How to Wash a Duvet: Simple Tips for Clean and Fresh Bedding

Cleaning your duvet may seem like a huge undertaking, but with good care and an understanding of how to clean them effectively, it needn't be a hassle. Here's everything you need to know about washing and caring for your duvet

In general, cleaning experts recommend cleaning your duvet once per year, so long as you keep it clean and use a duvet cover. However, as Good Housekeeping recommends, if you use the same duvet all year round rather than a summer and a winter duvet, you should wash your duvet every 3-4 months.

If your're an allergy sufferer and your bedding has a lot of contact with potential allergens like dust, pet hair, and dirt, you should wash your duvet slightly more often. The same goes if you have any history of bed bugs affecting your bedding or furniture. 

Although your duvet does not need to be washed as often as your other bedding, as stated above, there are some giveaway signs that you need to wash your duvet as soon as you can:

• visible staining
• looking or feeling dirty compared to when last washed or first purchased
• increased allergy symptoms
• the appearance of dust when shaken
• changes in smell or texture
• dirt or pet hair clinging to duvet

Washing, however, can't always save a duvet, as they typically only have a lifespan of two to five years - more to the latter if they are well taken care of. Consider purchasing a new duvet if the following occurs:

• looks or smells dirty, even after washing
• wear and tear that cannot be fixed
• feels uneven or lumpy
• uncomfortable temperature

The main two ways of washing a duvet are either by hand-washing or using a washing machine. Generally, if you need to get rid of allergens and germs, machine washing at a high temperature is the best way to kill bacteria. However, duvets made from more delicate, natural materials, such as a wool duvet, should probably be hand-washed. Hand-washing is more ideal for spot-cleaning if you don't want to overwash your bedding. Always refer to the cleaning instructions on the label before beginning to wash your duvet.

• refer to instructions to ensure your duvet is suitable for hand washing.
• significantly large basins are needed for something as sizeable as duvets, so a bathtub suitably does the job in most cases.
• fill the tub halfway with lukewarm water.
• a gentle, natural detergent is recommended, as duvets that require handwashing are often more delicate.
• fully submerge duvet, kneading on the material like dough to ensure it is cleaned all the way through, including the inside.
• drain water and hang to air dry in a position that prevents wrinkling.

• check label for beginning to wash.
• if no specific instructions are given, wash at a temperature of around 60 degrees celsius - warm enough to kill bacteria but not enough to shrink or damage the duvet
• add a normal amount of detergent - too much detergent will cause damage to the material.
• use a gentle/delicate cycle equivalent for protection
• add wash balls to ensure even clean. these are ideal for large, thick materials like duvets. 
• finish by tumble drying or air drying in a warm, dry space out of direct sunlight.

For spot-washing specific stains on the duvet, blot the stain with a clean cloth using a stain remover or gentle soap solution, then allow the area to dry before further cleaning if necessary. Do not rub vigorously, as this can damage the material.