How to Wash a Duvet Cover

Duvet covers offer protection for your comforter and also allow you to create different looks for your bedroom without replacing the more expensive bedding each time you’re ready for an update. Like everything else, a duvet cover needs maintenance including washing. A duvet cover doesn't need to be washed very often and requires no special treatment when it does. If there are any doubts about the colorfastness of your duvet cover, you should take it to be dry cleaned.

Step 1 - Remove the Cover

Most duvet covers are closed by a series of snap catches or buttons. These catches must be opened carefully because sometimes they are not fitted properly and can tear out of the fabric. Similarly, buttons often loosen with repeated use and will need to be reattached occasionally. Once the cover is unbuttoned, pull the comforter straight out of the cover.

Step 2 - Check for Labels

Check the inside of the duvet cover for any labels that indicate whether it can be washed or not. There could also be labels indicating whether the cover can be hung out to dry and whether it can be ironed.

Step 3 - Refasten the Snaps

If you are going to wash the cover in your machine you should fasten the snap catches or buttons to avoid damage and other laundry getting tangled up in it.

Step 4 - Wash the Cover

Wash your duvet cover with other laundry that is suitable for a cool or 30 degree Fahrenheit wash. Unless the cover is especially delicate, it can be washed at normal settings. The duvet cover should also be able to handle the highest spin speed of your machine.

Step 5 - Use a Fabric Softener

In addition to the detergent for the laundry, don’t forget to put fabric softener in the machine for the final rinse or use a fabric softener once the duvet cover is moved to the dryer.

Step 6 - Wash by Hand

If you are hand washing the cover, use a large bowl or basin and knead the cover to force the water through the weave. Rinse it at last twice, using a fabric softener on the last rinse.

Step 7 - Hang to Dry

Most duvet covers can be dried in the clothes dryer. But if you prefer, you can hang dry it to avoid any potential shrinkage or fabric damage. After being spun dry, hang the duvet cover on a clothesline to dry.

Step 8 - Iron

Before putting the duvet cover away or replacing it on the comforter, you should iron out all the creases. It's best to iron the duvet cover inside out. If the snap catches are plastic, be careful ironing over them in case they have low melting points.

Step 9 - Fold

If you are not putting the duvet cover directly back onto your bed, fold it carefully before putting it away. Fold by holding it up by the open end and letting the flap hang down into the cover. To put it back on your bed, open all the snap catches and turn the duvet cover inside out. Reach into the open end for the far corners. Gripping through the corners, hold two corners of the duvet and then pull them into the duvet cover until it is outside in again. Plump up the duvet and make sure it's evenly spread within the duvet cover. Fasten the snap catches and replace the duvet on the bed.