How to Wash a Duvet in Five Steps (or Less)

We all know there’s nothing like slipping into freshly cleaned sheets, but it can be a little too easy to forget about that top layer. Whether you just bought a new duvet cover you want to wash before using or you simply can’t remember the last time you gave yours a good cleaning, we’ve got you covered. Here’s our step-by-step guide to how to wash a duvet at home so you can keep your king-, queen- or twin-sized haven fresh year-round.

Can You Wash a Duvet?

In short: Yes, you can (and should)! Though your skin generally doesn’t come in contact with a duvet as much as it does with your bedsheets and bedspread, it can still get dirty over time.

As the top layer of your bed, the cover can collect dirt, dust, crumbs (midnight snack, anyone?), pollen from open windows, pet dander from your favorite furry friend and other undesirable grit and allergens. The insert can be washed much less frequently and should be treated separately. We’ll cover both processes below.

How to Wash a Duvet Cover

If you’ve laundered other types of top layers, washing a duvet cover is similar to washing a comforter or quilt, though the insert adds a couple extra steps. Here’s how to do it.

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

First, you’ll want to gather a few things you’ll need to get the job done:

Step 2: Remove the Duvet Insert

To separate the duvet cover from the insert, unfasten the open end of the cover—this is typically secured with buttons but could also use a zipper or Velcro. Hold one corner of the cover in place, and then simply pull the insert out.

Step 3: Pretreat Stains (if Necessary)

Had a spill or surprise visit from a muddy pet? You can dedicate a little extra attention to unsightly stains by pretreating them. Check the care instructions printed on the tag attached to the cover first to make sure there are no restrictions (see next section for more on this).

If it’s safe to be washed, dilute a few drops of detergent in cold water and rub it directly onto the stains.

Step 4: Wash According to Care Instructions

Before you move on to this step, make sure you’ve checked the care instructions, which should be printed on a tag attached to the cover. (If you can’t find it, turn the cover inside out.) Look out for some of these common symbols:

• A tub with a hand means it should be hand-washed only
• A tub with a number inside indicates the max temperature you should wash it at
• A tub with an “X” or a line through it means the cover shouldn’t be washed
• You may also see other written-out warnings, such as “Do not bleach”

When using detergent, avoid harsh products and resist the temptation to add more than the recommended amount. For a white cover, consider adding baking soda as well. Remember, it’s important to always default to these care instructions to keep your duvet cover looking great for years to come!

Step 5: Dry According to Care Instructions

Just as you did with the washing instructions, you should also check the drying instructions before proceeding. The drying symbol is typically a square and should have specific instructions printed next to it, like:

• Tumble dry
• Low, medium, high or no heat
• One, two or three dots indicating low, medium or high heat

Toss a couple dryer balls in to help agitate the cover and release any remaining dirt and debris. You may also want to hand-fluff the cover periodically to ensure the heat is being evenly distributed. Finish by hanging until fully dry.

How to Wash a Duvet Insert

Can you wash a duvet insert? Absolutely! Haven’t washed yours in—well, longer than you can remember? That’s OK! Inserts need laundering far less often than covers. After all, that’s a big part of why many people pick a duvet vs. a comforter!

If it’s time to remove the grime from your duvet insert, here’s what you need to know.

Step 1: Check Your Machinery & Gather Materials

Before you get started, make sure your washer and dryer are the right size. Queen- and king-sized  inserts may require a high-capacity machine, but you can test it first if you aren’t sure. If your insert barely fits inside, then you may want to take it to a laundromat and use the biggest option available.

When you’re ready to get to washing, you’ll need the same items you used to clean your duvet cover:

• Delicate detergent
• Baking soda (for whites)
• Dryer balls
• Clothesline or drying rack
• Clothespins
• Optional: Borax, vinegar or preferred pretreatment
• Optional: Fabric softener

Step 2: Pre-soak (if Necessary)

If the insert needs a little extra “oomph” in the wash, you may want to pre-soak it. Start by checking the care instructions on the label to see if there are chemicals you should avoid. Next, fill a sink basin or bathtub with cool water and add borax, vinegar or your preferred bedding pretreatment if you have one (unless otherwise instructed by the tag).

Let it soak for an hour or so before transferring it to the washer.

Step 3: Wash According to Care Instructions

If you haven’t checked already, take a look at the care instructions printed on the tag to see if it’s machine-washable before going on. If it is, follow any care instructions carefully.

Refer to Step 4 of the duvet cover washing instructions above for a rundown of common tag symbols.

Step 4: Run a Rinse Cycle (or Two)

Since duvet inserts are so plush, they tend to want to hold on to a lot of the detergent and soap suds. Once your wash cycle is over, check to see if it still feels slick and soapy to the touch. If so, you may need to run another rinse cycle or two to get it fully clean.

Step 5: Dry According to Care Instructions

You may also need multiple drying cycles, depending on the recommended temperature setting (see Step 5 of the duvet cover instructions above for a breakdown of these symbols). Dryer balls and occasional hand-fluffing should help things move along, but if needed, you can finish by hanging it to dry for another 24 hours.

Spot-Cleaning a Duvet Cover

If your duvet cover has seen an accident in between wash days, don’t worry—you can always give it a quick spot-cleaning! Here’s how to knock a light stain out fast without throwing the whole thing in the laundry.

That’s it! Heavy stains may require a deeper cleaning or the expertise of a professional, but this should help remove basic blemishes. Keep in mind that any care instructions that come attached to your duvet cover will take priority over these tips.

How Often Should You Wash a Duvet Cover?

Like other bedding, a duvet cover should be washed regularly or as often as needed—monthly is a good place to start. The insert, on the other hand, can be washed far less often since it’s protected by the cover. If the cover is laundered relatively often, the insert may be able to go a year or more between washings.

How to Keep a Duvet in Place to Change the Insert

Having trouble getting the duvet insert back into the cover after a wash? Here’s a common solution:

As you can see, once you know how to wash a duvet, there isn’t much more to it than other types of bedding. Just remember to check the care instructions on the tag when in doubt!