Taking care of your down duvet: tips for impeccable washing and a perfect rest.

Can I machine wash a down comforter? How do I dry a down comforter? From stain removal to drying, we've got you covered with all the answers to washing and caring for your duvets.

Precautions before washing your comforter.

Before washing your duvet, make sure that there are no holes in the cover, as the filling could leak out during washing, causing irreversible damage to your duvet as well as causing problems for your washing machine. If you find a hole, fix it first. Also check the composition of your duvet and look at the washing instructions label to make sure that your duvet is machine washable. Once you've checked the above, examine it for stains and treat them before putting your duvet in the washing machine.

Can I put my duvet in the washing machine?

A 5kg washing machine can wash a medium-density duvet with a maximum size of 200 x 200 cm. The duvet should be loaded with some space in the drum. Be careful, a soaked duvet can double in size.

If your washing machine is too small to wash your duvet, you can go to a laundromat. There you will find machines with a larger drum, more suitable for washing duvets and pillows. Its large capacity allows for good mixing of water and effective cleaning.

How do I wash my duvet in the washing machine?

Select the appropriate programme. Depending on the functions of your washing machine, you can choose a special "white" cycle or a cotton programme. The temperature should not exceed 60°C for synthetic duvets and 40°C for duvets with natural filling, down or feathers. The rinse should be intensive to remove the maximum amount of detergent from your duvet, but the spin cycle should be kept moderate so as not to damage the fabric of the cover (maximum 1000 rpm). Always consult the manufacturer's advice.

Tips for washing your duvet in the washing machine.

To maintain the volume and lightness of your down comforter, place three 100% wool dryer balls inside. By patting the comforter, the balls prevent the filling from settling in a corner of the cover.

It is very important to use the correct amount of detergent: you should not use more than the recommended amount. Not only will it not wash better, but it will also be much more difficult to rinse and you risk leaving soap residue on your duvet. We recommend using a liquid soap to wash your duvets and pillows. It dissolves much better than powder detergent and rinses more easily. A mild soap specifically for soft wool will help maintain the flexibility and volume of your down duvet, without damaging it.

Avoid using fabric softener to wash your duvet, especially if it is feather. At Home Healthy Home we have developed a laundry soap for silk, wool and down with lavender Nº13 Olive oil-based detergent that cares for and nourishes natural fibres. Enriched with organic lavender oil, it will leave a pleasant, fresh scent, ideal for your bedding.

Can I hand wash my down comforter?

Yes, but it is quite laborious. The best way to do this would be to place your duvet in a bathtub, previously filled with warm water with a dose of natural detergent. Keep in mind that a wet duvet weighs a lot, so washing and wringing out the duvet will require a lot of effort. After wringing out your duvet, leave it to dry flat. The duvet must be completely dry, which can take up to 5 days.

How do I remove stains from my comforter?

Treat stains before washing your duvet, and if possible as soon as they appear, even if you don't do a full clean. This way you'll keep your duvet clean for longer.

Before treating the stain, we advise you to shake your duvet to remove the feathers from the cover. You can use a rubber band to separate the stained area. Then, rub the stain with a soft sponge with special soap for the type of stain to be treated. Our stain remover stick Nº03 Castile soap or our Oxygen Booster No. 04 are the perfect allies for removing all types of difficult stains.

Can I put my down comforter in the dryer?

You can put it in your dryer without any problem, as long as it has the necessary capacity. Select a temperature of 60°C maximum. Unlike natural drying, machine drying ensures thorough drying. Here too we advise you to use wool dryer balls. Dryer balls, placed in the drum, will ensure softness and homogeneity to the filling of your duvet. By absorbing moisture, they reduce drying time.

How do I store my down comforter after washing it?

If you are not going to put your duvet back on the bed, store it in a cover to protect it from moisture and dust. This can be an opaque or transparent cover, but always keep it airtight. To take up less space, you can use a vacuum storage cover.

If you need a very good personal recommendation about duvets, we invite you to visit Matarranz 1911 with stores in Madrid and San Sebastian where you can see and enjoy the best home linen. Another option to choose a duvet for your home is this OCU article "How to choose a duvet"