How to wash a duvet: a complete guide
If you’ve ever wondered how to wash a duvet, you’ve come to the right place. Whether your duvet is filled with natural down or synthetic materials, duvet washing is key to keeping your bedding fresh, fluffy, and long-lasting. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to wash duvet fillings of all types, ensuring your bedding stays in its best condition.
Preparing your duvet for washing
Before washing a duvet, check the care label for any specific instructions. Most duvets are machine washable, but some may require professional laundering or hand washing depending on the filling or fabric. Duvets can sometimes pick up a couple of holes or some loose stitching over time, so make sure to check the duvet over to avoid losing the filling during the wash.
How to wash a down duvet
Down duvets are filled with natural materials like goose or duck feathers and require delicate care to keep their softness and insulation at its best. Here’s how to wash a duvet with down filling:
- Choose the right washing machine: Down duvets are often bulky, so you’ll need a large washing machine. If your home machine is too small, consider using a laundrette.
- Use the proper detergent: A down-specific detergent or a gentle detergent is the best choice. Harsh detergents and fabric conditioners can damage the feather filling.
- Set the cycle: Select a delicate cycle with cold or lukewarm water. Avoid hot water, as it can weaken the feathers. 30 degrees and lower should do the trick.
- Rinse thoroughly: Double-rinse to ensure all detergent is washed out, or the feathers may get damaged and not dry properly.
How to dry a down duvet
After washing a duvet filled with down, drying it thoroughly is essential. Use a tumble dryer on a low heat setting and throw in a couple of clean tennis balls or dryer balls to prevent clumping. Stop the drying cycle periodically to shake the duvet and make sure the filling is spread evenly. Ensure the duvet is completely dry before use, as dampness can lead to clumping, mould and bad odours.
How to wash a synthetic duvet
Washing a synthetic duvet is an easier process, as they’re filled with polyester or microfibre. Synthetic duvets are lightweight and more resilient, making them less tricky to wash.
- Pre-treat stains: Spot-clean any visible marks or stains with a mild detergent before washing.
- Load the washing machine: Synthetic duvets can fit more easily into standard washing machines, but be sure not to overload the drum.
- Select the right cycle: Use a gentle or normal cycle with warm water. Synthetic fillings can tolerate slightly higher temperatures than down.
- Use standard detergent: A regular laundry detergent works well for washing duvet fillings made of synthetic fibres.
How to dry a synthetic duvet
Dry your synthetic duvet in a tumble dryer on a low or medium heat setting. As with down, adding tennis balls will help to stop the filling from clumping. Alternatively, hang it to air dry in a well-ventilated space, turning it frequently to ensure even drying.
How to wash a wool duvet
Regular airing will mean your wool duvet doesn't need a regular wash. However, if it's ready for a more thorough clean, you can wash your wool duvet in a machine on a 30°C Wool cycle and only with a detergent designed for use with wool.
How to dry a wool duvet
The smallest amount of moisture can damage the fill and may lead to clumping. We recommend a gentle spin after washing to remove excess moisture before hanging your duvet to dry. You can tumble-dry your wool duvet on low if needed.
General tips to remember when washing a duvet
Whether you’re washing a duvet filled with down or synthetic fibres, these general tips will help:
- Wash sparingly: Washing a duvet two to three times a year is usually sufficient, unless you need to tackle a major spill.
- Use a duvet cover: Covers make it easier to keep your duvet clean and reduce the frequency of full washes.
- Double-rinse: Ensure all detergent residue is rinsed out to prevent irritation, stiffness and fabric or filling damage.
- Use a duvet protector. Duvet protectors go between your duvet for an extra layer of preservation.
So, can you wash duvets? Absolutely. Knowing how to wash duvet fillings properly ensures your bedding remains clean, cosy, and durable. Explore our range of down, synthetic and luxury duvets for the perfect addition to your bedroom.
