There’s nothing better than a clean bed. Fresh sheets, a clean duvet, plumped-up pillows, it’s quite literally the stuff of dreams.
The right bedding can have a major impact on the quality of your sleep. When your bedding and duvet is fresh and clean, it’s much easier to relax and drift off. But, like all soft furnishings in your home, your duvet needs proper care to help it stay comfortable for longer.
In this article, we’ll help you keep that fresh bedding feeling night after night by exploring how to keep your duvet clean.
Can You Wash a Duvet?
Just like any other part of your bedding, your duvet needs to be maintained. Some may neglect to keep their duvets clean due to their sheer size, but this can lead to odd smells and stains developing over time.
So, the answer is yes. Duvets can and absolutely should be cleaned on a regular basis
Can You Wash a Duvet in the Washing Machine?
Depending on the size of your duvet and washing machine, it is entirely possible (and often recommended) to use a washing machine to clean your duvet. Some duvets are too big for some drum sizes, though, so be careful to not overfill your washing machine.
For example, a 7kg drum can often handle single and sometimes double duvets. But, for anything beyond this, you might need to consider an 8kg or even a 9kg drum. Super king size duvets, on the other hand, will generally only be washable in a 10kg drum or larger.To find out more about duvet tog ratings, see our guide: A Guide to Duvets: Tog, Fillings, and Care
How to Clean a Duvet
With most duvets being made from either synthetic or natural materials, we’ve broken down our guidance into two common material types: synthetic and natural.
How to Wash a Polyester Duvet
Polyester duvets are low maintenance and allergy-friendly. They can be machine-washed regularly without losing their shape or comfort.
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To keep your polyester duvet fresh, air it out each morning to allow any moisture to evaporate. If possible, place it in direct sunlight. Natural sunlight helps disinfect and refresh the fabric.
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When it’s time for a wash, use a delicate warm water cycle set to 60°C (or 140°F) on your washing machine. Be sure to check any tags on the duvet, as these may indicate otherwise.
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Ideally, your duvet should be washed on its own with no other clothes or bedding in the washing machine.
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After washing, your polyester duvet can either be air or tumble dried following the care instructions provided. Polyester duvets tend to dry quickly, making them convenient and easy to maintain.
- Check your duvet after 45 minutes. Depending on how dry it is, resume your drying cycle.
How to Wash a Feather and Down Duvet
Feather and down duvets may have a natural scent when first unpacked, but this typically fades after airing them out for a while. Some people also choose to wash the duvet before using it. Their washing instructions are largely the same as polyester duvets,
- To keep your feather and down duvet fresh, air it out each morning to allow moisture to evaporate. Just like with synthetic duvets, place it in direct sunlight, as the UV rays from the sun can help disinfect it.
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When washing, use a delicate warm water cycle of 60°C (or 140°F) and wash the duvet on its own. Refrain from using any additional substances like bleach and use a slightly reduced amount of detergent in the wash.
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After washing, transfer the duvet to the dryer immediately. Set it to a low heat or an air-dry setting and avoid high heat, as this can damage the feathers inside.
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To prevent the duvet from clumping up in the dryer, try adding a dryer ball or even some tennis balls. These will help the duvet dry evenly, keeping it fresh.
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Check your duvet after 30 minutes. Depending on how dry it is, resume your drying cycle.
How to Clean a Duvet Without a Washing Machine
If for whatever reason you’re unable to use a washing machine for cleaning your duvet, you do have some options available to you.
In the Bath
Next to a washing machine, the most convenient place to wash your duvet is your bath. Here’s how it:
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Fill your bath with some warm water and add two to three caps of detergent.
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Swirl the detergent around in the hot water to spread it out evenly.
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Add your duvet to the bath, pressing it down to fully submerge.
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With your hands, carefully scrunch up the duvet in a kneading motion to ensure even coverage, flipping occasionally. Do this for both sides of the duvet.
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Remove any excess detergent by rinsing the duvet with clean water.
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Empty the bath and strain excess water out of the duvet.
Once your duvet starts to feel damp, transfer it to your dryer or begin air drying.
Spot Cleaning
If your duvet is only dirty in one area, you can sometimes get by with a simple spot clean process. This is much easier and quicker to do and doesn’t require a washing machine.
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Locate the stain or affected area and remove any covers surrounding it.
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Apply an appropriate cleaning solution for the type of stain to the duvet – not the filling.
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Scrub the stain until your cleaning solution activates.
- Rinse the area with clean water, and either air dry or use a hairdryer to speed up the process.
How Often Should You Wash a Duvet?
One of the main questions asked around duvet maintenance is how often it should be done. In an ideal world, your duvet would be washed every three months. Compared to your bedding, this is much less often. However, duvet covers provide basic protection, meaning you don’t need to wash the duvet as frequently.
Helping You Enjoy a Fresh, Relaxing Night’s Sleep
Achieving the perfect night’s sleep involves several key factors, not just cleanliness. For more tips on sleep routines, selecting the ideal bed, mattress and more, be sure to follow the Bed Factory Direct blog.