Everyone knows it’s important to wash your bedsheets regularly, preferably once a week if you can swing it. Sheets can accumulate more bacteria than a doorknob within seven days, so keeping fresh bedding on the mattress is a good way to fight illness, allergies and skin problems.
But what about when it comes to washing a duvet? Sure, washing a duvet cover may be part of your regular cleaning routine, but as it turns out, washing a down duvet is equally important. If you want to sleep in a clean bed without ruining the down and fabric fibers, here’s what you need to know.
How Often Should You Wash a Duvet?
The good news is that you don’t need to wash duvets as regularly as you do your sheets and duvet cover. Unless you have an accident or a spill on the duvet, you only need to clean it once a year. That’s the same advice whether you have a down-filled duvet or a synthetic version.
If you only use your duvet during winter, wash it before you make the bed. Otherwise, consider adding the task to any significant yearly cleaning rituals, like spring cleaning, to remind yourself to do it.
Related: How Often Should You Wash Your Sheets?
What Is the Best Way to Wash a Duvet?
It’s always best to follow the manufacturer’s instructions, but if you can’t find them and have a washing machine big enough to hold the duvet, you can use that.
Down duvets don’t always hold up against harsh chemicals or detergents, so select a mild or gentle detergent when you wash yours. Use warm water and a gentle cycle to protect the fabric, and set the machine to the extra-rinse function. That helps to remove any leftover detergent from the duvet at the end.
If you have a real duvet with goose down and a washing machine with a central agitator, consider sending your duvet out for cleaning instead. Otherwise, you could run the risk of rips.
How to Spot Clean a Duvet?
Stains are never fun, but they’re incredibly tiresome on a duvet. To remove them, fill a spray bottle with warm water and grab a mild stain remover. Push the filling away from the stained area and apply the stain remover to the outer fabric. Pat the fabric with a clean, white rag and let it sit for at least 20 minutes. If the stain is still there, try rubbing the fabric together or scrubbing it with a clean brush.
Once the stain is gone, spray the area with the bottle to remove any soap. You can now blow dry the area or wash the entire duvet following the steps above.
Related: 8 Cleaning Secrets From Four Seasons Hotel Toronto
Should You Soak a Duvet Before Washing It?
Some people like to soak their duvets in a giant container or bathtub overnight before washing it, but that isn’t necessary. However, to clean your duvet by hand, fill the container with warm water and a small amount of mild or natural detergent.
Push the duvet into the water mixture and make sure it’s thoroughly submerged. You don’t need to soak the duvet overnight; if there are no tough stains or spills, 10 minutes should be enough. After that, drain the water and begin rinsing the duvet with fresh water until all the soap is gone. Lay it flat on a drying rack in a well-ventilated room to dry.
How to Dry a Duvet?
If you’ve got a dryer big enough to handle your duvet, that’s your best bet to ensure it dries thoroughly (and quickly!). Place the duvet in the machine and select a low, air-dry setting. It may take a few hours, and you’ll need to stop the machine a few times to redistribute the duvet and ensure equal drying.
If you have dryer balls or tennis balls, throwing them into the dryer with the duvet can also help to redistribute the feathers and keep them from clumping as the duvet dries. Tennis balls will also create air pockets, which make the duvet fluffier.
Just remember that whether you have natural or synthetic down, both materials cannot stand high heat, so use the lowest heat setting.
If your dryer isn’t large enough to hold the duvet, dry it on a clothesline or drying rack.
How to Clean Other Down-Filled Items
If you’ve got other down-filled items to wash, like sleeping bags, jackets or pillows, always treat them gently. That means using warm water, mild detergent, a gentle cycle and no extra scents, which can break down materials over time.
Before washing, zip any zippers and empty pockets. Check for loose seams that tear easily during washing, and reinforce them if necessary. Always use the extra rinse option to ensure all soap is washed away.
In doubt? Just like with a duvet cover, you can always turn to a professional for a thorough clean.
