All the down from your comforter suddenly falling at your feet? We've been there. After reading our duvet cleaning guide, you'll be warm and cozy in every direction-no dry cleaning required.
While it's easy to clean items like microfiber pillowcases, soft and breathable bed sheets and duvet covers set, cleaning some of the bigger, bulkier bedding is more challenging.
Duvets are one of the most daunting bedding items. Made from the feathers and plumage of ducks and geese, duvets can seem difficult to clean. They're big, heavy, delicate, white, clumpy and temperature-sensitive - which means many people just leave the comforter at the dry cleaners to avoid having to deal with it altogether. Considering the harmful chemicals used by dry cleaners that can be emitted into the air of your bedroom and even directly into your face, there has to be a better option.
Since most duvets can be cleaned at home, we'll walk you through the process. Follow this guide and you'll have a fresh, clean comforter without the big bills and a down comforter full of chemicals.
Can washing a duvet ruin it?
If done right, no, washing a duvet won't ruin it! Like all delicate textiles, there are a few things to keep in mind to avoid permanently damaging your duvet.
Using the right size washing machine, a delicate cycle, a gentle temperature and a mild detergent are all things to keep in mind.
Can my washing machine handle my duvet? Probably not, but maybe.
The first thing you'll want to do is check your washer's manual and the care label for your duvet. Apartment buildings with home laundry rooms use front-loading washing machines, and they may be too small for a comforter larger than a double bed. Unless your building has an extra oversized washer and dryer unit, your best bet is to find a large washer and dryer elsewhere.
Go to a local laundromat
Your local laundromat will be equipped with huge, spacious washers and dryers that are perfect for your queen-size duvet. Most self-service laundries use oversized, front-loading washers and dryers that are perfect for spacious, proper cleaning.
If your duvet is extra large (or crunchy), you may need multiple wash and dry cycles, so be sure to keep enough dryer balls handy to operate the machine!
What do I need to wash my duvet?
Other than a mild detergent and dryer balls, you don't need anything to wash your duvet.
The most important element is not special tools or soap, but the spacious machine itself that provides you with a comfortable space so the whole thing can be thoroughly washed, rinsed and dried without twisting or gathering.
