a down duvet that is much more sensitive than a microfiber duvet. And it’s also more expensive, so people don’t want to be quickly damaged. That is why we will give you the answer to some of the most frequently asked questions.
Can I put my duvet in a washing machine?
Yes, you can put it in a washing machine. Just pay attention that there is enough space.
What setting should I wash my duvet on?
You should use a low heat setting and also the washing machine centrifuge should be around 500 RPM.
Can I wash a duvet in an 8kg washing machine?
8kg washing machine should offer you enough space to wash a duvet.
Can I tumble a dry duvet?
Yes, you can. It will make it fluffy.
How often do I need to wash my duvet?
The answer to this question depends on how often you use it. It is recommended to wash it several times a year.
Can I wash a double duvet at home?
Theoretically, you can, but you probably don’t have a washing machine big enough for you to wash a double duvet.
Recommended reading:
- How to Put On a Duvet Cover
- Duvet TOG Guide – Here's How to Find Your Ideal Duvet
- What are Duvet Covers and Do You Need Them?
- Everything You Need To Know About Low TOG Duvets
- Should You Get an Anti-Allergy Duvet? – All You Need To Know
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