You took your duvet out of the closet and it looks like… a deflated pillow? Or has the time come for the change of season and you don’t know how to wash it before putting it away? Don’t worry, it happens to everyone, the good news is that washing a duvet at home is easier than you think, you just need to follow a few precautions: here they are all.
A good down jacket is your best ally against the cold, and if looked after in the right way it can accompany you for many winters. The secret? Know exactly how to wash, dry and store it. Also because, according to the latest indications from manufacturers of technical and outdoor clothing, incorrect washing is the main cause of loss of padding and deterioration of the water-repellent treatment.
Can you wash your duvet in the washing machine at home?
Yes, absolutely. Indeed, for many technical down jackets with DWR (Durable Water Repellent) treatment it is even preferable to dry cleaning, which risks degrading the protective coating. The one golden rule: always read the label before proceeding.
How to wash your duvet in the washing machine without letting it deflate
Before putting your duvet in the washing machine, follow these steps:
Empty all the pockets and check that there are no forgotten objects, close the zips and Velcro completely to prevent them from getting caught in the basket, remove any fur or synthetic fur trims: if it is real fur, take it to a furrier; if it’s synthetic, wash it separately on a gentle cycle.
Once in the washing machine, add a couple of tennis balls or special dryer balls during the wash if you want: they help keep the padding evenly distributed. Use a specific detergent for technical garments or duvets (classic detergents and especially fabric softeners risk clogging the fibers and reducing the thermal power), cold water or a maximum of 30°C, and no bleach. Set a delicate cycle with extra spin: a longer spin removes more excess water and makes drying easier.
An important update compared to the past: the new detergents formulated specifically for goose down and synthetic padding (such as those based on delicate surfactants without residues) are now much more effective and also help to restore the water-repellent treatment after washing. It’s worth investing in.
How to dry your duvet (without ruining it)
Here the donkey falls, as they say. Drying is the most delicate phase; the best choice is to spread the duvet horizontally on a flat surface or hung on several hangers, in the open air or in a well-ventilated environment, away from direct sunlight which could yellow the fabric.
Shake it every now and then and deflate it by hand to prevent the padding from compacting into lumps. Before storing it, make sure it is completely dry: even minimal residual humidity can encourage the formation of mold and bad odors.
If you have a dryer, some duvets can be dried at a low temperature with the famous tennis balls or dryer balls: always check the label. This method, according to outdoor brands like Patagonia and The North Face, is actually recommended for goose down duvets because it helps bring the down back to its original loft (i.e. its volume). In any case, always use the lowest temperature available.
How often to wash the duvet
You don’t need to wash it often – once a season is more than enough for most people. Indeed, too frequent washing stresses the fibers and the coating. If you use it daily, you can intervene on localized stains: water-repellent fabrics are easily cleaned with a damp microfibre cloth, and for more stubborn stains, a little neutral soap is enough.
The areas most subject to dirt are the collar and cuffs: try spraying a mixture of water and white vinegar, leave it to act for a few minutes and then rub with a damp cloth. It works surprisingly well.
An advice that always applies: wash it before storing it for the hot season, not at the beginning of the cold one. Residual dirt attracts moths and can become lodged in the fibers over time.
How to eliminate bad odors without washing it
For a quick refresh without resorting to washing, steam is your best ally: it does not damage the fabric and neutralizes bacteria and odors. Alternatively, just leave the duvet in the open air for a few hours, preferably on a breezy day. Some also use bags with baking soda inside during storage, to absorb any residual odors.
How to store your duvet in the wardrobe
When the time comes for the change of seasons, remember: the duvet must breathe. No airtight plastic bags, which promote humidity and bad odors. Better is a non-woven fabric clothes hanger or, alternatively, a light sheet. Make sure it has enough space not to be compressed: the filling needs to maintain its volume even during storage.
If the duvet is made of goose down, avoid keeping it compressed for months: the down progressively loses its ability to “loft” (swell) if kept compressed for a long time.
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