How to wash a duvet, comforter or blanket

Yes, you can wash a duvet, comforter or blanket at home… as long as it fits in your washing machine. The trouble is that it almost never does. For it to come out properly clean and, above all, properly dry, it needs a large-capacity washing machine and a good dryer. Here we explain how to wash them step by step, at what temperature, and what to do when they won't fit in your washing machine at home.

Can I wash a duvet or comforter in my washing machine at home?

It depends on the size. A normal home washing machine holds 7 or 8 kg, and a double duvet or comforter, once wet, is heavy and takes up a huge amount of space. If you cram it in, it won't wash properly (the water and detergent can't circulate) and you can also damage the washing machine through overloading. The rule is simple: the item has to be able to turn freely inside the drum.

How to wash a duvet or comforter step by step

• Check the label. It tells you the maximum temperature and whether it's tumble dryer safe. Always follow it.
• Close any covers and zips and check there are no tears through which the filling could escape.
• Use a gentle programme at 30-40 ºC. For down, 30 ºC is best; for synthetic filling, 40 ºC usually works perfectly.
• Use only a little detergent and, if you can, a programme with an extra rinse: the filling holds on to soap.

At what temperature and how should you dry a duvet?

Drying is the most important part, and where most people go wrong. A duvet that's put away damp breeds mould and smells bad. Dry it thoroughly in a tumble dryer on a medium-low heat and, if it's a down one, add a couple of dryer balls (or clean tennis balls) so the filling doesn't clump and stays fluffy. Air-drying is very difficult: it takes days and almost never dries right through to the inside.

The problem: it almost never fits at home

This is the real reason people end up at a launderette: a double duvet won't fit in a 7-8 kg washing machine, let alone in a home tumble dryer. In a self-service launderette with machines of up to 22 kg, a large duvet goes in with room to spare, gets properly washed and dries completely in a single session.

How much it costs and how long it takes

At a self-service launderette, washing and drying a large duvet costs around 10-13 € and it's ready in under an hour, with detergent and fabric softener included. Compared with the time, the space and the risk of ruining your washing machine at home, it works out very well indeed, especially at the change of season, when everything needs washing at once.

Quick summary

• Label first: maximum temperature and whether it's tumble dryer safe.
• Washing on a gentle programme, 30-40 ºC, little detergent and an extra rinse.
• Drying fully in the tumble dryer, with balls if it's a down one.
• If it won't fit at home: a large machine (up to 22 kg) at a self-service launderette.