It is essential to regularly clean your duvet so that it remains clean and comfortable. And you can do it yourself, at home, without winning at the pressing: you will even save!
Your duvet, this cocoon that envelops you in softness and heat every night, deserves regular maintenance to remain healthy and comfortable. If the transition to the pressing may seem the standard, it is quite possible to clean it at home. Admittedly, the operation is a little long, but you will save great savings (between 20 and 40 euros per washing)!
If you have a washing machine, check its capacity. A duvet needs room to be washed and rinsed properly. A too cramped drum will compress it, harming the efficiency of washing. You need a machine of at least 7 kg for a standard duvet (140×200 or 200×200 cm), and aim for 10 kg or more for the largest or thickest. Small tip to facilitate insertion and brewing: fold your duvet in accordion before slipping it into the drum.
For machine wash, favor a soft liquid detergent, the powders that can leave residues in the filling. Use a moderate quantity, about a third of the usual dose. Select an adapted program: “delicate”, “wool” or a special duvet cycle if available, respecting the label temperature (generally 30 ° C or 40 ° C, sometimes up to 60 ° C for certain synthetic if the label allows). To help keep the swelling and prevent the garnishing from agglomech, slide two or three washing balls (or clean tennis balls) in the drum.
If the machine is not an option, use a bathtub or a large shower tray for hand washing. Fill with lukewarm water (depending on the label) and add a touch of liquid laundry. Immerse the duvet, let it soak it for about an hour, then brew gently, for example while walking on it (with clean feet). Above all, don’t twist it!
Empty the soapy water and arm yourself with patience for rinsing: fill with clear water, press to get the soap out, empty, and start the operation several times, until the water is perfectly clear. It is an effective method which requires time and energy.
The next step is to remove a maximum of water. Machine, soft spin (800 to 1000 rpm maximum) is recommended. After manual wash, spinning is more laborious. Press the duvet firmly against the walls of the bathtub, without twist, or roll it on itself. She will be very heavy, do not hesitate to get help. The less it will be full of water, the faster and effective drying, which is essential to avoid humidity problems.
Drying is absolutely fundamental to find a soft and healthy duvet. Molds can develop if it is badly dried. A large dryer is ideal, especially for natural duvets (down, feathers) which fear prolonged humidity. Use a low temperature or “ready to store” program. Again add the balls to properly separate the fibers and speed up the process. If necessary, make several cycles, leaving and shaking the duvet between each, until it is perfectly dry.
Although longer (up to several days), drying in the open air is also possible, and it is better suitable for synthetic duvets. Choose a dry day and if possible a little windy. Spread the duvet flat on a large dryer, outside in the shade or inside in a well -ventilated place. The secret is regularity: turn it over and shake it vigorously several times a day to defeat the garnishing packages and ensure homogeneous drying.
Fortunately, it is not necessary to carry out this great cleaning every week or every month! A washing once or twice a year, coupled with daily ventilation and a clean cover, is generally enough to keep a fresh, healthy and comfortable duvet.