Keeping your duvet healthy: Expert tips for washing at home

During daily use, a duvet collects dust, sweat, and sometimes small impurities that can affect health. In warmth and humidity, dust mites easily develop; they are invisible to the naked eye but can cause allergies and skin irritations. Therefore, regular washing of the duvet not only extends its durability but also significantly contributes to improving our health.

It is recommended that this task be performed at least once every six months. This will keep it fresh and ensure a peaceful and healthy sleep. Additionally, it should be done more frequently in the case of children and people with allergies.

Duvets can be divided into synthetic and those with natural filling, such as down or feathers. Each of these materials requires a different approach when washing. Synthetic duvets are generally easier to care for and can be washed in a home washing machine. Using a gentle detergent and setting the washing machine to a delicate fabric program at a temperature of 40°C. Also, check the spin speed settings—it’s best to set them to 600 RPM.

Down and feather duvets are more demanding. To avoid material damage, it is often suggested that they be cleaned at dry cleaners. However, if you decide to wash them at home, make sure to follow all the instructions on the label.

How to wash a feather duvet? You can choose between hand washing or machine washing. Each of these methods has its advantages and disadvantages. Hand washing offers greater control over the process and minimizes the risk of feather damage but requires more time and effort.

On the other hand, machine washing is faster and more convenient. If you choose this method, remember to select a gentle program and use special detergents designed for delicate fabrics. It is important to always use cold water and avoid high-speed spinning.

After washing, an equally important step is drying the feather duvet. This is a crucial element that can affect the comfort of using the duvet later on. The best way is to air dry, as it ensures even moisture evaporation. If you cannot dry the duvet outside, you can lay it on a drying rack in a well-ventilated area. If the manufacturer allows tumble drying, you can use that option as well.

The most common mistake is selecting the wrong water temperature, which can lead to the shrinking of the material or loss of its insulating properties. This is why following the manufacturer's instructions is important, usually found on the label.

Another issue is overloading the washing machine. Duvets are heavy, and when they soak up water, they can put additional strain on the drum, leading to damage. A good practice is washing duvets in self-service laundromats with larger machines suitable for such tasks.