Mastering duvet care: Wash strategies for a healthier sleep

During everyday use, a duvet collects dust, sweat, and, in some cases, small impurities that may affect health. In warmth and humidity, dust mites develop easily. 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 not only maintain freshness but also ensure a peaceful and healthy sleep. Moreover, it should be done more frequently in the case of children and people with allergies.

Duvets can be divided into synthetic ones and those with natural fillings, such as down or feathers. Each of these materials requires a different approach when washing. Synthetic duvets are usually easier to care for and can be washed in a household washing machine. It is recommended to use a gentle detergent, set the washing machine to a delicate fabrics programme at a temperature of 40 degrees Celsius (approximately 104 degrees Fahrenheit). You should also check the spin speed settings — ideally, set them to 600 RPM.

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

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

On the other hand, machine washing is quicker and more convenient. If you choose this method, remember to select a delicate programme and use special detergents intended for delicate fabrics. It is important to always use cold water and avoid high spin speeds.

After washing, an equally important stage is drying the feather duvet. This is a crucial element that can affect the subsequent comfort of using the duvet. The best method is air drying, as it ensures even evaporation of moisture. If you cannot dry the duvet outside, you can lay it out on a drying rack and dry it indoors in a well-ventilated area. If the manufacturer allows tumble drying, you may also use this option.

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

Another problem is overloading the washing machine. Duvets are heavy, and when saturated with water, they can further burden the washing machine drum, leading to damage. A good practice is to wash duvets in self-service laundries, which have larger machines suitable for such tasks.