Duvets are warm and welcoming accessories that always adapt to any type of bed; however, over time they get dirty and need to be washed. The label of most of these "blankets" recommends professional washing, but you can also try washing your own duvet at home. By following these simple instructions, you can make it as good as new without paying the laundry bill.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Prepare and Care for the Duvet
Step 1. Look at the duvet
The fabric may have been damaged over time and with heavy use. There may be stains, molds, tears, and other unwanted damage that you didn't realize. Also look at the feathers; this type of blanket is stuffed with the soft feathers of goose or other birds with a soft plumage. If you notice feathers fluttering or swaying in the air, there is a tear in the fabric. Mend these tears with a needle and thread of the same color as the fabric. Treat stains as soon as you notice them.
Step 2. Don't take the comforter to the laundry every year
It is generally not necessary to wash it too often, and with normal use, you shouldn't take it to the laundry more than once a year. However, there is one exception: if the fabric is really very dirty, you need to go to a professional to be sure that a thorough job is done.
Note: Many duvet sellers claim that too aggressive or too frequent washing could damage the feather filling, which is what makes the blanket warm. An inappropriate cleaning technique could remove the natural oils present on the feathers and the down could even shrink
Step 3. Remove the duvet from the bed
Whether you want to wash it or clean it of lint, it is always best to avoid proceeding while it is still on the mattress and sheets. Take it to a clean, dry room with a water-resistant floor such as the laundry room, bathroom, or patio.
Step 4. Consider using a duvet cover
This fabric protects the duvet and allows you to keep it clean and in good condition. It is generally equipped with a zip closure to better contain the duvet. If you notice stains on the outer covering, you just have to take out the duvet without difficulty and wash only the protection without any fear.
Part 2 of 3: Washing
Step 1. Use a large front loading washing machine
The duvets are quite bulky and small appliances are unable to wash them. If you have a top-loading washing machine at home, there may be a "stirrer" in the center of the drum that will tear or damage the duvet fabric. If you don't have a large front-loading washing machine, consider taking the duvet to a laundromat. They are now also widespread in Italy and are generally equipped with large, very capacious machines.
- The duvet should not be compressed in the drum. Try to find a washing machine that is large enough to fit easily and still have some free space. In this way the water and the detergent can reach all the points of the fabric and not only those that are in contact with the walls of the drum.
- If in doubt, check your washing machine's instruction manual. It should state the maximum size of the comforter that you can safely wash. If you don't have it, do an online search by entering the make and model of your appliance and the words "instruction manual" in the engine.
Step 2. Wash the duvet gently
Once the washing machine is loaded, add a neutral detergent and set both a warm temperature and a delicate program. Cold or boiling water can damage feathers. Make sure that the duvet is completely submerged in water.
- If the outer fabric is white, you can add some bleach. Generally there are no problems, although the duvet label advises against it.
- Consider running the appliance for a minute or two before inserting the comforter. This trick allows the soap to dissolve well in water and wash more evenly. This is especially important when washing bulky items, otherwise the detergent won't reach every corner of the fabric.
Step 3. Set the rinse cycle twice
You need to be sure that all traces of soap have been wiped off the duvet. It's better to be safe than sorry, so before spinning, remove the duvet from the washing machine and squeeze it a little by hand. In this way the fabric is less impregnated, lighter and the spin cycle will be more efficient.
Part 3 of 3: Drying
Step 1. Remove the comforter from the washing machine
When the wash cycle is finished, take out the laundry. The duvet will be flattened, smooth and less bulky than usual.
If the upholstery fabric is white, it may look stained, but don't worry, it's just a temporary effect. The color is due to the wet, flattened filling and your duvet will return to white as soon as it is dry and puffy again
Step 2. Consider air drying it
This method takes longer than using the dryer, but prevents the fabric from being damaged or shrunk. Be patient. Down jackets are known to take a long time to dry. Lay it out on a clean, sunny surface and give it the time it needs.
- Do not hang it on the wire. There is a good chance that mold will form if you expose it to the wind.
- You can let the comforter air dry for a while before putting it in the dryer. This prevents mold from forming by finishing the drying process in the appliance, where the duvet will swell.
Step 3. Set a low temperature drying cycle
If you have decided to use the dryer, do not choose a very hot program. White duvets are not damaged by heat as much as colored ones, but there is always a risk that the fabric will shrink. Stick to low temperatures unless you're really in a hurry.
Add specific balls, canvas tennis shoes (no laces) or a sock filled with tennis balls to the dryer. These items help the duvet to swell and speed up the drying process
Step 4. Check the comforter and fluff it regularly
Regardless of whether you have decided to air dry it or in the appliance, you need to constantly check that the process has no problems. Check that the fabric is drying evenly and not in "spots". Fluff and distribute the feathers by shaking and shaking the duvet.
Lift it often to check for lumps, which in turn indicate that the comforter is still damp and needs to stay in the dryer for a while longer
Step 5. Wait until it is completely dry
At this point you can put the duvet back on the bed after shaking it a little to inflate it. The drying process takes 4-12 hours depending on the method you have decided to use. Be patient. Make sure you have plenty of time to allow the comforter to dry thoroughly, after which you can use it again.
Advice
- During washing, do not exceed 40 ° C of temperature and 1000 revolutions.
- Dry cleaning is not recommended because it could damage the feathers of the padding.
- Before storing the duvet, make sure it is completely dry, otherwise mold may form. Put it in a cool, well-ventilated closet or closet.
- Be careful not to be forced to wash the duvet too often, otherwise the feathers will be ruined. To avoid frequent washing, you can buy a dry cleaning kit to put in the dryer and purchase a protective duvet cover.
