Duvet Cleaning Guide

Duvets provide warmth and comfort to our sleep, but to stay in good condition and last longer, they require regular cleaning. Cleaning them is vital for maintaining their hygiene and quality. Although it may seem a bit complicated, cleaning a duvet is quite simple if you follow the steps suggested by designdrops. 

Basic Care and Washing Instructions for the Duvet

Step 1: Check the cleaning instructions

Every duvet has different cleaning instructions, so it is important to read the labels and manufacturer's instructions before starting to clean it. Some duvets are machine washable, while others require professional cleaning. Especially for duvets made from delicate materials, it is very likely that damage will occur if the instructions are not strictly followed.

Step 2: Preparation:

Before washing the duvet, check for potential stains. If you find stains, try to remove them individually using detergent. Treat stains as soon as possible. Use a mild cleaner and a soft towel to gently remove the stain. If the stain is in a prominent area, first try using the cleaner on a small, inconspicuous area to check if it causes fading. Also, you should look for and repair any holes or loose threads that might get caught in the washing machine drum and damage the duvet. 

Step 3: Use a large washing machine

The duvet needs enough space to be cleaned properly. Use a large washing machine and make sure there is enough room for the duvet to move freely. Using a washing machine with a small drum can damage both the filling and the lining of the duvet and probably will not clean it sufficiently. 

Step 4: Washing

Use a mild detergent suitable for delicate fabrics. Avoid strong detergents and bleaches, as they can damage your duvet. Choose a gentle cycle for delicate clothes and a low temperature 30 Celcius. Synthetic duvets can be washed at a higher temperature 40 Celcius as they are more durable. It may be necessary to rinse twice, as duvets often retain detergent. So, before the spinning process begins, repeat another rinse cycle. Limit the use of fabric softener, as too much softener damages the duvet and its strong scent will reduce the quality of your sleep. 

Step 5: Drying

After washing, make sure the duvet has dried completely before putting it back on the bed. Tumble drying is usually recommended, but make sure the dryer has a large capacity so that no damage occurs and it dries properly. Choose a low drying temperature and repeat the program if necessary. If the duvet does not dry well, there is a risk of mold and fungi growth. If a dryer is not available, hang it out in the shade on a warm day to dry faster. Do not place it in a position that will have direct contact with the sun, as it may fade and lose its freshness. 

Step 6: Storage

When the duvet is not in use, store it in a dark, dry, and well-ventilated space. Protect it from dust and moisture by placing it in a special fabric bag. Duvets are often sold in such bags, so don't throw them away. If you don't have such a bag, you can easily find one on the market. You can also put an aromatic sachet in the bag, which will give freshness to the duvet while it is stored. 

How do I wash a duvet with organic filling (down, wool)?

Washing a duvet with organic filling, such as a down or wool duvet, requires special care to maintain its quality and durability. Typically, duvets made from these materials are either not washable or it is recommended that they be washed rarely. The best thing to do is to use a duvet cover and wash it when necessary. 

1. Check the Care Instructions

Before starting the washing process, check the duvet's label for care instructions. Each duvet may have different requirements. For example, if the dry cleaning symbol is on the label, take your duvet to a dry cleaner. However, if washing is allowed, follow the manufacturer's instructions, as well as the ones that follow. 

2. Wash it in the Washing Machine

If there are stains on the duvet, try to remove them with a mild cleaner before washing. Also, you should check for any holes or loose threads that might damage the duvet in the washing machine. If you are sure the duvet can be washed in the washing machine, use a mild liquid detergent that is suitable for down or wool materials, respectively. There are some enzymes that can damage the duvet filling, so make sure your detergent does not contain them. Make sure the washing machine is not overloaded to ensure a good washing result. Choose a gentle washing program at a low temperature 30 Celcius. When washing is complete, rinse the duvet well to remove all detergent residues. It will probably be necessary to repeat the rinse, as duvets retain water. Then choose a gentle spin cycle. 

3. Drying 

Regarding drying, you should know that a duvet with organic filling should remain soaked for the shortest possible time. For this reason, the use of a tumble dryer is recommended. If the duvet stays wet for too long, it may acquire a permanent unpleasant odor. However, if you do not have a dryer, place the duvet in a flat, shady, and well-ventilated area and make sure to regularly shake its filling to prevent the down from sticking together and accumulating moisture. If you take your down duvet out of the washing machine and it has acquired a yellowish color, do not panic. The water changes the color of the down, but once they dry, they will regain their original color. When the duvet is completely dry, gently beat it to restore the volume of the filling. Leave the duvet in a ventilated area for a few hours before placing it back on your bed.

Additional Useful Tips for Duvet Care

You don't need to wash the duvet often:

2 to 3 times a year is enough, especially if you use a duvet cover, which you should wash approximately every 15 days. 

Use a duvet cover: 

The duvet cover protects the duvet and is durable against washing, which is not the case for duvet fillings, especially organic ones. Frequent washing of the duvet is likely to make the duvet lose its freshness. 

Daily care:

Air the duvet and remove it from the bed so that the bed can also air out. This way, moisture created during sleep will be removed. Also, it is good to gently shake it to keep it fluffy and to remove dust. 

Tennis balls:

Tennis balls keep the duvet fluffy! Place 2-3 tennis balls in the drum of the washing machine or dryer, and they will beat the filling and keep it fluffy.

Moth protectors:

If you are going to store a duvet with a wool filling, it is advisable to place a special moth protector in the storage package. 

What do the icons on the care instructions symbolize?

Most linens have instructions on how to wash, iron, and dry the products. Generally, you should know that the basin symbolizes washing with water, the circle symbolizes dry cleaning, the triangle symbolizes bleaching, and the iron symbolizes ironing. Some of the most common washing symbols are the following:

To choose the perfect duvet for you, consult the corresponding duvet buying guide from designdrops and visit our linens category to find duvets and many other quality products!