Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 3: Preparing for washing
• Part 2 of 3: Washing the duvet
• Part 3 of 3: Using aftercare techniques
• Tips
• Necessities

When you buy soft, comfortable bedding like a duvet, you naturally want to keep it clean and in the best possible condition. A duvet was and cared for in a completely different way than ordinary sheets and blankets. By using washing techniques specifically designed for duvets, you will be able to keep your duvet in the best possible condition for years to come.

To step

Part 1 of 3: Preparing for washing

1. Remove the duvet cover. If you have a duvet cover on your duvet, remove it and wash the cover separately. The duvet cover can usually be washed and dried in a washing machine and dryer with a normal capacity. Make sure to read the instructions on your duvet's care label. Do not wash the duvet with the duvet cover around it.
2. Check if your duvet is machine washable. Before you decide to wash your duvet, make sure your duvet is machine washable and does not require dry cleaning. Cotton or cotton blend duvets are generally machine washable. To make sure you don't accidentally ruin your duvet, read the instructions on the duvet's care label.
3. Read the instructions on the care label of your duvet. Your comforter may not have a washing instructions label, but if it does, you should follow the instructions on it when washing and drying your comforter.
   • The symbol of a washtub or bucket tells you if something can be washed. The number in the washtub is the maximum water temperature. A hand in the washtub means that something should only be washed by hand.
   • A square with a circle in it is the symbol for the tumble dryer. The dots in the symbol indicate the tumble dryer temperature. If you see two dots, you can set the dryer to a normal temperature. If you see one dot, then you should use a low temperature. If there is an "X" through the square, then you should dry the garment in question on the clothesline.
4. Get coins for the launderette. Chances are that the drum of your own washing machine is not large enough to wash your duvet properly. It's best to wash your duvet in the fullest washing machine possible, so you'll have to go to the nearest launderette.
   • Top loaders can loosen the seams of your duvet or even make tears in your duvet. So wash your duvet in a large front loader.

Part 2 of 3: Washing the duvet

1. Preserve colors by using a mild detergent. Aggressive detergents can strip natural oils and fibers from the filling. Use a natural detergent or a mild commercial detergent specially formulated for delicate fabrics, such as delicates.
   • If you choose the natural option, add 90 grams of baking soda along with the detergent of your choice at the beginning of the wash cycle.Before rinsing the washing machine for the first time, add 120 ml of white vinegar. This combination will freshen up and make your duvet soft.
2. Use detergent sparingly. Whatever detergent you choose to use, you need to make sure you don't overuse it. Too much detergent can be just as harmful as using an aggressive detergent. Use 60ml if you are using commercial detergent or slightly more if you are using homemade or natural detergent.
3. Use products that ensure that your laundry is cleaned better. With a white duvet, it is best to use an agent such as borax or baking soda to ensure that your duvet keeps a nice bright white color. Do not use harsh soap or bleach unless there is a stain that you cannot get out without bleach.
   • If you have a blood or ink stain that needs bleaching, remember to check your comforter's care label beforehand to find out if it's safe to use bleach on it. Otherwise, you could get blotchy discoloration on your duvet.
4. Wash your duvet with the delicate wash program or the wool wash program. Because of the delicate material your duvet is made of, it is important to wash the duvet with the delicate wash program. If you wash your duvet with a normal washing program that is suitable for stronger, firmer fabrics and where the laundry is spun hard, seams can come loose or even tears in your duvet.
5. Run the rinsing program twice. Because of the thick filling in your duvet, detergent can remain in your duvet more easily than with thinner sheets and blankets. To prevent detergent residues from remaining in the filling of your duvet, rinse the duvet twice with the rinsing program.

Part 3 of 3: Using aftercare techniques

1. Dry the duvet on a low temperature with a gentle drying program. Once your duvet has been thoroughly washed and rinsed, you should start drying it. Drying a duvet is more difficult than drying a quilt or a regular blanket. Because the filling in a duvet is so thick, it can be more difficult to get rid of all the moisture in it. To protect your duvet, you should dry it for a long time at a low temperature with a gentle drying program instead of drying it at a higher temperature for a short time.
   • Occasionally while drying, you should take your duvet out of the dryer and shake it by hand. This will prevent the filling from clumping and you can see how dry the duvet already is.
2. Try to use clean tennis balls so that the filling is evenly distributed over the duvet. Despite using machines with a large capacity and shaking the duvet by hand, sometimes the filling will sink to one side or the filling will stick together. Placing two or three clean tennis balls in the dryer will evenly shake up the filling of your duvet.
3. Hang the duvet outside to air it. If possible, air your duvet outside several times a year. Choose a sunny, dry day and hang your duvet over a clothesline. This will prevent your duvet from smelling musty.
   • If you don't have space outside to refresh your duvet, consider putting your duvet in an extra-large capacity dryer for 10 minutes along with a fresh-scented tumble dryer. Doing this a few times a year will keep your duvet from smelling musty and stay fresh.

Tips

• Do not try to wash a dry-cleaned duvet in your washing machine at home. You run the risk of ruining the duvet.

Necessities

• Needle and thread
• Mild detergent
• Tokens for the launderette
• Bleach
• Tennis Balls
• Washing machine with an extra large capacity
• Clothes dryer with extra large capacity