Washing a comforter that won’t fit in the washing machine may seem like a challenge, but with the right techniques, it’s possible to achieve satisfying results at home.
Washing a duvet is essential to remove dust, mites and body residue to maintain a healthy sleeping environment. If a child’s duvet fits in the washing machine, a double duvet is often too bulky, and you risk damaging your machine. Many people then turn to dry cleaning or laundry, but this can be expensive and not always necessary. Some even choose the option of not washing it, or not often enough, due to being too lazy to move around.
This is not very hygienic. It is recommended to wash your duvet 2 to 4 times a year. Fortunately, there are several alternative methods for washing your comforter at home without needing to travel and spend money. You can start by removing dust and mites by shaking your duvet out the window or into the garden, then vacuuming it with a vacuum cleaner to get it as dusty as possible. Remember to clean the vacuum cleaner nozzle before starting.
Next, move on to washing your comforter at home. You can simply wash it in a bathtub or large tub. Fill your bathtub or a large tub with lukewarm water. Add an appropriate amount of mild detergent. Be sure to choose a detergent designed specifically for delicate fabrics. Mix the detergent in water to dissolve it completely.
You can now completely submerge the comforter in the soapy water. Gently squeeze the comforter to ensure the water and detergent penetrate through the fibers, then gently scrub stained or dirty areas of the comforter with your hands or a soft brush. Make sure not to scrub too much to avoid damaging the fibers. Then proceed to rinsing. Empty the soapy water from the bathtub or tub. Refill with clean water and rinse the comforter thoroughly until all traces of detergent are removed.
Once the comforter is properly rinsed, squeeze gently to remove excess water. Be sure not to twist or stretch the comforter, as this may distort the fibers. To dry the duvet, you can lay it flat on a clean, flat surface outside, provided the weather is good. This may take several days. Otherwise, you can use a tumble dryer on low heat to avoid damaging the fibers.
Dry cleaning is also possible at home. It’s a good alternative in winter when there is no sun to dry the duvet outside. Place your comforter on a dry towel. Soak a cloth with a mixture of half water and half ammonia. Dab this cloth onto the comforter, then dab again with a clean damp cloth. Dry the duvet.