Duvets need washing twice a year — but most people don't because the duvet barely fits in the machine. Here's how to tell whether yours can, and what to do if it can't.
Check your machine's drum size
- Single duvet — needs 7kg drum minimum
- Double duvet — needs 8–9kg drum
- King / super king — needs 10kg+, usually a commercial machine
If the duvet doesn't move freely in the drum when dry, it definitely won't when wet — it'll come out lumpy, soap-streaked and possibly damaged. Don't force it.
The home wash, step by step
- Patch-test any small stains first with a stain remover.
- Use a gentle, low-suds detergent — too much soap is the #1 reason duvets come out crunchy.
- Wash at 60°C if the label allows (kills dust mites). Drop to 40°C for silk or wool fillings.
- Run two rinse cycles to get all the soap out.
- Tumble dry low with three clean tennis balls — they break up clumps and restore loft.
- Stop the dryer every 30 minutes and shake the duvet out. Total dry time: 2–3 hours.
A duvet must be 100% dry before going back on the bed. Damp filling grows mildew within 48 hours and can permanently smell.
Send it to a pro if…
- It's down or feather and the care label says professional clean
- It's a king or super king and your machine is under 10kg
- It has visible yellow patches (sweat needs commercial treatment)
- It's been more than two years since the last wash
We use commercial machines built for duvets — they fit, rinse cleanly and dry to lab-tested moisture levels.
Published 2026-06-05 by MyLaundress. Book a collection online