How to wash a Down Duvet…

A duvet is a large item and washing it can be a nightmare. It does need a regular wash as although it does not move about or come into contact with high dirt volumes or many people – it is a warm and static breeding place for dust mites and other bacteria that can easily grow out of control if not monitored.

Tips on Your Duvet Wash.

1. Select the Right Weather. It helps when it comes to drying your down comforter, so if its cloudy, put off cleaning your down comforter for another day.
   
2. Make Sure You have the Right Machine. The bigger washer you have the better. If you have a smaller capacity washer, simply stuffing it in might be difficult, it will make a lot of noise on spin cycle, and it will not wash well. Always check on your duvet during the wash cycle and move it around a little. Feathers are heavy, so your washer won't be able to move your comforter around like it does with a regular load.
   
3. A Rule When You Don’t Know. It’s always stressful when deciding on temperatures, soaps and the details of any wash when it’s a first or if the item is delicate. Here are some rules that will never go wrong. Always use cold water and make sure you pre-treat and stains or marks. Never use softener.  It's best to use a detergent with No color and low odor. Bleach is safe to add, but only a very tiny amount. Spin the duvet a few times.
   
4. Dry Using the Sun. Find a nice place outside that has lots of sunshine. While laying the down comforter out flat on the ground would work best. Something you can drape it across is fine - a lawn chair works. Wherever you put it, put an old sheet down first!
   
5. Avoid the Dryer. Shrinkage of cotton and hardening of feathers can occur in a dryer. If it must be used, use low heat for brief intervals. Massage out the clumps as you do so. 

After the dryer, the down might still be clumpy. This can just be hand massaged out. Your duvet should be ready to use now. Hang it out on the clothesline for a quick freshen-up.

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