A Guide To Washing Duvet and Pillows: How Often You Should Wash Them

Duvets and pillows are the main elements on your bed. We know all the comfort from these two things, and you need to care for them. Keeping them pristine will give you peace of mind and make your bed look comfortable and wonderful. To maintain and keep your duvets and pillows to last depends on their quality and how well you take care of them. We have some easy pieces of advice for our readers on how to take care of their duvets and pillows so that they last for many years. Duvets and pillows should be shaken every day to maintain the optimum density and elasticity of the filling. No need to vacuum your duvets, as this may damage the filling. If you put a blanket over your bed, pat down your duvet and pillows; otherwise, moisture will fill the air gaps. To make the filling stand up again, you can tumble-dry your duvet and pillows for a few hours.

Why You Should Wash Your Duvet And Pillows

When you wash your duvet and pillows, it extends the life of your bedding items. Down and feathers will eventually clump together, which may cause the duvet to seem thinner and reduce the filling power of the duvet. You can maintain the filling capacity of the duvet by washing it at least once a year - preferably twice but a maximum of four times a year. Washing the duvet too often can cause unnecessary wear and tear. Don’t forget to wash your pillows twice a year. Wash your duvet and pillows at 60 degrees C, removing any dust mites that cannot survive at 60 degrees.

How To Wash Your Duvet And Pillow With A Natural Or Fibre Filling

Take some time for this washing project. It can easily take  6–8 hours to wash and dry. You should always follow the washing instructions on the duvet and pillows. Start by checking all the seams before washing and make sure that there are no holes. Be aware that a duvet can shrink when washed. Wash your duvet and pillow separately. You can use a large washing machine. Use an enzyme-free detergent for duvets and pillows with natural fillings, as ordinary detergent contains enzymes that destroy the abilities of feathers and down by removing their natural fat. A detergent would do wonders for washing wool and often be suitable. Use your regular detergent for duvets with fibre fill. Wash at 60 degrees Celsius and finish with a light centrifugation. Dry the duvet/pillow in the dryer with two or three tennis balls or so-called dryer balls. Tennis balls give the filling evenly in order to avoid lumps and to turn the duvet/pillow airy. Take out the duvet from the dryer. Shake it around every 15–20 minutes during the drying process. This prevents the feathers and down from clumping together, and it avoids burn marks from the dryer. Let the duvet dry properly before you use it again. If you partially dry the duvet/pillow outside, be sure to keep it out of sunlight, as it can change the fabric and which can create holes. When the quilt is dry, we recommend airing it outside or tumble-dry with cold air in the dryer. This helps ensure an optimal distribution of feathers and down. If you want to ensure the duvet is completely dry, you can weigh it before washing it. After drying, you weigh the duvet again. If the duvet has more weight than before, then there is still water in it, and you should dry it again.

How To Wash Your Foam Or Latex Duvet Covers And Pillows

Foam cannot be washed. However, some covers can be washed. If you need to clean a foam pillow, wipe lightly and gently with a damp cloth. Don’t soak completely, and please use a dry cloth to wipe the foam immediately after cleaning. If you have a pillow with latex filling, it can be washed in a full machine and centrifuged at a maximum of 1000 rpm. Once you have done it, then you must tumble-dry it. The pillow should stay on the cover at all times. Furthermore, if you can’t do it on your own, then you can get professional dry cleaners and laundry service from Gold Dry Cleaners. They have a team of professionals who’ll do it for you!

When To Replace Your Duvet Or Pillow

When it's time to replace your duvet or pillow, it can vary, but we have some recommendations. Duvets should typically be replaced after 5–10 years, depending on wear and tear, while pillows usually last about two years.

Signs It's Time for a New Pillow or Duvet

Here's some straightforward advice to help you decide if it's time for a replacement: If your once-white pillow is now yellow, it might be time for a new one. If you sweat a lot at night, consider changing your pillow and duvet more frequently. If your pillow or duvet has flattened, and the filling has become clumpy even after being in the dryer, it's time for a replacement.

Choosing the Right Duvet Size

For optimal comfort, ensure that your duvet is at least 20-30 cm longer than your height. You can find duvets in various lengths, with king-size duvets typically measuring 200cm and super king-size ones at 220 cm in length.

Selecting the Right Duvet Warmth Level

When deciding which warmth level is best for you, consider factors like your body temperature while sleeping and your preferred bedroom temperature. Duvets come in three different warmth levels: Cool, Warm, and Extra Warm.

Understanding Tog Rating

Tog rating is a measure of thermal resistance, indicating how warm a duvet is. It's measured on a scale from 1 to 15, with 15 being the warmest. However, a higher tog rating doesn't necessarily mean a heavier duvet.

Exploring Duvet Filling Options

Duvets are available with two primary types of fillings: Natural Filling: Natural fillings include down, feathers, silk, cotton, or wool. These fillings are breathable and provide excellent insulation. Fibre Filling: Synthetic fibre fillings offer an alternative to natural fillings. The choice between natural and fibre filling depends on your preferences and needs.

Evaluating Fill Power for Duvet Quality

Fill power measures the loft or "fluffiness" of down products, which is loosely related to their insulating value. More feathers mixed with down can increase fill power without adding weight alone as a determining warmth factor.

Final Thoughts:

This guide will help you with the washing process of your duvets and pillows. We are pretty sure that every now and then, you need to clean and wash them in order to make them last a long time. If you feel like you can’t do it on your own, then no worries. Individuals can get in touch with dry cleaners in Belgravia and other cities in the UK with Gold Dry Cleaners. Check us out today!