Keep Your Entire Bed Fresh: Don’t Forget the Duvet

A clean duvet can make a big difference in how fresh your bed looks and smells. While most people remember to wash their sheets and pillowcases regularly, the duvet itself often gets overlooked. Even with a cover, dust, sweat, and allergens can build up over time. The good news? You don’t have to send it to the dry cleaner—many duvets can be washed at home.

How Often Should You Wash Your Duvet?

If you use your duvet year-round, it should be washed at least twice a year. If you have allergies, washing it every three to four months is a good idea to keep dust mites and allergens at bay. Duvet covers, on the other hand, should be washed every one to two weeks, just like sheets.

For duvets that are only used seasonally—like a heavy winter comforter—an annual wash before storing it away will help keep it fresh for next year.

The Best Way to Wash a Duvet

Most duvets, including down-filled ones, can be machine-washed at home—if your washing machine is large enough. Always check the care label first, but in general, follow these steps:

1. Remove the duvet cover and wash it separately.
2. Use a front-loading washer (or a large-capacity top-loader without an agitator) to avoid damaging the filling. If your home machine is too small, laundromats often have extra-large washers that can handle bulky bedding.
3. Add mild detergent and wash the duvet alone on a gentle cycle with warm water.
4. Prevent clumping by tossing in a couple of tennis balls or dryer balls during the cycle. If your machine allows it, add an extra rinse cycle to remove all detergent residue.
5. Dry completely according to care instructions. A tumble dryer on low heat with tennis balls can help fluff the filling. If air-drying, make sure the duvet is completely dry before using it to prevent mildew.

By keeping your duvet clean, you’ll ensure your entire bed stays fresh, comfortable, and inviting.