To prevent the proliferation of dust mites, there is only one solution: wash your duvet. How to go about it ? Here are our tips for washing your duvet, whether it is made of natural or synthetic materials.
Dry cleaning or machine washing
Washing a duvet cover is quite easy. However, the task may seem more complicated when it comes to the duvet itself. Some are dry clean only. In this case, it is possible to take your duvet to dry cleaning. For machine washing, choose a delicate program which will best preserve the fabric and padding.
To maintain it properly , dry wash first. Dust is removed by shaking the duvet regularly. On the other hand, to eliminate dust mites, it is better to wash it at maximum temperature at least once a year.
The synthetic duvet is easier to maintain than natural duvets, which are generally more delicate to wash. Certain precautions should be taken into account: prefer gentle cleaning and avoid intensive rinsing in order to preserve its fibers. You can remove small stains by hand with a special detergent before putting it in the machine. Natural or synthetic filling, preserve your duvet by following the manufacturer's instructions. Before putting it in the machine, check its label!
The capacity of the washing machine
As a general rule, whatever the material of the duvet, it is necessary to have a large capacity machine for washing because it swells on contact with water. To prevent the fibers from “breaking”, it is important to leave some vacuum in your machine. The capacity of the drum must be 5 kg minimum for 140x200 cm duvets, 7 kg for 200x200 cm duvets and 9 kg minimum for 240x220 and 260x240 cm duvets.
If you don't have a washing machine with a capacity of more than 9 kg, don't worry, there is a solution. It is possible to go to a laundromat to wash your 2-person duvets. You can then put it in the dryer to avoid mold. If the machine must be large enough, this also applies to the dryer which must be of sufficient capacity so as not to alter the fibers of the duvet or its fluffiness. Prefer a mild temperature so as not to damage its cover or its padding.
Drying the duvet
To avoid mold but also allergies, drying your duvet is essential. If the weather is nice, you can place it flat on a table, in full sun, and turn it regularly. However, duck down comforter takes a long time to dry. If it dries poorly, it will have a rather unpleasant smell and its properties may no longer work. It is better to put it in the dryer when possible. To make things easier, you can go to a laundromat or dry cleaner.
Stuffing a duvet is quite tricky, whether it is a synthetic or natural duvet. Its swelling must not be damaged by too high a temperature or by inadequate drying. To avoid altering the fluffy effect of your duvet and therefore its thermoregulatory benefits, it is advisable to put washing balls in the dryer when you dry your duvet. If you don't have one, you can use tennis balls. This technique can also be used for your pillows and bolsters, when you put them in the dryer or washing machine.
Whether it's a natural or synthetic duvet, it's important to wash yours at least twice a year. The frequency of washing is once every six months to once a year.
Here is a summary table which will allow you to wash your duvet according to its material.
|
Wash temperature |
Spinning |
Detergent product |
Drying |
|
|
Synthetic duvet |
Wash at 40°C or 60°C (always check the label) |
Moderate spin (1000 rpm maximum) |
Any detergent, with or without fabric softener |
Air dry or tumble dry, with 2 or 3 washing balls |
|
Duck down and feather duvet |
Wash at 40°C maximum (always check the label) |
Preferably a gentle spin |
Mild, natural detergent, without fabric softener |
Tumble dry, low temperature, with 2 or 3 washing balls |
|
100% cotton duvet |
Wash at 40°C maximum (always check the label) |
Moderate spin (1000 rpm maximum) |
Any detergent, with or without fabric softener |
Air dry or tumble dry, with 2 or 3 washing balls |
|
Wool quilt |
Dry wash or machine wash at 30°C (preferably wool cycle) |
Gentle spin (400 rpm maximum) |
Mild and natural detergent, white vinegar softener |
In the open air, preferably flat |
You will like also…
The differences between synthetic and natural duvets
Which duvet to choose so as not to sweat?