How to Wash a Duvet - A Guide

Another key reason to wash your duvet is to prevent it from becoming a home for dust mites. They are microscopic mites that live in dark, warm, and humid locations - just like an unwashed duvet. They survive by eating dry skin, which can also be present if your bedding is not clean. These mites can be bothersome for those with allergies and can also cause skin issues, such as rashes. Get more information on how to avoid and remove these pests in our dust mite cleaning guide.

Another key reason to wash your duvet is to prevent it from becoming a home for dust mites. They are microscopic mites that live in dark, warm, and humid locations - just like an unwashed duvet. They survive by eating dry skin, which can also be present if your bedding is not clean. These mites can be bothersome for those with allergies and can also cause skin issues, such as rashes. Get more information on how to avoid and remove these pests in our dust mite cleaning guide.

How often should you wash a duvet?

It's recommended that you wash your duvet every 2 to 3 months, with every 6 months as an absolute minimum. While the task is more time-consuming than cleaning regular bed covers, it doesn't need to be done regularly, a little bit of effort every now and again will ensure your duvet stays fresh.

Should you wash a new duvet?

Wondering whether you should wash that new duvet you've just ordered right away? It can come down to preference. Some people are quite happy to use bedding right out of the packaging, but others like to wash their bedding right away to remove any odours or particles picked up during the production or packaging stages and to add a familiar smell. As you haven't slept with the duvet yet, there shouldn't be any of the irritants that build up over time presents.

Can you put a duvet in the washing machine?

The majority of duvets can be put in the washing machine, but you should always check the washing instructions on the label to confirm this is the case. There may be some natural duvets that cannot be put in a regular household machine, and may require some specialist washing techniques. Another thing you'll need to consider when using a washing machine is whether your duvet will fit

Can you wash a feather duvet?

For the most part, it's possible to wash natural feather duvets, like goose down and feather, in your washing machine at home, but you should take care to follow the manufacturer's instructions just in case there are any special requirements. One problem you might run into is fitting the duvet into the machine itself, as they tend to be bulkier than synthetic duvets. They also take much longer to dry afterward, which is something you'll need to account for.

Can you dry clean a duvet?

You should not take your duvet to be dry cleaned - no matter whether it's natural or synthetic. This is because dry cleaning makes use of strong chemicals for stain removal that can affect the filling of your bedding. There are also some reports[1] that have classified the oft-used dry cleaning chemical PERC to be carcinogenic to humans when exposed for a long time. Because we spend long periods of time under our duvet, it may be best to avoid dry cleaning as a general rule.

Please note: Professional cleaning is not the same as dry cleaning, so if your duvet manufacturer's instructions recommend this, they probably mean having a specialist cleaner wash it with the right type of equipment. Some dry cleaners offer professional cleaning services, so make sure you choose the right one when booking in your duvet.

Can you hand wash a duvet?

Yes, it's possible to hand wash a duvet - some people prefer this approach if they need to gently wash a natural duvet. It may also be a solution if your washing machine is too small.

How to clean a duvet

When it comes to cleaning your duvet, the first thing you should do is find out what type of filling it has - synthetic or natural - as this will impact the cleaning method. Below we will provide advice on how to machine wash, as well as how to clean stains, wash a large duvet, and what to do if you don't have a washing machine.

Note: You can also get expert advice on cleaning your mattress and pillows in our two other care guides that are well worth a read.

How to wash a synthetic duvet

1. Pay attention to the manufacturer's label to see if there are any special instructions to follow when washing.
2. Check if your duvet will fit into your machine. It should be loose enough (around three-quarters full) so that agitation - the movement of clothes in the washer as the spin cycle commences - can take place.
3. Set your washing machine to the highest temperature that the care instructions allow - the majority of synthetic duvets can be washed at 60⁰C, which is enough to kill off dust mites.
4. Use around a third of the usual amount of detergent you would for a full load of clothing.
5. Set your machine to a regular spin cycle and begin the wash.
6. Once the wash is complete, remove the damp duvet and shake it so the filling is evened out.
7. Your duvet is now ready for drying.

How to wash a natural or feather duvet

1. Pay particular attention to the duvet's care instructions and don't be tempted to ignore them - if they indicate that the duvet needs specialist cleaning, then it is worth taking the right precautions.
2. Check whether the duvet will fit into the washing machine - it shouldn't take up more than three-quarters of the cylinder. Feather duvets can be bulky, so if your machine is too small, then it may be worth hand washing or seeking a professional clean.
3. Natural duvets (like wool) or feather duvets (like goose down), can generally be machine washed but need more care and attention than synthetic materials:

• Feather duvets: Should be washed with a small amount of mild detergent on a gentle, warm cycle. Don't use any bleach or brightener. Consider putting in one or two washing balls (or tennis balls) to ensure the feathers remain evenly packed.
• Wool duvets: Can typically be washed on a wool cycle with wool-friendly detergent, followed by a spin dry to release any held water afterward.
• Silk duvets: Should not be machine washed or hand washed in their entirety unless the instructions say they can. Instead, they should be completely covered, and spot cleaned when there's a stain.

How to get stains out of a duvet

When there is a spillage or accident on or near your bed, you must react quickly to stop any stains from forming. Though your duvet will initially be protected by its cover, there is a chance that the substance will soak through if you don't act rapidly.

If the worst happens and the spill seeps through, you will need to immediately carry out a spot clean on your duvet. The aim is this is to remove most of the substance right away, then take action to get any that has set in straight out of the material. Follow these steps to carry out a thorough clean:

1. Soak up any liquid as soon as possible using a clean cloth or paper towels. Be careful not to rub the area as this risks setting in the stain even more.
2. Once the excess has been removed, try to push as much of the filling away from the area as possible, then tie it off with an elastic band to keep any from moving back into the space.
3. Soak a fresh cloth or towel in cold water and dab at the stain area, which should hopefully remove any that has started to sink into the material. Don't use warm water as this causes the spillage to set in further.
4. If there is still some stubborn stain remaining, you can apply a mild detergent to try and remove it. You can try to use a gentle soap and water mixture, or you can apply a baking soda and water paste by mixing together two parts soda to one part water. Soak a cloth in your detergent and blot at the area without rubbing.
5. If you use baking soda, leave it on the stain for an hour or two then vacuum it up.
6. Leave the area to air dry (you can also use a hair dryer on a low setting to speed it up).

How to wash a queen- or king-size duvet

Looking to wash a queen- or king-size duvet at home? It's worth checking whether the capacity of your washing machine's drum will be able to handle the bulk of a larger item. Most household appliances should be big enough to fit a single or double duvet, but you may run into issues when attempting to squeeze in one of a greater size.

The easiest way to check this is to simply try putting your duvet into the washing machine. It's worth remembering that it should not take up more than three-quarters of the drum, as there needs to be some room for agitation to take place. If it's packed in too tight, there will be no movement and the cleaning action will not be as effective.

For easy reference, here is a general guide to what type of drum capacity is needed for certain duvet sizes. It's worth keeping in mind that this is approximate and does not take into account whether you have the likes of a bulkier feather duvet or a thick high-tog duvet. In a lot of cases the capacity of a washer is either written on the side or in the instruction manual.

So, what if your duvet is too big for your home washing machine? Then you'll need to look at other solutions. For one, you could handwash your duvet, which is more work but just as effective. On the other hand, you could take your duvet to be professionally cleaned.

How to clean a duvet without a washing machine

If you want to clean your duvet at home but don't have access to a washing machine, you may wish to handwash it, which is a perfectly possible solution. This is also an alternative if you want to wash a queen- or king-sized duvet but your machine is too small.