How to wash a feather duvet: tips and tricks

Feather duvets are light and breathable, and if we use them, instead of the classical quilts, making the bed becomes a very simple and quick task. Now that winter is just around the corner, it's time to get our feather duvets ready. Take note.

How often do you need to wash a feather duvet?

This depends on whether you use it directly without a cover, which means you should wash it once a year or whenever it looks dirty, or if with a protective cover, in which case it is recommended to wash it once every two years or so.

If you choose the second option, before you put it away, it is advisable to air it and then always store it in its original packaging or, failing that, in a cover with similar characteristics. This will protect it from stains and mites, and prevent it from accumulating dust.

It is best to wash it when the weather is good, so that it can dry outdoors and we have no urgent need to use it.

Steps to wash a feather duvet

Use a large washing machine: ideally, after putting the duvet into the washing machine, there should be some space. If you find that it is too compressed, it is worth taking it to a laundry so that it does not get damaged and is cleaned properly.
Check the filling: to avoid losing filling, check the seams, sometimes these come unstitched or there are small tears that can make the feathers fall out. With a needle and a bit of thread you can fix it in a jiffy. You should also look and see if there are any stains that are difficult to clean. If there are, rub them with a little detergent.
Follow the washing instructions: all duvets have a label with washing symbols that tell you the best way to clean them. With regard to detergent, choose a mild one and do not use fabric softener - this is not recommended. As for the washing programme, it is best to use the delicate programme or a programme with a gentle spin cycle, so that the feathers do not get matt too much.
Don't worry if the duvet looks greyish when you take it out of the washing machine and it appears flat and creased. This is due to the water that has been absorbed by the inner filling. When the drying process is over, everything returns to normal.
Air-drying: if possible, dry your duvet in the open air, leaving it on a smooth, wide and clean surface. Then move it from time to time to foster the even distribution of the feathers. It is also important for it not to be directly exposed to the sun.
Tumble drying: if, for some reason, you cannot dry the duvet in the open air, you can tumble dry it, but you must be careful not to use a very high drying temperature. One trick to prevent matting is to use clean tennis balls. Wrap a sock around each ball and put them in the dryer with the duvet.