How to Wash a Quilt & Duvet – A Complete Guide

Quilts and duvets are a great way to keep warm during the winter months. They can also be quite expensive. It is important to know how to properly wash them so that they last for many years. 

In this blog post, Bemboka will provide a complete guide on washing quilts and duvets. The article will cover everything from selecting the right detergent to avoiding shrinkage.

The Importance Of Washing Your Quilt & Duvet:

Most people don’t think about washing their quilts and duvets on a regular basis. However, these bedding items can actually harbour a lot of dirt, dust, and potential allergens. 

If you have allergies or asthma, it’s essential to keep your quilt and duvet clean. Washing these items on a regular basis (at least once every season) can help to reduce your symptoms and improve your overall health.

In addition, quilts and duvets can last longer if they’re properly cared for. Regular washing will help to prevent fabric damage and keep your bedding looking its best. So don’t neglect your quilt and duvet – give them the care they deserve!

How Quilt Washing Is Different From Duvet Washing?

If you’re like most people, you probably have a quilt or duvet (or both!) in your bedroom. But do you know the difference between quilts and duvets? And more importantly, do you know how to properly care for them? We give you a quick rundown:

Quilts are typically made of multiple layers of fabric that are stitched together, while duvets are usually just one layer of fabric with a filled insert.

When it comes to washing, duvets can be washed in your machine on a gentle cycle using cool water, while luxury quilts should be carefully dry cleaned or washed by hand.

Quilt & Duvet Washing Methods - Step-by-Step

Bemboka uses high-quality and durable materials in manufacturing its products, that’s why it is important to take steps to protect your quilt or duvet by properly cleaning and storing them. There are a few different methods that Bemboka suggests to clean a quilt or duvet, and the best method will depend on the type of fabric and the level of soiling.

1) Air Dry Method

There’s nothing quite like snuggling under a freshly washed quilt or duvet, but if you don’t dry it properly, it can develop a musty odour, become home to mould or mildew, and attract dust mites. The key to air drying quilts, duvets, or handmade quilts is to do it outdoors or in a well-ventilated room where there is plenty of circulating air.

• Make sure you have a well-ventilated spot to hang your quilt or duvet. If possible, hang it outdoors where it will get plenty of fresh air and preferably out of direct sunlight. If you’re hanging it indoors, be sure to open any windows in the room to help circulate the air.
• Shake out your quilt or duvet to loosen any wrinkles or debris.
• Then, hang it over a clothesline or drying rack. If possible, position the quilt or duvet so that it is not in direct sunlight all day as this can cause fading. 
• Use clothespins or weights to secure the corners of the quilt or duvet to a line or drying rack.
• Leave your quilt or duvet to air dry for at least 24 hours before storing it away. However, depending on the size and thickness of the quilt or duvet, it may take a day or two to fully dry.
• Once it’s dry, give it another shake and then fold or store it in a cool, dark place.

2) Dry Clean Method

Dry cleaning is the process of cleaning fabrics without water. Dry cleaning is often used for delicate fabrics that cannot be washed in a washing machine, such as silk, wool, or Leather. It can also be used for heavily soiled items that require special care.

Luxury duvets and quilts are typically made from delicate fabrics like silk or wool, making them a good candidate for dry cleaning. Dry cleaning is also effective at removing tough stains, such as sweat or makeup.

• To dry clean a quilt or duvet, start by removing any pillowcases or other covers.
• Then, place the quilt or duvet in a mesh bag and send it to a professional dry cleaner.
• Be sure to specify that you would like the item to be dry cleaned, as some cleaners will only wash the quilt or duvet in a machine.
• Once the quilt or duvet has been cleaned, hang it on a line or in a sunny spot to air out before reusing it.
• For best results, have your quilt or duvet dry cleaned every six months to keep it looking its best.

3) Vacuuming Method

Vacuuming your quilts and duvets is a great way to keep them looking their best. All you need is a vacuum cleaner with attachments. Here are some simple steps to follow:

• To vacuum a quilt or duvet, start by removing any pillows or other objects from the bed. Also, make sure that your quilt or duvet is completely dry before you start vacuuming.
• Then, take the quilt or duvet outside and shake it vigorously to remove any dust or debris.
• Next, attached the vacuum’s hose attachment to the vacuum. Turn the vacuum on and hold the hose attachment close to the surface of the quilt or duvet.
• Slowly move the hose over the surface of the quilt or duvet, using a back-and-forth motion.
• Be sure to move slowly so that you don’t miss any spots. Also, be sure to vacuum both sides of the quilt or duvet.
• Once you’re finished vacuuming, turn the vacuum off and unplug it from the outlet.
• Finally, allow the quilt or duvet to air out in the fresh air out of direct sunlight for an hour or two before making the bed. This will help to freshen the fabric and remove any lingering odours.

4) Hand Wash Method

Although quilts and duvets can be machine-washed, hand wash is often the best way to clean these delicate items. It is also the best method for a handmade quilt. The key to hand wash quilts and duvets is to use a mild detergent and plenty of water. Be sure to carefully follow the manufacturer’s washing instructions when choosing a detergent.

• To begin, remove your duvet cover. Fill a tub or sink with lukewarm water and add laundry detergent or special quilt soap.
• Agitate the duvet or quilt gently in the water for a few minutes, then let it soak for 15-20 minutes.
• Then drain the water and gently squeeze out the excess.
• Refill the sink or tub with clean water and rinse the wet quilt or duvet until the water runs clear and there is no soap residue left.
• Gently squeeze out the excess water, then lay the quilt or duvet flat on a towel and roll it up to absorb more moisture.

Drying Process:

• Hang the quilt or duvet in a well-ventilated area to dry. Alternatively, you can lay the quilt or duvet out flat to air dry.
• Avoid direct sunlight, as this can cause fading

5) Machine Wash Method

Here are a few tips for machine washing to help you get started:

Check The Fabric

First, make sure that your quilt or duvet is machine-washable. Not all fabrics are created equal, and some should only be washed by hand. Check the care label to be sure.

Choose a Gentle Cycle & Cold Water

Next, choose a gentle spin cycle and cold water. You don’t want to damage the fabric or cause the colours to run.

Add a Mild Detergent

Add a gentle detergent and let the quilt or duvet soak for a few minutes before starting the cycle.

Balance The Load

If your quilt or duvet is very large, you may need to wash it in two batches. Be sure to balance the load so that your washing machine doesn’t become overloaded.

Tumble Dry

Wash your quilt thoroughly so there is no detergent residue left in it. Then tumble dry on low heat or air dry. Again, you don’t want to damage the fabric or cause the colours to fade.

Once it’s completely dry, fluff it up and enjoy!

Note: It is best if you use the dry clean method for Bemboka duvets or wash them by hand.

Taking Care Of Your Quilts & Duvets On a Daily Basis

Although quilts and duvets are designed to be durable, they still require some care and maintenance to keep them looking their best.

Here are a few tips for taking care of your quilts and duvets on a daily basis:

1. Shake out your linen, cotton or wool quilt or duvet each morning to remove any dust or debris that has accumulated overnight.
2. When you’re not using your quilt or duvet, store it in a cool, dry place out in a cotton or muslin bag.
3. Use lint rollers or a vacuum with a hose attachment to remove dust and debris from the surface of your quilt or duvet.
4. If your quilt or duvet gets wet, hang it up to dry as soon as possible.

Final Thoughts

Washing your quilt or duvet may seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. By following the tips in this blog, you can keep your quilt or duvet looking its best for years to come.