Can You Wash A Duvet In The Washing Machine
Washing your duvet at home can save you time and money compared to using a professional laundry service, but you might be wondering whether it’s safe to wash a duvet in your washing machine. The good news is that most duvets can be machine washed, but there are a few important factors to consider. This guide will walk you through how to safely wash your duvet in the washing machine, ensuring it stays fresh and clean without damage.
Can You Wash a Duvet in the Washing Machine?
Yes, you can wash a duvet in a washing machine, but it depends on the size of your duvet, the type of filling, and the capacity of your washing machine. Follow these tips to get the best results:
1. Check the Care Label The first step is to always check the care label on your duvet. This label will provide crucial information on whether your duvet is machine washable, what temperature to use, and whether it should be tumble dried or air-dried.
2. Size and Washing Machine Capacity Ensure that your washing machine has a large enough drum to accommodate the duvet. For double, king, or super king-size duvets, a machine with a capacity of at least 8kg or more is ideal. If your duvet doesn’t fit comfortably in your machine, it’s best to take it to a laundrette with industrial-sized washers.
Types of Duvets and How to Wash Them
Different types of duvets require specific care, so it’s important to know what filling your duvet contains.
Down or Feather Duvets
Down or feather-filled duvets are often machine washable, but they need to be treated carefully to avoid clumping or damage to the filling.
- Wash Cycle: Use a gentle or delicate cycle.
- Detergent: Choose a mild, non-bio detergent, and avoid fabric softeners, which can coat the feathers and reduce their fluffiness.
- Water Temperature: Cold or lukewarm water (30°C) is ideal, as high temperatures can damage the natural filling.
- Extra Rinsing: Consider running an extra rinse cycle to ensure all the detergent is removed.
Synthetic Duvets
Synthetic duvets are generally easier to wash and dry compared to natural-filled duvets. They dry faster and don’t require as much delicate handling.
- Wash Cycle: Use a normal or synthetic cycle.
- Detergent: A standard non-bio detergent works well.
- Water Temperature: Warm water (30-40°C) is suitable for synthetic duvets.
- Spinning: Use a high-speed spin cycle to remove excess water.
Wool Duvets
Wool-filled duvets may be machine washable, but they often require specific care.
- Wash Cycle: Use a wool-friendly cycle if your machine has one.
- Detergent: Use a wool-specific detergent to avoid damaging the fibres.
- Water Temperature: Wash on a cold or very low temperature to prevent shrinking.
How to Wash Your Duvet Step by Step
- Pre-Treat Any Stains: Check for any visible stains and pre-treat them with a stain remover. Gently dab the stained areas with a soft cloth.
- Load the Duvet into the Washing Machine: Make sure the duvet fits comfortably in the drum. It should have enough space to move around during the wash cycle for an even clean.
- Add Detergent: Add a mild detergent, ideally one that is suitable for delicate fabrics. Use the recommended amount for the size of the load.
- Select the Right Wash Cycle: Choose a gentle or delicate wash cycle, especially for down and feather duvets. For synthetic duvets, a standard or synthetic cycle works well.
- Choose the Right Temperature: For most duvets, a cold or low-temperature wash is best. Always follow the care label’s instructions for temperature settings.
- Extra Rinse Cycle: To ensure that all detergent is thoroughly rinsed out, especially with down or feather duvets, run an additional rinse cycle.
- Spin Cycle: Select a high-speed spin cycle to remove as much water as possible, which will make drying easier and faster.
How Often Should You Wash Your Duvet?
It’s recommended to wash your duvet every six months or at least once a year, depending on how often it’s used. You may need to clean it more frequently if you have allergies or pets that sleep on the bed.
Conclusion
Washing your duvet in a washing machine is easy and effective when done properly. Always check the care label, use a gentle cycle, and make sure the duvet has enough space to move around in the machine. Whether you’re washing a down, feather, or synthetic duvet, proper washing and drying techniques will help keep your duvet fresh, fluffy, and ready for a good night’s sleep.