We spend a lot of time under our covers every night. Because of sweat and contact with skin, hair and heat, many bacteria grow on it. However, since it is a large item, we often neglect cleaning it. That’s not enough to keep a sleeping area clean. In the next few lines we will give you some valuable tips on how to wash your duvet.
A clean duvet means a hygienic and restful sleep
Washing your duvet is an essential part of good sleep hygiene
How often to wash duvet?
Because your duvet is protected by a cover, it doesn’t need to be washed as often as your bed linen. However, to keep them fresh, you should schedule regular cleaning. Experts recommend washing a frequently used duvet cover every two to three months. As the seasons change and new allergens emerge, it’s also time for cleaning. At the very least, you should wash your comforter every year to remove dust mites, even if it has been stored. It’s also helpful to know that polyester comforters can be washed more often than those with natural fillings and require much less time in the dryer.
For this reason, polyester duvets are a good choice for allergy sufferers
Can you wash a duvet in the washing machine?
Whether and how you wash your duvet depends on the material and filling. In general, most blankets can be easily washed in the washing machine. However, in order not to damage them, it is important to follow the recommendations for cleaning the fabric and filling. To wash a comforter at home, you will need a front-loading washer and possibly a high-capacity dryer. This is crucial because rough, jerky agitation in a top-loading washer can cause damage to the filling or some seams.
Most duvets can easily be washed in the washing machine
Washing a duvet: What is the best way to wash a duvet?
To wash a large duvet, you need a sufficiently large washing machine. If you don’t have one at home, consider using an industrial-sized laundromat or washing the comforter by hand. If you choose this option, you will need a large bathtub and a mild powder detergent. How to wash your duvet in the washing machine:
#Step 1: Prepare the duvet
To prepare your comforter for washing, remove the cover and check the care label. Don’t skip this step, especially if it’s filled with natural filler! Check whether the duvet is machine washable. Please note that feathers and down always have a strong, rather unpleasant smell when wet. But don’t worry because it will disappear after it dries.
If you are unsure, always read the care label first
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#Step 2. Put the comforter in the washing machine and add detergent
When washing duvet covers, experts recommend adding only one-third to one-half the amount of detergent you would use for a load of laundry. This ensures that the soap is distributed evenly
and it doesn’t remain in the filling, which could ruin a down comforter, for example.
To wash duvets, it is best to use powder detergent
#Step 3 Select the program
The safest wash setting for your comforter is a cold/cold cycle, which is gentlest on the fabrics. However, since disinfection occurs in warmer water, you can use a hot/cold wash cycle to kill additional bacteria. If you’ve been sick recently or haven’t cleaned your duvet in a while, this may come in handy.
Also choose an additional rinse and spin cycle. This ensures that no detergent is left behind that dries and sticks in the filling or is a prerequisite for the future formation of mold and bacteria.
#Step 5: Check whether the duvet is wet
After washing the duvet, check to see if it is very damp – sometimes a side effect of a dense filling. If this is the case, do an additional spin cycle with a few clean, dry towels. The towels absorb some of the moisture and can be thrown in the dryer at the end.
Keep these tips in mind when washing your comforter
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How to dry a duvet in the tumble dryer
If you have a dryer, you can dry your comforter indoors. However, note that this is not recommended for down duvets, for example (read how to properly wash down duvets). Before putting the duvet in the dryer, empty the lint filter completely as this will ensure the greatest possible ventilation in your dryer. Then choose a low heat or air dry cycle. The manufacturer’s label will help you here: If your duvet is filled with polyester, it will dry faster and withstand higher temperatures.
It is best to let duvets with delicate fillings air dry
How do I air dry duvets?
If the weather is nice, you can air dry the duvet. Especially if it is already 50% tumble dried, it will be much fluffier. Do the following:
Place a drying rack on the patio, shake the duvet a few times and lay it flat on the rack – as if you were covering the dining table with a tablecloth. Allow the duvet to dry and check it from time to time. When the first side is dry, turn the blanket over to ensure even drying.
Tip: When washing down comforters, clumps often form, which you can remove by spreading them out with your hands.
A duvet is completely dry when the filling is light and evenly distributed.
Fluff up your freshly washed duvet by grabbing two corners and shaking it vigorously
