NATIONAL REPORT—A clean down duvet will perform at its best when washed about once per year.
While it is suggested to follow the manufacturer’s recommended washing instructions, the following is generally the best way to wash your down product.
STEP 0: What Not to Do
The three biggest mistakes people make when laundering down products are 1) using harsh detergents, )2) not drying completely, and 3) overloading washers/dryers. Avoiding these mistakes will help your down last longer and perform better.
STEP 1: Use the Right Detergent
It is critical to start with a detergent specifically created for down products. Once you have detergent in-hand, the following four steps will make your down duvet smell fresh, loft better, and look like new.
STEP 2: Pre-Rinse
If possible, pre-rinse products without detergent. This helps to saturate the items allowing the detergent to penetrate the fabrics more effectively and get to the down clusters to clean them thoroughly.
STEP 3: Low Temp Wash
There is a greater likelihood that the fabrics will require a lower temperature than the down itself. This also saves energy when it is not needed.
STEP 4: Additional Rinse
This will ensure that all detergent was completely rinsed out of the down and the product. Leaving residual detergent on the down may cause a reduction in fill power.
STEP 5: Tumble Dry
Tumble dry on low temperature until completely dry. If you think the item is dry, it is worth running one last dry cycle. Many people assume it is dry by the feel of the textile, but the down inside remains slightly damp.
Also Worth Noting
It may be obvious, but do not bleach or iron your down filled products. Also, do not dry clean, but if that is necessary because of certain trims on the item, it is recommended to use an eco-friendly dry cleaner who has experience with down filled products.
