How do you wash the duvet?

Tips for proper maintenance of the duvet, in view of the season change

With the arrival of the new season, the time for changing wardrobes and spring cleaning is also approaching. These tasks are often seen as annoying, because they involve a waste of time and the movement of clothing, sheets and other items. True, but not always.

The season change is an opportunity for renewal. It is a good time to renovate the rooms, refresh the style and look of the house - as well as of your wardrobe - letting in the new atmosphere, full of sun and fresh air. In many ways it is an activity that also helps to free one's mind, getting rid of the cold and winter numbness to start a new season, full of activities.

The season change is indeed a good opportunity to arrange your wardrobes, but also to change something in the bedroom. An example is given by duvets; they are the most comfortable and soft solutions for the winter but, now that the temperatures are rising, they need to be stored to make room for cooler sheets and blankets, suitable for the new season.

So, how to properly store the duvet to have it ready for the next winter season?

Why do a proper maintenance of the duvet?

We know well, the duvet, during the winter, is an important companion of our nights - it keeps us warm, regulates the temperature, gives comfort and rest. With the arrival of spring, however, and throughout the summer, it is put aside and placed in the closets.

However, if we want it to last over time and maintain its qualities, we must obviously start from an excellent base, that is, a quality duvet, which ensures the best characteristics of thermoregulation, cleanliness and absence of mites and freshness. We must then take care of it when we use it, for example protecting it and improving it with nice duvet covers.

Even starting from an excellent duvet, proper maintenance is essential to avoid damaging it. Now, with the change of season, we only have to worry about washing the duvet and then proceeding to its proper conservation, following a few, simple tips, which will help us to face better not only spring, but also next winter. In fact, remember to air the duvet regularly, especially during the colder season. Better to do it outdoors, and in any case away from sources of smog or too direct heat (including the sun); only in this way will we be sure to always have a complete duvet + duvet cover that is comfortable, fresh and perfect for every season.

Tips for the maintenance of the duvet

A few simple operations are enough to carry out the proper maintenance of a duvet, which you just need to carry out with a little organization and attention, without wasting too much time in the moment we dedicate to spring cleaning or changing the wardrobes. During the winter, or in any case in the period in which we use down and duvet cover, it is sufficient to air it a little and shake it gently, in order to eliminate any dust.

As for washing, it is always advisable to follow the indications on the label: apart from rare exceptions, a goose down duvet can be washed in the washing machine (or entrusted to a good laundry). In general, it is recommended to wash it every two or three years but, depending on the product, it can also be washed more often. Here are some rules for effective and safe washing:

• If hand washing, use a mild soap and warm water;
  
• If you choose the washing machine, set a delicate program, not higher than 40 °;
• Use the centrifuge to remove most of the water. A tip: this must come out clear, therefore, eventually, the duvet can also be subjected to several steps;
• Hang the duvet in a well-ventilated place, possibly outdoors and in any case protected from smog and atmospheric agents;
• Let it dry outdoors but without being directly exposed to the sun

After the cold season, once washed and well ventilated, it is advisable to store it in its original packaging (and not in plastic bags or vacuum), so as to preserve it in the best way until the beginning of the new winter season. It is important to keep the duvet in envelopes that allow breathability - surely the original envelope is suitable for this purpose.

Alternatively, even a large cotton cloth can be useful to cover the duvet before storing it to pass the summer. Caution: this should only be done once it is completely dry, otherwise moisture and mold may develop.

What's not to do? Do not use vacuum cleaners, carpet beaters or carpet beaters, because they may be too strong and invasive compared to the delicacy of the down. It should not then be placed under other blankets or in a too closed place, because air is needed to avoid the formation of mold.