Keep your duvet fresh and mite-free: Expert washing tips

During daily use, a duvet collects dust, sweat, and sometimes small impurities that can affect health. Dust mites can easily thrive in warm and humid conditions; they are invisible to the naked eye but can cause allergies and skin irritations. Therefore, regularly washing your duvet not only extends its durability but also significantly contributes to improving your health.

It's recommended to perform this task at least once every six months. This keeps it fresh and ensures a peaceful and healthy sleep. Furthermore, it should be done more frequently if you have children or family members with allergies.

Duvets can be divided into synthetic and those with natural fillings, such as down or feathers. Each of these materials requires a different approach when washing. Synthetic duvets are generally easier to care for and can be washed in a home washing machine. It is recommended to use a gentle detergent and set the machine to a delicate fabric program at a temperature of 104°F. Also, check the spin speed settings—it’s best to set them to 600 RPM.

Down and feather duvets are more demanding. It is often suggested to clean them at dry cleaners to avoid material damage. However, if you decide to wash them at home, make sure to follow all the instructions on the label.

How to wash a feather duvet? You can choose between hand washing and machine washing. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages. Hand washing gives you greater control over the process and minimizes the risk of feather damage but requires more time and effort.

On the other hand, machine washing is faster and more convenient. If you choose this method, remember to select a gentle program and use special detergents designed for delicate fabrics. It is important to always use cold water and avoid high-speed spinning.

After washing, an equally important step is drying the feather duvet. This crucial element can affect the comfort of using the duvet later. The best way is to air dry it, as this ensures even moisture evaporation. If you cannot dry the duvet outside, you can lay it on a drying rack and let it dry in a well-ventilated place. If the manufacturer allows tumble drying, you can also use that option.

The most common mistake is selecting the wrong water temperature, which can lead to shrinking of the material or a loss of its insulating properties. This is why following the manufacturer’s instructions is important, usually found on the label.

Another issue is overloading the washing machine. Duvets are heavy, and when they soak up water, they can put additional strain on the drum, leading to damage. A good practice is washing duvets in self-service laundromats with larger machines suitable for such tasks.