How to wash duvets before storing them

With the arrival of summer, the time has come to store duvets for a few months. Many of us do it without washing them first, only to find nasty surprises with the arrival of autumn, such as an unpleasant smell.

Before storing duvets, it is a good habit to wash them, and almost always go to the laundry given the large volume of the duvet and the consequent difficulty in washing at home.

Yet, all you need to do is follow the right technique to have a perfectly clean and fragrant duvet at home: below we list the most practical methods.

Before you start, remember that it’s always good to read the labels of any type of garment. Make sure your duvet can be washed in water and in the washing machine. Some duvets, for example, can only be dry cleaned.

Wash the duvet by hand

Although it is not the fastest technique, you can wash the duvet by hand in the bath.

Fill the bathtub with hot water, then add 3 tablespoons of baking soda and 200 ml of white wine vinegar. Next, add some liquid or flaky Marseille soap, and make sure to melt it completely.

Soak the duvet in the bathtub and let it soak for 15-20 minutes before emptying it by lifting the cap.

Repeat the process at least 3 times, until the water in the bathtub comes out clear.

Machine wash the duvet

This method is much faster and less labor-intensive. Shake the duvet to remove excess dust, then check if it can be washed in water and read the washing machine’s instructions to check the weight capacity.

Add some liquid Marseille soap to the washer tub, then half a cup of baking soda, making sure to dissolve it completely.

Carry out a gentle, cold wash cycle. Program the spin cycle at 900 rpm to remove as much water as possible, and perform at least two rinse cycles to prevent soap from nestling between the fibers of the duvet.

A little trick: add two tennis balls to the machine wash cycle to keep the duvet filling even.

How to dry duvets

Whatever type of wash you have chosen, it is now time to let the duvet dry.

Spread it horizontally and, if possible, in the open air but away from sunlight. Once applied, use your hands to distribute the filling of the duvet well: doing it once dry will be much more difficult.

Before storing the duvet, it is a good idea to wrap it in a cotton cloth to protect it from dust and protect it. Store the duvet in a well-ventilated place.

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Important: This website does not give medical advice, nor does it suggest the use of techniques as a form of treatment for physical problems, for which medical advice is required. If you decide to apply the information contained in this site, you do not assume responsibility for it. The intention of the site is to be illustrative, not exhortative or didactic.