Washing a duvet is quite different from washing your sheets and other bedding. Since it is a heavy blanket, you need to be extra careful while washing your duvet. Don’t worry. This blog will take you through how to wash a duvet so that you can keep your bedding sparkling clean.
What Is a Duvet?
A duvet is a fluffy blanket that comes in two pieces- a duvet insert and a duvet cover. The duvet insert has a filling of down, feather, or other synthetic material. It is loose and hence needs a cover.
You might use the terms duvet vs comforter interchangeably. But they are not the same. So, what is the difference between a duvet and a comforter? A comforter is a quilted blanket that is ready to use without a cover. So, it’s just a single piece of bedding, unlike a duvet.
Both a duvet and a comforter can, however, give you a cozy and comfortable night’s sleep.
Check out our blog to know more about the difference between a duvet and a comforter.
How to wash a duvet?
Washing a duvet might be a daunting task when you do it for the first time. Well, a simple guide might help.
Before kick-starting the process, consider the following things to make the process seamless:
Check the label: Make sure to check the washing instructions on the label.
Most of the duvets are washable. But if your label says otherwise, consider taking it to a professional launderer. So, always check whether you can wash your duvet or not.
Stitch the tears (if any): As we know, duvets are stuffed with wool and feathers. Any wear and tear may create a big mess that you may find hard to deal with. So make sure to stitch any tears to avoid any inconvenience.
Remove the duvet cover- Your duvet comes with a removable cover. Make sure you remove it before putting the duvet in the washer.
Note: Here, a washer means a high capacity front load washer suitable for washing a duvet.
Let’s go through the process to clean a duvet step by step:
1. Place the duvet in the washer
But before that, make sure it’s not puckered. That will make it easier for the machine to clean the stains and smudges like a pro.
2. Set the temperature
The label displays the best washing temperature for that particular duvet. If your duvet’s label has one, go for that temperature. If not, 60 degrees celsius is an appropriate temperature to wash a duvet insert.
3. Opt for a suitable detergent
Your choice of detergent depends on the stains on the duvets. Since duvet inserts are covered, there are fewer chances of them getting stained. If that’s the case, a mild detergent will do the work.
But, if your duvet is stained, opt for a regular laundry detergent.
Pour half the amount of recommended detergent in the detergent slot to avoid over foaming.
4. Do the machine settings and turn it on
Set the washer delicate mode. Furthermore, toss a couple of tennis balls in the washer. It is more of a hack to maintain the softness of your duvet. Also, tennis balls speed up the drying of the duvet.
You may go for reusable wool dryer balls that are made for washing duvets.
5. Rearrange
You may rearrange your duvet at a regular time interval of 15 minutes and repeat the washing process for another 40 minutes. It may sound a little time consuming but will restore the newness of your duvet.
6. Rinse it
It is the most crucial step. Once you have completed washing, running an extra cycle will guarantee that no detergent remains on the surface.
7. Dry
You can dry your duvet using a dryer or leave it out to air dry.
Be careful while drying a duvet in the dryer. Dry it at low to medium heat since the synthetic stuffing inside is sensitive.
You will have to stop the dryer at specific time intervals (ideally 30 minutes ) to rearrange the duvet. That will help to dry it evenly.
Make sure you wash your duvet cover at least once a month. You can follow the same steps to wash your duvet cover. Washing the cover is a lot easier as compared to the duvet insert.
How to Spot Clean a Duvet?
If you want to clean a duvet without putting it in the washer, spot cleaning is the best option. Follow these simple steps to remove the most stubborn spots and stains from your duvet.
- Move the filling away from the area you wish to clean.
- Make a mild detergent solution and gently rub it on the stain. You may also use a spot remover.
- Rinse the area with water while ensuring you don’t wet the filling.
- Now dry it off with a dryer.
How to Wash a Duvet Without a Washing Machine?
If your duvet is too large for the washing machine, you need to wash it by hand. No, we are not talking about cleaning some spots on your duvet. You can wash the entire duvet by hand. But don’t forget to check the duvet washing instructions on the label before proceeding.
Follow these steps if you can’t put your duvet in the washing machine.
- Fill your tub halfway with warm water.
- Now, it’s time to add some detergent and agitate the water to mix it.
- Don’t forget to check the duvet washing instructions to know the type of detergent to use.
- Now put the duvet in the soapy water and agitate it slowly. Make sure you tackle every area of the duvet.
- Drain the soapy water and rinse your duvet in freshwater.
- Repeat the process till no detergent remains.
- After that, squeeze the extra water out of your duvet and evenly distribute the filling.
- Now, hang the duvet till it dries.
There you go. Washing a duvet without a machine is as simple as that. It will hardly take you an hour.
How Often Should You Wash Your Duvet?
You should wash a duvet insert at least once a year. However, washing it once every six months is a better option if you have asthma or allergies.
You do not need to wash your duvet as frequently as your sheets because it comes with a cover. But, washing a duvet cover regularly is crucial because dust, dirt, and sweat accumulate on it. You can wash your duvet cover along with the bedsheets. It is super light and can be easily machine washed.
If you are wondering about how often you should wash your sheets, check out our blog.
Tips to Keep Your Duvet Clean
Since washing a duvet is quite a task, you have to keep it clean to prevent any extra effort. Moreover, protecting your duvet from dirt will enhance its lifespan.
Here are some superb tips to keep your duvet spick and span.
- Always use a cover on your duvet.
- Make sure the cover is zipped up or buttoned.
- Avoid eating and drinking on your bed to prevent spills.
- Wash the duvet cover frequently if you have pets.
- Do not jump to bed drenched in sweat and covered with dirt. Wash and change your clothes after you come from outside.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to wash a duvet, you can keep your bedding spick and span. Remember that a clean bed is the key to a restful night’s sleep. Needless to say, it’s hygienic too.
Wait. You should also wash your pillows to maintain hygiene. Check out our pillow washing guide here.
