We all appreciate the simple pleasures in life - a freshly changed bed, with sheets and pillowcases that smell brand new. Washing, drying, folding… the classic routine, until a stain appears, things start to itch, or the textile feels less and less soft to the touch. Whether you’re a die-hard synthetic fan or a lifelong worshipper of luxury featherdown, washing your duvet frequently is essential for a good night’s sleep - not to mention extending its lifespan. Read on for Carré Blanc’s expert tips.
How to take care of your duvet
To keep your duvet looking (and feeling) like new, let’s get back to basics.
-
Protect your duvet with a quilt cover in a breathable fabric, such as cotton, linen or satin.
Every night, our skin loses around 2 litres of water while we sleep. To maximise your duvet’s lifespan, it’s important to make sure it’s protected against perspiration. Natural fibres and fabrics are ideal if you’re often hot or uncomfortable in bed.
-
Air your bedroom on a daily basis.
If possible, hang your duvet outside or by a window to air it after a night of contact with your skin. Both natural and synthetic duvets should be shaken regularly to keep the fabric bouncy and fresh.
How to wash your duvet
Before washing your duvet, make sure to follow the instructions on the label.
-
Wash synthetic fibres at 40°C and natural fibres at 60°C.
-
Always wash your duvet on its own - it will absorb water and take up more space than you think in the washing machine!
As a general rule, natural fibres can be washed in a washing machine or dry-cleaned - check the label to make sure. Synthetic or mixed fibres are also suitable for washing machines, but silk duvets should always be dry-cleaned. Ideally, your duvet should be washed in a machine with a large drum. If your washing machine is on the smaller side, it’s recommended to visit a launderette or dry-cleaners to make sure it can be washed thoroughly.
How to dry your duvet
When drying your duvet, it’s recommended to place a couple of tennis balls in with your duvet. The friction will ensure the duvet dries thoroughly all over, while helping to maintain its texture and bounciness. For synthetic or mixed-fibre duvets, air-drying outdoors or on a drying rack, ideally in natural sunlight, gives better results than in a tumble dryer - not to mention eliminating odours and killing any remaining bacteria.
Before reusing or putting away your duvet, make sure it’s thoroughly dry. Any remaining moisture can lead to bacteria spreading. Vacuum-packing your duvet is one possible storage solution, but may reduce bounciness, particularly in the case of goose- or duck-down duvets. In any case, remember the golden rule: don’t iron your duvet!
At Carré Blanc, we’d recommend changing your duvet every 8 to 10 years for natural fibres or every 5 years in the case of synthetic fabrics. Ideally, it’s best to wash your duvet every six months - more often if you suffer from allergies. And of course, if you’re looking to switch things up, don’t miss our top tips for choosing the perfect duvet!