Should I Wash or Dry Clean My Duvet?
It usually starts on a quiet morning. You pull back the covers, notice a few marks on your duvet and think, “When was the last time I cleaned this?” Then comes the big question: should you wash it yourself or take it to a cleaner?
Many of us ask the same thing when the weather changes or when we start spring cleaning. So let’s talk about how to keep your duvet clean, soft and long-lasting without damaging it.
Know your duvet first 🛏️
Before doing anything, check the care label. It can tell you a lot about what your duvet needs.
- Duvets filled with feather, down or wool usually need professional dry cleaning.
- Synthetic duvets, like microfibre or hollowfibre, can often be washed at home if your washing machine is large enough.
- If it says “dry clean only”, it really means it. Washing those duvets at home can cause clumping or tearing.
Most home machines are not designed for duvets. Once they fill with water, they become heavy and hard to rinse properly. If your washing machine is under 9 kilograms, it is usually safer to take it to a cleaner.
Washing at home
If your duvet is lightweight and made from synthetic materials, washing it at home can work if you do it carefully.
- Use a large-capacity machine with plenty of room for the duvet to move.
- Choose a gentle wash with cool or warm water.
- Use a mild detergent made for delicates.
- Run an extra rinse to make sure all soap is gone.
- Dry it on a low setting with clean tennis balls or dryer balls to keep the filling fluffy.
Always check that your duvet is completely dry before using it again. Any leftover moisture can cause an unpleasant smell or mildew.
When to choose dry cleaning
If your duvet has natural fillings or feels too big for your washing machine, it is better to let a professional handle it.
Dry cleaning helps to:
- Remove oils, sweat and hidden dirt that regular washing might miss.
- Keep the filling even and light.
- Prevent shrinking and flattening.
- Extend the life of your duvet.
Many people choose to have their duvets dry cleaned, especially during the colder months when drying anything indoors takes forever. It saves time and makes sure your bedding comes back fresh and ready to use.
How often should you clean it? ⏰
Most people clean their duvets every six months. If you notice stains or odours, you can do it sooner. Guest duvets can usually be cleaned once a year.
You can keep your duvet fresh between cleans by:
- Using a duvet cover and washing it regularly.
- Hanging your duvet outside on a breezy day.
- Making sure it is completely dry before storing it away.
A note from your neighbours at Glint Express ☀️
Here in North Finchley, many of our neighbours bring in their duvets when they need a proper clean but do not have the space to wash or dry them at home. It is one of those tasks that sounds simple until you try to fit a king-size duvet into a regular washing machine.
At Glint Express, we clean all types of duvets, from lightweight microfibre to luxury feather fillings. Our gentle cleaning process removes dust, sweat and odours, leaving your bedding soft, fresh and fluffy again.
If you ever need advice or a little help, feel free to pop in or give us a call. We are always happy to help.
📍 9 Halliwick Court Parade, Woodhouse Road, London N12 0NB
📞 0203 376 2060
📧Nfinchley@glintexpress.co.uk
Fresh bedding, peaceful nights and one less thing to worry about. Sleep well, North Finchley. 🌙✨