A beautiful duvet cover can transform your bedroom. They provide color and texture, and are like pillowcases to our comforters - protecting them and keeping them clean day in and day out. But then the day comes... laundry day. Learning how to wash duvet covers and inserts is important to keep away dust mites and allergens, remove sweat, and make sure that your bedding is as clean as possible. It is in contact with you all night, after all! Here’s the best way to clean your comforter and duvet cover.
How Often Should I Wash a Duvet Cover?
Washing a duvet cover regularly is important, but there is not a strict guideline as to how often that should be. If you do not use a top sheet, you may want to wash the duvet cover weekly. If you do use a top sheet and your skin is not in direct contact with your duvet cover, you can wait a few weeks in between washes. Use your best judgment–you are in contact with your bedding for about eight hours a night, so you want to be sure it’s clean! We recommend washing the duvet insert twice a year, or more if something is spilled on it or it is stained.
How to Wash a Duvet Insert
1. Load into the washer
Carefully fold the duvet into your machine. Depending on the size of your comforter, you may need to take a trip to a laundromat with an XL machine. Make sure to remove the duvet cover!
2. Add Detergent
Add one Dropps Sensitive Skin Laundry Detergent Pod to the drum of the machine. This gentle detergent will clean the duvet without stripping or damaging natural materials like down. You can also add an Oxi Booster Pod for a deeper clean and stain fighting power!
3. Wash
Select the delicate or gentle cycle. Run the comforter through two rinse cycles to ensure all the soap has been washed out.
4. Dry
Dry the comforter in an XL capacity dryer on low heat. This will ensure that all the down is completely dry to prevent mold growth. Make sure it's completely dry before heading home! This may take a while, so add XL Wool Dryer Balls to help speed up drying time!
How to Wash Duvet Covers
1. Load into the washer
Fold the duvet cover into your machine. Depending on the size of your comforter, you may need to take a trip to a laundromat with an XL machine.
2. Add Detergent
Add a laundry detergent pod of your choice. Your duvet cover has direct contact with your skin all night, so if you have sensitive skin we recommend our Sensitive Skin Laundry Detergent. If not, opt for our Stain & Odor Laundry Detergent for extra cleaning power!
3. Wash
Wash according to the tag's care instructions. When in doubt, use a gentle cycle and cold water.
4. Dry
Dry the duvet cover on low heat to prevent shrinking. Add a Wool Dryer Ball or two to help speed up the drying time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have more questions about how to wash duvet covers and inserts? We’ve got answers.
Can you put a duvet cover in the washing machine?
Most duvet covers can be cleaned in the washing machine without a problem! Always check an item’s care label before washing for any specific instructions. Unless it is a dry clean duvet cover made of a delicate fabric like silk, the washing machine is an excellent and convenient way to wash duvet covers.
Can you put a duvet cover in the dryer?
Always check an item’s care label before machine washing or drying. Most duvet covers can be put in a dryer–and should, for ease of drying time–but certain fabrics, such as wool and silk, should be hung up to dry instead.
Can you wash a duvet cover with the duvet inside?
We do not recommend washing a duvet cover with the duvet inside. The duvet may get bunched up inside the cover, creating opportunities for either component to rip or be damaged in the wash. Additionally, washing these items together leads to increased drying time, and a damp duvet insert can lead to bacteria growth and even mold. It is best to remove the duvet cover and wash these items separately!
How do you wash a duvet without ruining it?
Washing a duvet is not as intimidating as it appears! Be sure to look at the duvet’s care label for any specific instructions. If the duvet is made of a natural material like down, be sure to use an enzyme free detergent, like Dropps Sensitive Skin Laundry Detergent. The most important thing is to make sure the duvet fully dries after washing, as a damp duvet can lead to bacteria and mold growth. Talk about a nightmare!