We change our bedding every week or two and put it in the wash. During this time, it is always worth airing duvets, pillows, and mattress protectors outside.
But from time to time, the duvet itself needs washing. How and how often depends on the material it is made from.
Before sending your duvet to a dry cleaner or washing it at home, always check the care label and follow the recommended washing instructions. Many duvets are best taken to professional dry cleaners, but some can be washed at home.
How to wash a synthetic duvet at home
Can you wash a duvet in a washing machine?
It depends. Natural duvets or duvets with synthetic fillings can usually be washed at home, although some domestic washing machines do not have a large enough drum for the duvet to move freely. If your duvet fits comfortably, use a gentle cycle with minimal spinning.
A water-washable duvet can also be washed by hand in a bathtub. However, the larger the duvet, the more laborious this becomes. Machine washing is usually the simpler option.
After washing, the duvet must be thoroughly dried and aired before use. Using a tumble dryer is not always recommended; air drying in a flat or hanging position is usually preferred.
How to Wash a Feather or Down Duvet at Home
It is important to check the care labels of down or feather-filled duvets, as machine washing may not be recommended, and professional dry cleaning might be required instead.
If machine washing is allowed, use a gentle cycle with a mild detergent. It is advisable to use washing balls to prevent the down filling from clumping.
After washing, the duvet must be thoroughly aired and dried before use. Some down duvets can be tumble dried, in which case using dryer balls helps maintain fluffiness.
Washing alpaca duvets
Alpaca fibre, like sheep’s wool or cashmere, requires very gentle washing to avoid clumping or felting of the filling.
Above all, it is recommended to air the duvet regularly whenever you change the bedding. This helps remove excess moisture and maintains fluffiness—a completely natural way to keep the duvet clean.
When the time comes to wash the duvet, we recommend taking it to a professional dry cleaner and washing it with mild detergents at low temperatures, similar to wool. It should also be dried at a low temperature to avoid felting or shrinking of the filling.
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How to clean feather or down duvets
If the duvet is filled with feathers or down, it is important to treat stains carefully.
Shake the feathers or down away from the stained area, then treat the stain according to its type. Afterward, dry the cover and redistribute the filling evenly.
How to clean alpaca-filled duvets
Stains can be treated spotwise, using cold water and a mild wool detergent. Then dry the duvet flat or in a hanging position.
Important information about washing duvets
Decorative elements on duvets can affect how they should be washed. For example, if a duvet has piping or silk finishes, the care label may say “Dry Clean Only,” even if the rest of the duvet is washable. Small stains on these areas can be treated by hand, but for full cleaning, delicate duvets should be taken to a professional dry cleaner.
How often should a duvet be washed?
Although keeping duvets clean is important for fresh bedding, they do not need to be washed as frequently as sheets. Washing them roughly once a year is sufficient.
