Ooops……have you ever had a lovely breakfast in bed but dropped some crumbs or juice on your new sheets? And now, wondering if you can wash your down/ comforter in the washing machine at home or do you have to take it to the dry cleaners? Or is it just that long since you’ve procrastinated washing your duvet and now that you finally have time, you’re wondering how to wash it. Lastly, is it something you can even do at home??

Hold on tight!! We made the perfect list to guide you through the step-by-step process of washing it and furthermore answered all the questions you might have about your duvet/ comforter.

While there may not be a simple yes or no answer to washing your duvet/comforter. The answer is that — it really depends. Check the type of fill your duvet has; since many can be washed yet for others you may need to focus on the specified washing instructions. The best way to figure that out would be to check the type of fill and the manufacturer’s instructions.

Dry Cleaners Or Do It Yourself?

This is one of the most important questions and the first that would come to mind as soon as you think of washing your duvet/ comforter. Getting it professionally done by the dry cleaners might cost you a little but would prove to be easy and provide you with ease of mind.

Taking it to the dry cleaners means getting it washed in a commercial-sized washing machine, that gives your duvet ample space to move around. They also have huge dryers and can adjust the temperature to the right amount without harming your down-filled feathers.

The only reason that could hold you back from getting it professionally cleaned should be the chemicals they use. Even though dry-cleaning helps prevent your duvet from shrinking, it could absorb certain chemicals which are not good for your health. 

Alternative To Dry Cleaning Comforters

• Use a commercial sized washing machine/ laundromat service

Another option we would highly recommend is that you use a laundromat that has a commercial-sized washing machine. The commercial-sized machines have sufficient space for your duvet to move around and help the down feather to not compress or cluster on one side of the comforter, as compared to a home laundry machine. It is still always advisable to check the label for the manufacturer’s instructions for this, as they may strictly recommend using a professional service.

• Washing Duvets At Home

The next best, time efficient, and budget friendly option is to simply toss your duvet/ comforter in the washing machine at home. But the big question here is that can it be treated like regular laundry??If you have a full-sized laundry machine then the answer is Yes, you may wash it at home. Nevertheless, if you do not have a large washing machine then head to a commercial wash site. They usually have washing machines three times the size of the ones we have at home and can wash a huge duvet easily.

Tips To Consider When Washing Your Duvet Comforter In Any Machine

• Read the Instructions… Always check the label!!

Before you take your duvet or comforter to the laundry or laundromat make sure to check the tags for the manufacturer’s instructions about washing requirements and precautions. It is important that you follow the instructions on the label as some fabrics may state to avoid certain detergents and chemicals. It is important to always check for instructions pertaining to washing; that is if the duvet can be washed in your washing machine or do you need to take it for dry-cleaning.

Depending on the size of your duvet/ comforter you may want to take it for professional cleaning, most dry cleaners clean duvets for a fraction of the price…..nothing compared to the ease of mind.

• Check For Any Rips And Slits

After you are confident about the washing technique for your duvet you should check for any rips and slits on the comforter or duvet. Improper cleaning or other any small mishaps could cause your duvet to rip. This would help prevent the fill from getting out of the quilt. Be sure to sew and repair any mishaps you may find to avoid getting your blanket from getting thin due to leaky fills.

• Wash the Comforter

Keeping in mind the guidelines from your duvets tag; the first step should be to spot-clean your comforter with the right stain remover. This would make it easier to get rid of stains. After this, you should let your comforter/ duvet soak for a while.

Even though it may be advisable to use bleach for duvets and comforters in general. Let me warn you that bleach can be hard on cotton and down feathers, even though it helps get rid of dust mites. The best way would be to check the label for the manufacturer’s instructions.

Be careful if using bleach……I would advise you to check the label first for this!!

While washing your duvet/ comforter in the washing machine, it is always advisable to wash it in a gentle/ delicate cycle and run it twice to ensure that it is rinsed properly. You may notice that your down comforter has gotten flat after washing it in the machine…..don’t worry, it’s normal…..wait till it gets dried up.

Tip: you could place a rubber/ tennis ball (or even a bunch of coins tightly wrapped in a sock) inside a clean sock in the machine with your duvet. This helps your down duvet from knotting up.  

• Dry The Comforter Thoroughly

Use the tennis ball socktip given above even for the dryer, as it helps to maintain proper fluffiness in your blanket. It is advisable to set your dryer on the lowest heating possible and also to remove and shift your blanket every half an hour- this would help plump it up. You should also let your blanket dry in the air for a while to check for any damp spots before putting on a duvet cover. Mildew could even grow in your quilt, so it is very important to thoroughly dry it.

• Wash Duvet Cover More 

If you have a duvet, you may want to wash the duvet cover more often, say whenever you change your bed sheet. As for a comforter, you should consider adding a duvet cover to it, to prevent it from getting dirty every so often.

How To Properly Clean Your Down Duvets?

The nature of stuffing inside the duvet determines whether you can wash it or not. It is always recommended to check the label for care instructions for your bedding items.  We understand that you may not wash your down duvet as often because of its bulkiness. And we suggest your regularly wash your duvet cover for the best longer protection against dust mites and germs to your duvet/ comforter. 

We recommend washing it more than one to two times a year. When it comes to cleaning your down duvet, you have two options; dry-cleaning and machine washing. Dry cleaning uses chemicals that get absorbed in your down fibers, such as carcinogen; which tends to stay in your down feathers for a while and leave a residue that you may breathe-, not a healthy arrangement. 

We would suggest you use a laundromat instead of home laundry, this is because of its size. Laundromats are usually three times the size of a household machine and provide the duvet/ comforter with ample space to move during the wash cycle. 

Pay attention here….this is important and you should follow this with any type of duvet.

When you remove the duvet from the duvet cover, be sure to check the condition duvet for any wears and tears, duvets do wear out with time and this is when you should get your sewing kit out. But first hold it your duvet against the light to properly check for any mishaps, or areas that might be void of down. If you find too many areas void of down filling…..then you might want to consider replacing it for a new one. 

Is Your Duvet Machine Washable?

When washing a down comforter at home keep in mind the following:

• Check the water temperature- for a down duvet, we recommend washing it in cold water as it helps prevent shrinking.
• Use gentle liquid detergent for both down and wool duvets/ comforters.
• We would recommend you NOT use fabric softeners or any heavy-duty detergents for your down comforter
• Wash you down on a gentle/ delicate cycle

When Using Dryers

Remove the duvet every 30 minutes or so and shake it up the long side (this would help prevent fluffs and clumps to cluster on one side). Keep repeating the process till your down duvet is completely dry. Avoid direct sunlight if you plan to dry it outside. It is advisable to let it in the air for a while but not dry it under the sun, and never use line drying due to the risk of dampness and clumps forming.  Always let it cool for a while after taking it out of the dryer and putting a cover on!

How Often Should You Wash It And Why Is There A Need To Wash It

Over the years, your duvet gathers dirt, stains, spills, and germs. If you have pets and small kids at home, you may need to wash it more often than not. In case you have a comforter; you should consider adding a layer of protection such as a duvet cover it to retain its life span and protect it from dust mites.

According to Architecturaldigest:

"Your quilt, comforter, or duvet can harbor allergens such as dust mites that ruin that good night’s sleep, so it’s important to know how to wash a comforter the right way. Washing comforters two to three times per year will keep your bed fresh and clean (and your allergies at bay)".

This stresses the importance of hygiene in the preservation of your duvet and as well to your health

 

How To Take Care Of A Wool Duvet

Wool duvets should not be washed since wool is not conducive to washing in its own form. The best way to figure it out would be to check the label for special permissions for wool washable duvets. Washable wool is processed specially, allowing them to be chemical-free and ready to use; that is why it is advisable to avoid dry cleaning solvents. However, it is important to remember that wool being a natural fiber must be dealt with extra care so that it can retain its original shape and temperature-regulating qualities. Just like this Down Under Bedding’s Australian Wool Duvet that is machine washable in a Commercial size machine. Do not wash at home. 

How To Take Care Of Silk-Filled Duvet?

Silk has a natural ability to be susceptible to bacteria, which means it does not require cleaning as often as others filled duvets. You could always start with spot cleaning and if needed take it for professional cleaning. Some silk duvets may be machine washable, check labels to be sure. It depends on the brand and quality of fabric and silk used in your duvet. An example of this is Down Under Light Weight Mulberry Silk Duvet Comforter is machine washable in a Commercial size machine.

Do not wash at home. 

Let me share a little personal tip with you.

I have washed my down duvet many times at home and even though it comes out flat and gets me scared every time, later it fluffs up. This is only for my down duvet…..only do this if you are fine risking it.

I would remind you again to always check the label for instructions. A wool duvet cannot be washed at home, but there are also come down duvets that can easily be washed at home.

Down Under Bedding has washable duvet products that you can check to explore your options. If you have small kids at home or even pets, then buying a washable duvet is highly recommended.

Regardless, one of the best things you can do to keep your duvet from looking like new is to fluff it up every time you make your bed, this would help redistribute the down and also your provide constant airflow to the down feathers inside.