How to Wash a Duvet: Comprehensive Care Guide

A good duvet stays with you through countless nights. With the right care, it can keep you warm and cozy year after year.

Still, it’s one of those bedding essentials that’s easy to overlook when it comes to regular cleaning. Over time, it collects dust, sweat, and skin cells, which isn’t great for your sleep or your health.

Regular washing helps keep it fresh, hygienic, soft, and in shape. But how you clean it depends on a few key factors, like material, filling, and even your washing machine’s capacity.

Whether you’re washing a down duvet or a synthetic one, here’s everything you need to know to keep it clean and long-lasting.

Can You Wash a Duvet in a Washing Machine?

In many cases, yes—many duvets can be machine-washed at home. But always check the care label first to confirm what’s recommended for your specific duvet.

Material, filling, and size all play a role. Most synthetic duvets are machine-washable, while natural or down-filled duvets often require gentler treatment and lower spin speeds.

Also, consider your washing machine’s size. If the drum is too small, the duvet won’t wash or rinse properly, and overcrowding can damage the fill or fabric. Your duvet needs room to move freely throughout the cycle for an effective wash.

Handling large duvets

Not sure if your duvet fits? Use this quick guide to match your duvet size with your machine’s capacity: duvets

• Single duvet: 6kg drum
• Double duvet: 7kg
• Queen-size duvet: 8kg
• Medium king-size duvet: 9kg
• Heavy king-size duvet: 10kg

If your duvet doesn't fit:

• Try hand washing in the tub using gentle detergent.
• Consider professional cleaning—especially for delicate or oversized pieces. See our tips on professional cleaning below.

Washing Synthetic Duvets

Synthetic duvets—often filled with polyester fibres—are generally easier to wash than natural-filled ones. They’re more durable, dry faster, and can often handle higher temperatures, making them ideal for frequent washes or allergy-prone households.

Once you’ve confirmed your duvet is machine-washable and your washer has enough space, follow these steps:

• Check the care label for the recommended water temperature and spin cycle.
• Place the duvet loosely in the drum to allow movement.
• Set the temperature as directed, or opt for up to 60°C if permitted—most synthetic duvets can handle this heat, which is effective for removing dust mites and allergens without damaging the fibres.
• Use a mild liquid detergent for delicates or bedding (avoid bleach and fabric softeners, which can coat the fibres and reduce fluffiness or breathability).
• Choose a gentle or regular spin cycle, depending on what the care label suggests (a medium spin is usually enough to remove excess water without clumping the fill).
• After the cycle finishes, shake out the duvet to help redistribute the filling evenly before drying.

LC Tip: Wash your duvet alone to give it enough space, and balance the drum by adding a few towels if needed.

Washing Natural or Feather Duvets

Natural duvets, like down or feather-filled ones, need a gentler touch. Here’s how to wash a down-filled or feather duvet safely at home:

• Check the care label to confirm it’s machine-washable.
• Inspect for loose seams or tears and repair them to prevent feathers from escaping during the wash.
• Spot-clean any visible stains with a mild detergent or a baking soda paste—dab gently and avoid soaking the fill.
• Use a front-loading washer without an agitator, and make sure the duvet can move freely inside.
• Use a gentle, non-bio liquid detergent without bleach or optical brighteners, which can damage the fibres and reduce loft.
• Set a warm (30–40°C) gentle cycle and consider an extra rinse to fully remove detergent.
• Place clean tennis balls or dryer balls in the drum to help prevent clumping.
• After washing, gently shake out the duvet to redistribute the feathers evenly before drying.

If your machine is too small or hand washing is recommended, see the section below on how to clean a duvet without a washing machine.

If neither option works, opt for professional wet cleaning—it's safer than traditional dry cleaning for natural fills.

Cleaning a Duvet Without a Washing Machine

If machine washing isn’t an option, hand washing works well—especially for delicate or oversized duvets. While it takes a bit more time, it’s entirely manageable at home:

• Fill a clean bathtub with lukewarm water and a small amount of mild liquid detergent.
• Submerge the duvet, press it down gently, and let it soak for 10–15 minutes.
• Gently agitate by hand to loosen dirt and oils, then drain the soapy water and refill the tub with clean, lukewarm water.
• Repeat the rinse process several times until the water runs clear, and all detergent is removed.
• Press out excess water by gently pressing down on the duvet with your hands—don’t wring or twist, as this can damage the fill.
• Carefully lift the duvet, supporting its full weight to avoid stretching.
• Lay it flat or hang it in a well-ventilated area to dry.
• Turn and fluff it regularly as it dries to prevent moisture buildup and keep the fill even.

LC Tip: If you have outdoor space, wash on a sunny day. Sunlight helps speed up drying and naturally freshens your duvet with antibacterial benefits.

Stain Removal Techniques

Accidents happen, but acting quickly can make all the difference. Here’s how to spot-clean a duvet without damaging the fill:

• Immediately blot the spill using a clean, absorbent cloth; be gentle and avoid rubbing, as this can push the stain deeper.
• If possible, shift the fill away from the stain and secure the area with an elastic band (this helps prevent the rest of the duvet from getting wet).
• Dab the area with cold water first, then apply a small amount of mild detergent or a baking soda paste.
• Let it sit for 15–30 minutes, depending on the stain.
• Gently blot again to lift the residue, then rinse with clean water using a damp cloth.
• Once the area is clean, either air dry it thoroughly or use a hair dryer on a low setting, keeping the airflow moving to avoid damp patches.

LC Tip: For peace of mind, always do a small spot test in an inconspicuous area before using any cleaning product on your duvet.

Professional Cleaning vs. Dry Cleaning

For tough stains or delicate duvets, professional cleaning may be the best choice. But not all methods are equal.

Traditional dry cleaning is not recommended for most duvets. The chemicals can damage fibres, strip feathers of their natural oils, and reduce softness.

Instead, look for professional wet cleaning. This method uses water and gentle detergents in commercial machines—ideal for down and feather duvets.

LC Tip: Opt for professional services if your duvet is oversized, heavily soiled, or labelled "dry clean only."

Drying Your Duvet

Tumble drying

Many people wonder if you can put a duvet in the dryer, and the answer depends on the filling and care label. Tumble drying is a suitable option for most synthetic duvets and many natural-fill ones, as long as it’s done on a low heat setting in a large-capacity dryer.

• Use a large-capacity tumble dryer on a low heat setting to protect the fill.
• Add dryer balls or clean tennis balls to help maintain loft and prevent clumping.
• Remove the duvet periodically to shake and fluff, allowing it to dry evenly and avoid damp spots.

Air drying

If tumble drying isn’t an option, air drying works too:

• Lay the duvet flat or hang it in a well-ventilated area, ideally outside.
• Flip and fluff regularly to promote consistent drying and maintain the shape of the fill.
• Make sure the duvet is completely dry before use or storage, especially around seams and corners where moisture tends to linger.

How Often You Should Wash Your Duvet

It’s easy to forget about washing your duvet, especially when it’s tucked neatly inside a nice duvet cover. But keeping it clean helps extend its life and supports a healthier sleep environment.

For everyday use, aim to wash your duvet every 6 months. If you have allergies or pets, consider washing it more frequently—around every 3–4 months.

For a full bedding care routine, explore our comprehensive guide on how often you should wash your bedding.

Caring for the Rest of Your Bedding

Already thinking about refreshing your bedding beyond just the duvet? Here’s how to know when to replace your pillow to maintain a clean, supportive sleep space.

And if you're due for an upgrade, our Pillow Guide makes it easy to find the right fit based on your sleep style and comfort preferences.

Happy laundering!