Many folks havent washed their duvet insert since the day it came out of the package.
Read on for when and how to wash your duvet to keep it fresh and make it last.
Cheryl Mendelson, Ph.D., is the author ofHome Comforts: The Art & Science of Keeping House.
Credit:Getty Images / Basak Gurbuz Derman
What Is A Duvet?
First things first: Whats the difference between a duvet and a comforter?
A duvet is an insert with a protective cloth cover.
Credit:Getty Images / Surachai Pungkit
This insert is what this guide to washing a duvet refers to.
When the seasons change and new allergens show up, wash your duvet.
Some fabrics need special cleaning care.
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Here’s what to consider before you put your duvet on a wash cycle.
Mend any holes before laundering, or you may end up with a dryer full of fluff.
Pre-treat any stains (we list the steps below).
If you do not have large-enough machines at home, consider visiting a laundromat with industrial-sized machines.
Do not be alarmed; this will go away after you dry.
(And, whenever possible, allow these natural-filled duvets to air out in sunlight.)
This ensures that the soap can be evenly distributed.
However, sanitization happens in warmer water.
If you still see or feel residue on your duvet following the wash cycle, rinse and spin again.
If youre working with an especially thick or king-size duvet, take advantage of your washing machines bulky cycle.
Some machines give you the option to choose a spin speed.
(Its up to you.)
Wash by gently pressing the sudsy water through…Donotwring.
Then, select a low-heat or air-dry cycle (some dryers also have bedding or bulky cycles).
This is where the manufacturers tag comes in handy.
If your duvet is filled with polyester, it willdry more quicklyand may be able to tolerate warmer temperatures.
If it is filled with down or feathers, heat can damage the filling.
you could also air-dry a damp duvet in a well-ventilated area.
Step 2: Add Dryer Balls
To the dryer drum, add three or fourwool dryer balls.
Dryer balls also help prevent the duvet from wadding up on one side of the machine.
Continue the drying cycle, and check every 30 minutes or so until the duvet is dry.
A duvet is fully dry when the filling is light and evenly distributed.
If you have a down- or feather-filled duvet and the time, let it air-dry for a full day.
Whatever you do, Mendelson advises, it is important to get down- and feather-filled articles completely dry.
If you leave them damp, they will smell and mildew.
Fluff your freshly laundered duvet by holding onto two corners and giving it a few good shakes.
Because duvets are both large and dense, they almost always require additional rinse/spin and dry cycles.
A heavy, down-filled duvet may betoo hot during summer months.
Swap it out for a lighter duvet or bed covering.
To store, remove the cover and wash the duvet.
confirm it is completely dry before storing.
Vacuum-sealed bags also work well to compress a synthetic or down duvet for smaller spaces.
Place inside a clean duvet cover.
Now that youve washed your duvet, when was the last time youwashed your pillows?
