It is not necessary to wash your duvet every week, but it's a good idea to do it now and again to keep your bedding clean, hygienic and free of dust mites.
After checking the washing instructions on the label fold the duvet in half lengthwise and turn it into the washing machine.
The first thing you need to do is check the label. This will tell you whether you have to pack it up and drop it at the dry cleaners or whether you can accept the challenge of washing it yourself.
Some duvets can be washed in a machine but the additional weight once it is wet can be a challenge.
Tip: If hand washing your duvet, start as early in the day as possible to maximise your drying time.
How to hand wash
Avoid using harsh chemicals on your duvet, as this can damage the fabric fibres and down. Use a mild detergent, preferably one used on delicate fabrics, bubble bath or a splash of washing up liquid.
Always check the label before attempting to clean your duvet.
Fill your bath tub or a large plastic tub halfway with tepid water and add your detergent. Activate the detergent by sloshing your hands in the water and then submerge your duvet fully.
If you are hand washing your duvet, start as early in the day as possible to maximise your drying time. Hang the duvet outside in the sun and go back every half hour to shake it out and redistribute the down.
Make sure your feet are clean and climb in. Imagine you are making wine and walk up and down across the duvet. You can also opt to bend over the tub and scrub. Be sure not to scrub too harshly or you may damage the down.
Leave the duvet in the bath and drain the water. Add a fresh batch of water and rinse the duvet repeatedly. This is a long process as you have to ensure there is no soap residue left in the down.
Once you have rinsed properly, squeeze out the excess water by rolling the duvet as tightly as possible without wringing. Do this repeatedly, unrolling it fast to avoid wrinkling the fabric.
Hang the duvet outside in the sun and go back every half hour to shake it out and redistribute the down.
Tip: Ensure the duvet is completely dry and has no clumping as this can cause mildew growth.
Machine washes
After removing as much excess water as possible, if the washing instructions allow, pop your duvet into the tumble dryer. Use a cool cycle and toss in two tennis balls. These will help redistribute and plump up the down.
After checking the washing instructions on the label fold the duvet in half lengthwise and turn it into the washing machine.
Depending on the label, you may opt to wash your duvet on a slow, cold cycle.
Tumble dry options
After removing as much excess water as possible, if the washing instructions allow, pop your duvet into the tumble dryer. Use a cool cycle and toss in two tennis balls. These will help redistribute and plump up the down.
When the cycle stops, remove the duvet and shake it out. Place it back in the cool cycle until it is completely dry and plump.
Tip: Never use excessive heat as this can cause the fibres to shrink.
It is always advisable to check the label in case the duvet requires professional cleaning. If this is the case, pack the duvet in a large plastic bag and drop it off at the dry cleaners. – Victoria Taylor
Print
