How to wash a comforter: clean your comforter to keep it looking new | dream home

Knowing how to wash a comforter properly is a fundamental part of our sleep hygiene; We spend a lot of time curled up under our sheets each night, so it's important to make sure it's clean and bacteria-free. But since the duvet is a bulky item and difficult to wash, we often skip this task, thinking that washing the sheets is enough to keep our sleeping space clean.

The best duvets benefit from an occasional touch-up, and in addition to killing bacteria and dust mites, washing your duvet increases its longevity so you don't have to replace it as often.

"Duvets should be washed every three to six months to reduce the buildup of bacteria and potential allergens," says Thomas Høegh Reisenhus, sleep specialist and sleep consultant, TEMPUR® (Opens in a new tab) .

(Image credit: piglets in bed)

How to wash a duvet

We asked the experts how to wash a duvet, and below we've compiled their top tips for giving your duvet a well-deserved makeover while it lasts.

How to wash a duvet in the washing machine

(Image credit: piglets in bed)

"Always read and follow the care label instructions to make sure you wash your linens properly," say Emily and Jonathan Attwood, founders, Scooms (opens in a new tab) . "It's your first stop to make sure you're cleaning everything properly without damaging your duvet."

If the care label on your comforter says it's safe to wash, do so. Srooms experts recommend doing this every 6 to 12 months, depending on when you think your duvet needs it.

Wash the duvet at a maximum of 40 degrees. "This effectively removes dirt and natural body oils while using less energy than at higher temperatures," says Rhiannon Johns, interior designer and brand manager at Piglet in Bed (opens in a new tab) .

(Image credit: Scomes)

"If your machine isn't big enough, you may have to take the duvet to a laundromat to get a full-capacity washer or dryer," Scooms experts advise. "If you can wash the duvet yourself, wash with a non-organic (enzyme-free) detergent at one-third the usual amount and use a tumble dryer to thoroughly dry the duvet."

If the comforter's care label gives you the green light to put it in the dryer too, keep it on a low setting again. "Use wool dryer balls in the dryer as they help the hot air circulate more evenly and efficiently," suggest Emily and Jonathan. "Not only does this reduce drying time, but it also saves you money on your energy bills!"

finally, before When you put the comforter back on the bed, give it a good shake to redistribute the filling. It's best to do this every time you change your linens to keep them in top condition.

How to hand wash a duvet

If your washing machine isn't big enough for your duvet, or the care label doesn't recommend a wash cycle, you can hand wash it in the tub. Fill the tub with enough water to completely submerge the comforter and add a mild detergent. Mix it with water so that it becomes a bit viscous.

The easiest way to clean your duvet in the bathroom is to knead it with your feet. This allows you to move every inch of the duvet, which is more difficult when reaching into the tub from the side.

After that, the water will contain dirt and bacteria from the comforter, so wring it out and fill the tub with fresh water. Rinse the comforter until you're satisfied that all of the detergent has been removed. Squeeze out as much water as possible to speed up the drying process.

If it's a sunny day, air the quilt on the clothesline and let it dry naturally. If not, leave it in a warm place where it can dry, such as B. in the kitchen or laundry room.

(Image credit: Laura Ashley)

What is the best way to wash a duvet?

Knowing how to properly wash a duvet depends on the type of duvet you are dealing with. The care label is your new best friend; Check it well before you start washing so as not to damage it.

"Synthetic comforters should be washed in a large washing machine according to label directions," says sleep specialist Thomas. "Feather and down duvets need to be dry cleaned, so having a clean spare duvet can help so you don't have the stress of taking the dirty duvet to the cleaners and picking it up later in the day."

Hang it out in the sun every few months to allow it to naturally deodorize, and of course, change your linens often too .

Dry cleaning is the most expensive option. So if you don't want to walk around you can hand wash your duvet in the bathtub. Remember to let the duvet breathe from time to time to reduce the risk of dust mite and bacteria proliferation.

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