There's nothing quite like coziness under a warm duvet, but like anything, they need a wash every once in a while.
Washing a comforter can be intimidating, especially because of its bulk. Some have delicate fillers like duck down and wool, and even if your duvet filling is synthetic, there's a risk of clumping. We have a guide on how to wash a down comforter , but we also cover other types of fillings here.
Of course, you can take your duvet to the dry cleaners, but if you follow our simple guide to washing a duvet, you can successfully clean it at home while washing your linens at the same time .
How to wash a duvet
How often you wash a comforter depends on who is using the bed (a messy teenager or a tidy adult) and whether there has been a spill. Otherwise, a good time to wash a duvet is the time of year when you are changing from a winter duvet to a spring duvet, or from a summer duvet to a fall duvet.
"You should wash your comforter every three to six months," says Rick Rome, CEO and founder of New York-based WashClub . "However, if you suffer from seasonal allergies or sweat during your sleep, you may want to wash your comforter more often to keep it smelling fresh."
So.
1. Check it thoroughly for stains and tears
Before you put your duvet in the washing machine, check it carefully for stains and signs of wear.
"Pre-treat stains," says Rick. "If your duvet has visible stains, pretreat with a stain remover or mild detergent."
Sew the tears together so they don't get bigger with washing. The best stain removers are those that contain natural ingredients as synthetic formulas can cause allergic reactions, and who doesn't want to be eco-friendly these days?
Rick Rome is a former Morgan Stanley merchant who founded WashClub NYC, a wash, fold and deliver dry cleaner in Manhattan. Wash Club NYC provides eco-friendly laundry, folding, dry cleaning and commercial laundry services in New York City, conscientiously serving the residents and businesses of Brooklyn and Manhattan.
2. Check the washing instructions
It might be a little obvious, but it's so easy to forget: when you wash a garment for the first time, first look at the washing symbols to get your bearings.
Some duvets may have a dry cleaning label. If you don't check this before putting them in the washing machine, you could end up getting your hands dirty and completely ruining your linens.
Also, some have very specific washing instructions and if you don't follow these, the duvet could shrink or the inner lining could be destroyed.
3. Check the size of your washing machine
(Photo credit: Eric Piasecki/Otto)
One piece of advice is to make sure your washing machine is big enough; If you crush your duvet, not only will it not wash properly, but it could also damage the device.
"If you're washing a duvet, consider using a front-loading washing machine instead of a top-loading one. "Front-loading machines tend to be gentler on bulky items and allow for better water circulation," advises Prerna Jain, home and commercial cleaning specialist and founder of Ministry of Cleaning .
4. Use the right cleaning agent
is significant. When washing a down/feather duvet, the wrong detergent can destroy the duvet's filling. Kendra Cosenza, brand manager for Heritage Park Laundry Essentials , points out that "down and feathers are actually protein based (like silk, wool and cashmere) and should not be washed with an enzymatic detergent designed to break down proteins." Instead, use a mild, non-enzyme detergent designed for cleaning protein-based fabrics, such as B. Heritage Park Silk and Wool Detergent, available on Amazon .
5. Choose the right wash cycle
A duvet is a delicate garment, especially if it has a down or wool inside: an intense cycle could wear and damage the materials.
"Choose a Gentle Cycle: Set your washing machine on a gentle cycle or delicate cycle, as this will help minimize fussing and reduce the risk of damaging the duvet," says Rick. Cold or lukewarm water is generally recommended, but see the care instructions for the correct temperature. After the wash is complete, run an additional rinse to ensure all detergent is removed from the duvet.
6. Dry it properly
(Image credit: Shade Degges)
After washing your duvet, it is important to dry it thoroughly before using it again. Moisture can easily mold, so it pays to let them dry properly. Kendra Cosenza of Heritage Park Laundry Essentials says it's an exercise in patience, and that applies to any home furnishings you own. And yes, you can use the gentle dryer setting .
"This can take several hours and has to be done in a dryer. Carefully remove the down comforters from the washing machine and shake them gently to ensure the down is evenly distributed. Most likely they will feel quite heavy. Place your down pillow or comforter in the dryer (you may still need a large capacity dryer in the laundry room) and use a low heat setting. High temperature drying is not recommended as it can damage the down and feathers and possibly burn the fabric of the pillow or duvet.
"Duvets don't need to be dried outside to dry properly, but airing them outside is best for a natural effect, and it helps when you don't have much space inside." It definitely helps with drying, outside to be when a breeze is blowing and sunlight is falling on the bedspread. If you can't dry the comforter outside, set the dryer on low and put tennis balls inside to fluff up the comforter," adds Rick.
The future of your duvet
Be sure to use a cover for your duvet as it acts as a barrier between you and her and you can wash it as often as you wash your pillows and sheets. If pets sleep in your bed, place a blanket over the comforter for protection. Wayfair sells a good quality duvet protector and Amazon also sells a popular duvet protector .
If you spill or see a stain, wipe it up immediately. A simple cotton swab might do the trick instead of having to wash it. Give your duvet a good shake each morning and let it air out before making the bed in the warmer months. Turn them over every week to keep the inner filling from getting stuck in one spot.
frequently asked questions
Can a duvet be washed in the washing machine?
As long as the laundry label doesn't say "Dry clean only", then yes. This depends on the size of your washing machine. Check if it suits you well and leave some space in it. It won't wash properly if your duvet is too big for the washing machine.
How do you wash a large duvet?
After making sure your washing machine is big enough to load most of it, wash it on a gentle cycle. Because of its size, it's worth doing an extra rinse at the end to ensure all detergent is removed. If you're concerned that your duvet is too big for your machine, take it to a professional or your nearest laundromat for cleaning.
A duvet is just the beginning. There are plenty of pitfalls when cleaning other linens too – see our guide to washing linens for more tips.
Aucun commentaire:
Enregistrer un commentaire