Tips for washing the duvet in a machine

Before washing in a machine, check the duvet label for washing instructions. 

Then, let its size and weight be adapted to your machine. A duvet weighs 8 to 17 kg and some types of washing machines do not exceed 10 kg. In addition, consider that its volume and weight will be further increased by water. If your washing machine is too small, you will have to take your duvet to a dry cleaner, these being in principle equipped with larger models.

Be careful that your quilt does not have a hitch that would let loose its filling. If this is the case, a small patch-up with a thread and a needle is required. Finally, if your machine is large enough, load it with an accordion-shaped folded duvet to protect the inflator from the filling.

At what temperature?

If you don’t want to end up with a child-sized quilt after washing, don’t start a machine cleaning cycle with a temperature above 60 degrees. Refer to the duvet label to make sure you are correct.

If your machine allows, start two rinsing cycles that will allow to remove all laundry residues perfectly.

With what product?

Laundry is often a matter of taste, some prefer powder, others gel. To clean such a large surface, we recommend the use of liquid detergent, which dissolves better and therefore rinses more easily. Follow the dosage indicated on the bottle!

Shall I add some bleach?

Generally, duvet manufacturers do not recommend the use of bleach because its active ingredients can damage the upholstery and seams and therefore reduce the shelf life of the duvet. Nevertheless, it does wonders against mites, so people can pour a few drops in addition to the usual laundry.

What about the feather duvet?

Feathers or down are more fragile than synthetic pads, which is why we recommend that you entrust their cleaning to a professional.

The risk when you put your duvet in the washing machine is that the filling inside doesn’t get packed. To prevent you from getting an irregular quilt full of balls, place one or two washing balls in the washing machine. By turning with the drum, they will beat the duvet and help it keep its original shape. If you don’t have one, use a pair of canvas shoes (without the laces!) or two tennis balls trapped in a sock.

In the same way, do not choose an intense spin cycle!

How to wash the duvet by hand

Be Careful! The quantities of laundry indicated on the bottle by the manufacturer correspond to a water temperature often higher than that which will come out of the tap, adapt the product dose accordingly!

When washing the duvet, be sure to beat it evenly with your fists, to prevent the filling from moving and tearing in one place.

Take special care when rinsing, the washing agent must be thoroughly removed. Repeat the operation several times, it is better to rinse too much than not enough, drying will be only easy.

Finally, if possible, get help to squeeze it out. Be careful not to twist the duvet as you would with a towel for example, you may in fact damage the filling.

Why choose a professional wash or go to the dry cleaners?

We told you earlier, if your duvet is too big or heavy for your machine, you will have to take it to the dry cleaners, or give it to a professional washing. In the same way, if the filling is made of fragile natural fibre, such as feather or down, it is better to entrust your duvet to a specialist. 

Some bed linen specialists like Plum Service offer a real rejuvenation to your duvet. In fact, this company proposes to wash separately the lining of your duvet, after removing its envelope, and to replace it with a new one after cleaning the lining. Your quilt is as good as new!

How do I remove stains from my duvet?

If you don’t want to machine your duvet, or if you’re worried that there will be tasks left even after washing, these tips will help you remove them easily.

If you have just created a stain, immediately rub it with a sponge lightly soaked in soap. To speed up drying, you can use a hair dryer but keep it far enough away from the fabric to avoid damaging it.

If the damage has already been done, isolate the area to be cleaned by surrounding it with tightly tied string.

For coffee, blood or urine stains, you have two choices: rub the stain with a sponge soaked in a mixture of water and ammonia or hydrogen peroxide, or a mixture of equal parts bicarbonate and white vinegar.

How do I dry my quilt?

Can I use the dryer?

The simplest, if you are equipped, is to pass your synthetic or natural duvet to the dryer. Again for temperature, check the label beforehand, and in any case, do not choose a cycle greater than 60 degrees.

Good to know: even if the manufacturer allows a warmer drying, if your duvet has a printed pattern, it may be bleached at too high a temperature.

Use your tennis balls again to keep all the swelling sound in the duvet. Another option is to stop drying regularly, take out and shake the duvet to inflate it.

How can I do this without a dryer?

You have no choice but to dry it naturally. If you are lucky enough to enjoy a balcony or a garden, prefer the sunny days to wash and dry your duvet.

If time doesn’t allow or you don’t have an exterior, choose a rather warm room for drying your duvet, otherwise the operation may take time and your bedding accessory will take a damp smell.

Last tips:

• Protect your duvet from stains and dust by covering it with a nice blanket.

• Every morning, shake your duvet to remove night residues and air it frequently on the windowsill to remove moisture and prevent mold.

• And remember, duvets change every 5 years on average!