How to Wash a Down Duvet

How to Wash a Down Duvet

Down comforters and duvets require proper maintenance to look beautiful and maintain their fluffiness. When it comes to cleaning, there’s a specialized procedure that you’ll need to follow.

If you’re about to wash a down duvet for the very first time, you’ll find the following article to be particularly beneficial. It lists all of the supplies you’re going to need, as well as the steps to follow for an outstanding result.

Tools and Supplies You’ll Need

Wash

Before moving on to the next step, make sure that you have all of the necessary tools and supplies for washing a down duvet. A few of the items you’re going to need include the following:

  • A mild detergent (preferably a cleaning product of natural origin that’s free from harsh chemicals)
  • A front-loading washing machine
  • Dryer (only used on low heat seating, though air-drying is a much better option)
  • Dryer balls or tennis balls
  • Bleach (if there are any harsh stains on a white down duvet)

Wash the Down Duvet

You will need a front-loading washing machine that’s big enough to fit the entire down duvet. Make sure there’s enough room and that the duvet isn’t crammed inside. If there isn’t any space, traces of the detergent could remain between the folds and inside the filling.

The washing machine you’re using should have a gentle setting and a capability for doing a cold water cycle. Hot water and standard washing could potentially damage or shrink the expensive and beautiful down duvet.

When washing a white comforter, you may want to add bleach or a whitening product. It will restore the crispness and whiteness of the duvet – something that may be necessary for older bedding. The step is optional and you’ll get good results without using bleach, as well.

Since the duvet is big and bulky, you may want to go through the rinse cycle twice. This way, you’ll make sure that all of the detergent has been removed from the fabric.

You should never use the spin cycle on a down duvet. It will make filling shift to one part of the duvet and it can potentially cause damage. When taking the comforter out, you may want to squeeze some of the water. That’s all it takes! Though more time will be required to dry the duvet, it’s certainly better to be safe than sorry.

Drying Tips

Air drying is relatively slow but it’s the best procedure for a duvet that features natural filling. The drying machine could easily contribute to damage, especially if an appropriate setting isn’t chosen for the job.

When air-drying, keep in mind that down is a material that requires a lot of time. You’ll need to hang the duvet in a sunny spot that features proper air circulation. If the duvet hasn’t dried completely, there’s some risk of mildew development.

Don’t have the time or the space to do air drying? You can use the drying machine but stick to the lowest heat setting. Dryer balls or a sock-covered tennis ball should be tossed inside the dryer, together with the duvet. These items are simply needed to prevent the formation of filling clumps inside the duvet.

Another thing you may want to do is take the duvet out of the drying machine and fluff it out manually. This way, you’ll ensure the even distribution of the down and the softness of your duvet.

A Few Additional Suggestions

A down comforter shouldn’t be washed frequently. The spinning inside the washing machine can affect the integrity of the filling. Instead of washing the duvet, you may want to purchase a dry cleaning kit. Such products come with detailed instructions and they’re relatively easy to use.

No matter how good you are, opt for professional cleaning at least once every three to four years. Experts in the field can handle the most stubborn stains and restore the fluffiness of older down duvets. Professional cleaning isn’t that expensive and it will certainly pay off by extending the lifespan of the duvet.

Finally, if the duvet or comforter you own comes with explicit dry cleaning instructions, refrain from attempting to wash it. You may still get away with the experiments and have excellent results but the risk isn’t one worth taking.