When was the last time you washed your duvet?

Can’t remember? Don’t worry. You’re not alone. 

For all the time, effort, and care we put into our bedding choices, our duvets remain sadly ignored. But we get it — bed linens are easy to wash; duvets, not so much. 

However, washing our duvet at least twice a year is essential for keeping away dust and dirt as well as preventing dust mites and allergens. 

Washing a duvet can seem tricky because of its size, weight, and composition. But with a little bit of care and effort, the whole process can be much easier than you think! Read on to learn how to wash a duvet at home safely and effectively. 

A duvet is a fluffy warm blanket with two components — an insert made of insulating materials, such as wool, feathers, silk, cotton, microfiber, or polyester, and a taut cover for the insert. 

While washing a duvet may seem intimidating, it’s really not. Here’s a detailed guide on how to wash a duvet to keep it fresh and clean.

You will typically find washing instructions on the duvet’s label attached to the bottom corner. Most duvets can be washed, but a few require dry cleaning. Some brands may have specific advice on how to wash a duvet in a washing machine.

Technically, washing the duvet also washes the insert, so you don’t have to take it out. However, the label may include specific steps on how to wash a duvet insert. 

Duvets can come in different sizes, but instructions on how to wash a double duvet are the same as that for a queen-size or king-size one. Just make sure it fits the machine.

A duvet may develop tears after prolonged use. Look your duvet over carefully, and repair any tears you spot to prevent the stuffing from spilling out while being washed. 

You may sew the edges of the tear together if the damage is simple enough. However, you may have to sew on a patch if the edges are misaligned and if a large piece is missing. Secure the stitches with a knot.

Take off the duvet cover if it is removable. You should ideally wash this cover separately because if you don’t, it will take longer to dry and damage the duvet. Instructions for how to wash a duvet cover are usually the same as those for washing the duvet.

On the other hand, if you have a coverless duvet with a non-removable cover, you can put the entire thing in the washer. 

Removing the duvet cover is like removing a pillowcase from a pillow. If you can’t find an opening, it may be a coverless duvet.

Set the temperature. The temperature often plays a big role in ensuring your linen’s durability. 

If your duvet’s label has a recommended setting, go for that. If not, 60 degrees celsius is an appropriate temperature.

As for the detergent, opt for a mild detergent if the duvet is not that dirty. Harsh detergents may cause the duvet colors to fade and the filling to stiffen.

Also, ensure you use the right amount of detergent as suggested by the product label. Use a third of this amount if the duvet is composed of a natural filling such as down.

Duvets are typically washed at gentle or delicate cycles to prevent the duvet’s fragile filing material from coming apart. Remember, the steps on how to wash a down filled duvet will advise gentler handling compared to washing polyester and similar materials.

Once you remove the duvet from the washer, check for any residual soap. Look for suds or touch the duvet to feel if it is soapy. If it is, rinse it again. 

If excessive detergent is used, the filling will absorb the leftover soap and develop clumps, making it uncomfortable when dry. 

Gently remove the duvet from the dryer. The wet duvet will be heavy, so it might be a struggle to pull it out. Take care to avoid tugging on it roughly so it won’t tear.

The guide outlined here generally applies to all types of duvets. However, the directions for how to wash a duvet comforter may differ depending on the materials used.

Take a look at some specifications for washing duvets made of different materials:

How to wash a feather duvet: Natural fillings take longer than synthetic ones to dry. Avoid drying it on the clothesline to prevent mold and mildew from growing.

How to wash a down duvet: Like feathers, down fillings may deteriorate if wet. Make sure you dry it thoroughly.

How to wash a linen duvet cover: Turn the cover inside out to protect the fabric.

How to wash a silk filled duvet: Wash at cooler temperatures and use a silk-friendly detergent.

How to wash a polyester duvet: Use a mild, non-chlorine detergent.

When loading the duvet into the dryer, try to smooth out any rolls or twists to ensure even drying. You should also keep an eye on it throughout the drying cycle and keep checking on the duvet to fluff out the duvet and prevent any lumps. 

Yes, you can tumble-dry a duvet if the label says so. Tumble-dry it on low or medium heat until it is completely dry. You may also use dryer balls to prevent the duvet from bunching up.

Don’t rush it. Line drying a damp duvet takes a lot of time and can result in mold or mildew growth.

Once it is tumble-dried properly, you can hang the duvet to dry to air it out and ensure there is no dampness. 

every time i wash/dry my duvet it twists itself into a beautiful, infuriating dumpling pic.twitter.com/uJOvM7q3nI

— Kate Folk (@katefolk) December 26, 2020

If you don’t have a dryer or it’s broken, there are other ways to dry a duvet.

Hang the duvet on the clothesline, and let the sun dry it out. This will work much better if it’s windy outside. Moreover, the sun can also help disinfect and deodorize a duvet. 

This is also highly effective when you’re wondering how to wash a white duvet cover. Drying the duvet under direct sunlight and allowing it to sun bleach will make it whiter.

If you don’t have a clothesline, you may hang it over the shower curtain rod or other clean furniture. Just make sure that you let the breeze in or use an electric fan to hasten the drying process if you’re drying it indoors.

Hang the duvet near a heater or radiator. However, do not put it directly on top of one because it might ignite.

You may use a hairdryer held at least six inches away from the duvet. Dry one side and then another, and repeat if necessary.

Aside from drying, you can also use a clothes iron to remove wrinkles from the duvet. However, ensure that the label indicates it is safe for ironing.

Spot cleaning is a great alternative to a full wash when your duvet has mild stains in one area. To spot clean, you will need a rag, a soap solution or a mild stain remover, and a clean rag.

1. Gently move the duvet filling away from the problem spot. 

2. Spray the soap solution or stain remover on the stain. 

3. Let it sit for a few minutes, and gently rub it with the rag. 

4. If the stain is still there, gently rub the rag over the stain or rub the duvet fabric together. 

5. When the stain is gone, spray the soapy area with clean water. Avoid wetting the filling. You may let it air dry or use a blow dryer. 

When you want to stretch out your duvet wash cycles, covering the duvet can go a long way. It will shield the duvet from dust and maintain its freshness when not in use.

Here are a few more simple but effective tips to keep your duvet dry: 

• Avoid eating anywhere near your duvet to prevent crumbs or stains.
• If possible, do not sleep naked to avoid unintentionally soiling the duvet.
• Use a top sheet as a protective layer between you and the duvet.
• Do not use a damp duvet because the moisture will turn it into a breeding ground for bacteria and fungus.

Washing a duvet won’t damage it if done correctly. Make sure you have a large enough washing machine and dryer. Set the right temperature, use the proper type and amount of detergent, and use gentle cycles for washing and drying the duvet. Be careful when handling the duvet, and you won’t run any risk of ruining it. 

Don’t know how to wash a king size duvet at home that can’t fit your washing machine? Consider cleaning it in a tub. You can soak a duvet in the bathtub full of soapy water for 30 minutes and then handwash it. 

Alternatively, you may hang the duvet on the clothesline or shower rod, pour a detergent solution over it, and then scrub it with your hands or a brush. Squeeze out the soapy water and rinse it. 

If you’re confused about how to wash a duvet by hand, it’s similar to handwashing a blanket. But remember to separate the cover from the duvet first.

A soiled duvet needs to be washed immediately to prevent permanent stains. If there are no spills or stains and the duvet is generally clean, you can wash it every few months. 

However, you should clean the duvet cover more frequently, at least once a week, since that is what touches your skin. If you use a top sheet as an additional layer between you and the duvet, the sheet must also be washed on a weekly basis. You can wash the sheet by following the steps for how to wash a duvet blanket. 

Washing a duvet is better than dry cleaning since dry cleaning uses chemicals that may leave residue inside and outside the duvet. Touching or inhaling these chemicals may cause harmful effects, such as itchiness, blistering, nausea, and organ damage. 

If you know how to wash a duvet in the washing machine, you won’t have to worry about this issue.

Duvet covers are in contact with your skin every night for 7-8 hours on average. So they need to be washed regularly. 

Not doing so encourages the growth of bacteria, mold, and mildew, especially if something has spilled on it. They may also collect dust and grime or attract pests like mites and ticks, especially when you have pets that sleep on the bed. 

Learning how to wash a duvet will encourage you to clean it as often as you should. In case you still find it difficult, consider bringing it to a cleaning service every weekend. 

Bring the duvet to a specialist if you are concerned about washing delicate duvets and don’t know how to wash a down duvet at home. Aside from getting the job done, a professional can also help out with specialty duvets and show you how to wash a goose down duvet, for example.