Back To University Guide: How to Wash a Duvet

For many, uni represents the first step towards adulthood - and that includes a challenging foray into the world of laundry. You may have washed your regular day-to-day clothes before, but what about specialist items? Duvets and pillows, for example? It’s recommended that you wash these items every two to three months.

To help you, here’s B&M’s easy duvet cleaning guide. We stock a range of duvets and pillows, plus cheap double duvet covers (along with king size and single, and a variety of pillowcases), so we know just how to wash a duvet or pillows. We’ll also include a quick note on how to wash a duvet cover and pillowcases.

B&M Top Tip: When buying a duvet or pillow in the first place, remember that some are dry-clean only. To save a bit of cash, try to look for something you can wash yourself at home.

How to Wash a Duvet in a Washing Machine 

1. First, remove the duvet from its cover. You’ll usually find that both duvets with natural fillings (such as feathers, down or cotton) and synthetic duvets can be treated much the same. For the most part, they should be washed at below 40°C and tumble-dried on a cool setting. They should not be ironed or bleached.

2. However, it’s always best to double-check that your duvet is safe to go through a washing machine. There should be a little fabric tag on one of the corners with care instructions.

3. Next, you should ensure that the duvet fits in your machine! If it can’t move around inside it, it won’t wash thoroughly.

4. Our third duvet cleaning step is to check for stains. These can be removed using Vanish Platinum Oxi Action powder for whites. Use the scoop provided and measure ¼ powder to ¾ water. Rub the paste into each stain and leave for between 5 and 10 minutes.

5. After this, fold the duvet to spread its weight, then pop it into the washing machine on the recommended setting along with a scoop of Vanish. In the detergent drawer, you should add a scoop of your favourite washing powder. We love the scent of Bold 2 in 1 Washing Powder in Sparkling Bloom. It’s both a detergent and a fabric softener.

6. Hang your duvet on a washing line, or else spread it over a clothes horse in an open and airy space. Make sure the stuffing remains evenly distributed.

How to Wash a Duvet by Hand

If your duvet is “hand wash only”, half-fill a clean bathtub (or any other large container) with lukewarm water and add a gentle detergent. Carefully knead and scrub the duvet, then drain the water out and rinse through with fresh water until all the detergent is washed off.

You should then hang it to dry on a washing line or clothes horse, making sure its stuffing is not bunched up. You may even be able to tumble dry it if the instructions allow.

Washing Pillows

You can repeat the above processes to wash your pillows either in a machine or by hand. Remember to remove them from their cases first, and check the washing instructions on the labels

You should also hang these to dry on a washing line or lay them across a clothes horse - or check if they will tumble dry.

How to Wash a Duvet Cover and Pillowcases

1. Remove the cover from the duvet or pillow and check the label first (just in case dry cleaning is required, or there is any warning against tumble-drying, line drying or washing separately in case of dyes running).

2. After this, re-fasten the buttons or press studs at the bottom of the duvet cover, as this prevents damage and will also stop any other washing from finding its way inside. Use Vanish Gold powder on any stains.

3. Usually, pillowcases and duvet covers can be washed at exactly the same setting as your other clothes. Put in your favourite detergent and fabric softener, then start it up!

4. Check if you can tumble dry these items - otherwise hang them up on a washing line or clothes horse.

5. Pillows, pillowcases, duvets and duvet covers can easily fall victim to wear and tear. If you think it’s time to look for something new, you can pick up cheap double duvets, along with singles and even king-sized versions at B&M.

6. Duvet cover fabric can become faded and coarse after too many washes. B&M sells cheap double duvet covers too, and you can also pick up king-sized and single options.

B&M Top Tip: For our full range of cheap double duvets and cheap double duvet covers, take a look at our stylish range of Bedding.

Is your room in halls like a cosy fairyland? Share pictures of your snuggly set up and tips to keep it sparkling clean with the B&M Community via Twitter, Facebook or Instagram!