Yes, you can wash most duvets in the washing machine. And it should be done regularly to keep your bedding clean and prolong its life. Most duvets available in the UK can be machine-washed or hand-washed depending on what kind of filling they have. However, you should always check the manufacturer’s care label before doing anything.. Regular washing helps get rid of dust mites that feed on dead skin cells, removes sweat and moisture that build up over time, and prevents your duvet from becoming a breeding ground for bacteria.
The Good Housekeeping Institute recommends you wash duvets and pillows at least twice a year. If you use your duvets year-round you might want to wash them every three to four months. Before attempting to wash your duvet at home, you need to make sure that your washing machine drum is large enough to fit it comfortably. The duvet should fill no more than three-quarters of the drum, leaving enough space for proper agitation during the wash cycle. Your duvet won’t get clean if it doesn’t fit with room to spare, and it could possibly break your machine.
Understanding Filling Types
The kind of filling in your duvet determines how you wash it and what temperature to use. Synthetic duvets, filled with hollowfibre or microfibre materials, are typically the easiest to care for at home. Most synthetic duvets can be washed at 60°C, which is hot enough to kill dust mites and bacteria effectively. Synthetic duvets are one of the best options for people with allergies because they can be cleaned more often and more thoroughly than natural-filled ones.
Natural fillings are more delicate, so they require special care. Feather and down duvets should be washed at lower temperatures, between 30°C and 40°C. If your washing machine offers a woold or delicate programme always use it, if not use the gentlest cycle your machine offers. Special down detergents help keep the natural oils in the feathers, which is how the duvet provides warmth. Using regular detergents or fabric softeners can strip these protective oils and damage the filling’s structure, making the duvet less effective and shortening its life.
Machine Capacity Requirements
To successfully clean your duvet, you need to choose the right washing machine drum size. A washing machine with a 6kg capacity is typically big enough for a single duvet, but a double duvet requires at least a 7kg drum. King-size duvets need a minimum capacity of 8kg, while larger or higher tog-rated duvets may require even more space. If your washing machine isn’t quite big enough, a launderette with commercial-grade machines offering 13kg or larger drums is an excellent alternative.
What temperature should you wash duvets at? Hotpoint UK says synthetic duvets can be washed at 60°C, which effectively eliminates dust mites and bacteria. Feather and down duvets should be washed at 30-40°C on a gentle cycle. The Good Housekeeping Institute states that washing bedding at 60°C or above helps kill dust mites and bacteria, but the care label instructions should also be factored into your decision.
Washing Instructions and Best Practices
Before washing your duvet, look for any small holes or tears, as these can get a lot bigger during the wash cycle. Before putting the duvet in the washing machine, sew up any tears. Remove all duvet covers and bedding before putting the duvet itself into the washing machine. If washing a patterned duvet cover separately, turn it inside out to prevent colour fading and running.
Duvets need less soap and will soak up any extra soap, use about a third of the amount of detergent you would normally use for a full load of clothes. Liquid detergents are preferred over powders because they get into the filling more easily and aren’t as likely to leave residue. Avoid using any kind of fabric softeners. They coat fibres and trap moisture, which affects breathability and could cause mildew. Set your washing machine to the appropriate temperature based on your duvet’s filling type. Use a regular or gentle spin cycle based on the care label instructions.
Some experts suggest adding two or three clean tennis balls or dryer balls to the drum during the wash cycle. This helps stop the filling from clumping together and helps spread out the duvet allowing for a better washing. After the wash cycle finishes, run an additional rinse cycle to remove all detergent residue. Trapped soap can make the duvet feel stiff and uncomfortable.
Drying Your Duvet Properly
Proper drying is just as important as washing. Dampness can cause natural fillings to rot and encourages mildew to grow. After washing, remove the damp duvet and give it a good shake to redistribute the filling evenly. If your duvet’s care label allows tumble drying, use a low heat setting (no higher than 60°C) to prevent melting the synthetic fibres or damaging natural fillings.
Using dryer balls or clean tennis balls while drying helps refluff the filling and speeds up the drying process. Every 30 minutes stop the dryer and shake out the duvet to check for any remaining damp spots. If you fail to completely dry the duvet, it can lead to unpleasant odours and bacterial growth. If you don’t have a tumble dryer, choose a warm, dry day and hang the duvet outside in direct sunlight. The UK weather can be unpredictable, so if outdoor drying isn’t possible, drape the duvet over a sturdy clothes airer near a radiator, turning it every few hours to make sure it dries evenly.
Before putting your duvet back on your bed, check that it is completely dry by feeling for any residual moisture, especially in the corners and seams. If it is even slightly damp to the touch, place it back in the dryer or over a clothes airer until it is fully dried. Once it’s dry, give it a firm shake along the seams to break up any remaining clumps and restore its loft.
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