Your duvet is dirty, but you don't know how to clean it?
Before spending a fortune on the dry cleaners, read this article!
In fact, many people are unaware that most of them can be machine washed easily.
Today I show you the easy way to wash a duvet with a down, feather, polyester or wool filling.
Often, the filling tends to pile up during the washing and drying cycles.
And as a result, you end up with a very deformed and full of bumps.
Don't worry, I'm also revealing my secret tips to restore volume and all its softness :-)
Here is how to machine wash a duvet in just 6 easy steps . Watch:
Whether it's a down, feather, wool or polyester duvet...
Before putting it in your washing machine, look at its washing label .
On it you will find the manufacturer's detailed instructions on the best way to wash your duvet.
Not sure what all the logos and symbols on the wash labels mean?
You are not the only one ! Click here to discover all their meanings.
Some materials, especially wool or silk, may become damaged or shrink in the wash.
If the label says "Dry clean only ", it is better to take your duvet to the dry cleaners and leave it to the professionals.
If the label gives you the green light to machine wash, just follow the specific instructions.
Most of the time, these instructions relate to washing and drying temperatures.
Note that down duvets can also be machine washed.
Indeed, many people believe — wrongly — that down jackets should be dry-cleaned at the dry cleaners.
But that's not always the case!
Unless the washing label says otherwise, you can wash a down comforter at home.
Before putting your duvet in the washing machine, remember to treat the stains .
First, use your fingers to push the filling away from the stained area.
Then, clean the stained fabric with your usual stain remover or even better homemade.
For stubborn stains, I recommend a mixture of dish soap, hydrogen peroxide, baking soda and hot water.
Click here to discover my infallible recipe.
And while I'm at it, here's a great guide to removing all stains.
Also remember to check that the seams are not torn or coming apart.
Sew the threads and mend all the holes BEFORE putting your duvet in the washing machine.
Otherwise, the filling will scatter, which may damage your washing machine or dryer.
You have a white duvet that has turned yellow or has yellowish spots ?
Do not panic, there are many natural whitening agents to revive the white.
And you don't even need to use bleach! It is dangerous for your health and for the environment.
Instead, you can use one of the natural tricks below to bleach it before washing it in the washing machine:
- white vinegar,
- lemon juice,
- Meudon white,
- hydrogen peroxide
Put your duvet in the washing machine with care:
- Fold in the edges and insert them first.
- Insert the rest in the drum of the machine.
Be aware that it is better to wash it alone in the machine, even if there is enough space to add clothes.
But then, how do you know if your washing machine is big enough to wash your duvet?
Don't worry, it's not hard to figure out. Here is the rule to follow:
- Ideally, it should not fill the drum more than 3/4 .
Be careful, it is important to give it as much space as possible.
Why?
Because if it is too big or barely fits, the filling will be too tight during the wash cycle.
As a result, it will be poorly washed!
It would be a shame to run your machine for nothing, don't you think?
And yes, as you may have guessed, to wash a duvet, you need a large capacity washing machine. .
If in doubt, go to a laundromat.
Here you will find large capacity washing machines and dryers, which you can use for cheap.
Your duvet is in the drum and you're ready to start the machine?
Not so fast! For optimal washing of your duvet, you must:
- choose a suitable detergent
- select the right washing program
- set the washing water to the right temperature
I show you everything you need to do below. Watch:
- Use only a mild or natural detergent , and with the dosages recommended by the manufacturer.
- Click here for a super easy recipe for homemade mild laundry detergent, ready in just 2 minutes.
- Select the "Delicate program ".
- If your machine allows it, also add an extra rinse cycle .
- Some machines even offer a special program "Duvet ". This one is designed for items with down filling (duvets, pillows and anoraks).
- Look at the washing label . There you will find specific washing instructions with the correct water temperature.
- Use a cold water cycle if you want to protect colors and fabric.
- Warm water wash is recommended to eliminate dust mites. Especially if you don't have a clothes dryer and you don't plan on going to the laundromat to dry your duvet.
Cleaning experts recommend tumble drying duvets.
Be aware that depending on the size and type of filling, the drying time may vary.
Thus, drying a duvet in the dryer can sometimes take several hours.
Warning:take care to respect the drying temperature indicated on the washing label.
What if it's way too big for your dryer?
So go to a laundromat to use a large capacity dryer.
But why dry a duvet in the dryer, you would say?
Well, guess what, it's not just to make it dry faster.
It's mainly to restore volume .
Indeed, when you machine wash a duvet, there is a risk…
It comes out completely deformed and loses its ultra soft and comfortable bulk.
Luckily, I know a secret trick to getting it to dry without bumps …
When you put your duvet in the dryer, also put 3 or 4 tennis balls .
This will distribute the load in the drum more evenly.
And above all, the tennis balls will restore volume and make it dry faster.
For best results, put them on at the beginning of the drying cycle.
I know, the method may seem improbable.
But believe in my experience, this trick is surprisingly effective in ensuring even drying and total of your duvet .
Just one tip:make sure you put the tennis balls in clean, white socks.
Otherwise, the balls may rub off on the duvet. Click here to discover the trick.
Note that there are also wool dryer balls, specially designed for dryers.
Here is my second secret to give volume to your quilt:
- Take your duvet out of the dryer every 30 minutes .
- Shake it well to distribute the filling and give it volume.
- Put it back in the dryer and continue the drying program .
- Repeat these steps to get an even drying of your quilt .
There you go, you know how to machine wash a duvet like a pro :-)
Easy, fast and efficient, right?
Now it's all clean and fluffy.
Obviously this cleaning tip works with all duvet sizes 200x200, 220x240 and 260x240 and all brands including IKEA.
After taking it out of the dryer, don't put it back on your bed right away and don't store it in a closet.
In fact, depending on the thickness and type of the filling, it may not dry completely in the dryer.
To remove the last remnants of moisture, it is recommended to lay it out in a warm, dry place .
This will remove the last remnants of moisture, until it is completely dry.
To keep your bed clean and to avoid allergies, know that experts recommend washing your duvets 2 to 3 times a year .
The best is to wash it once at the end of summer and once at the end of winter.
This will prevent dust, perspiration and other dirt from accumulating in the fibers of the fabric and the padding.
Over time, they can also harbor dust mites and other allergens, which prevent you from sleeping well.
You don't have a dryer or don't have time to go to a laundromat?
So be aware that you can also dry your duvet on a large drying rack or a clothesline .
I have already told you about the best drying racks for drying clothes in this article.
Preferably, choose a sunny day with a little wind.
Cool air will circulate through the filling and restore volume to your duvet.
There's nothing worse than a clean duvet that comes out of the dryer with dents!
I know, I know:I'm repeating myself!
But if you want to prevent it from being completely misshapen, you absolutely must follow these tips:
- do not fill your washing machine more than 3/4
- put 3 or 4 tennis balls in the drum of your dryer
- take it out every 30 minutes to shake it and spread the filling
Have you tried these grandmother's tricks for washing a duvet in the washing machine? Let us know in the comments if it worked for you. We can't wait to read you!
