Washing Your Duvet: Is The Washing Machine a Good Option?

A question we often get is "Can I wash my down comforter in my washing machine at home?"The short answer to this is: “It is possible, but we do certainly not recommend it.”Why not? Read on and understand why.


Washing Instructions for a Down Duvet

First and foremost, read the washing instructions for your down comforter on it’s label. Sometimes it clearly states that you can't wash it yourself. This means that the covering and the filling are not solid enough to withstand being washed in a regular washing machine. The down blanket might tear and/or you could damage your down filling.

​Always dry on a low temperature.

Down quality plays a role in this

There are lots of different down qualities. This depends, for example, on the size of the down cluster, the amount of small feathers, etc. It goes without saying: the lesser the quality, the lower it’s durability. Down comforters of a lower quality are generally too fragile to get through a washing machine treatment without being damaged. 

​No deep cleaning of your down duvet

Would you still like to wash your down duvet in the washing machine from time to time?​  

Then it's important to know that you are only cleaning the outer cover.
The inside, the actual down filling, will only be lightly refreshed in the washing machine.

Most of the dirt sticks to the inner lining of the cover.

​This means that your down duvet will never be 100% clean and will continue to feel flat.
The same applies to synthetic duvets or duvets with a wool filling. 

WHAT WASH PROGRAM SHOULD I USE? 

When washing your down duvet, it is best to set your washing machine to the delicate wash program. This means a lower spin speed and a lower temperature. 
A spin speed that is too high could damage the small feathers that may be present or, in some cases, even the stitching of the duvet. 

WHICH DETERGENTS TO USE?

​Always dry on a low temperature.

​Always dry on a low temperature. 

At what temperature should I wash?

Sometimes, the ideal washing temperature is specified on the label.

If it is not stated or no longer legible,
wash your duvet at 40°C to be safe.

Unfortunately, some duvet covers are glued. A temperature that is too high can dissolve this glue, causing the down to shift and no longer stay evenly in place. 

HOW TO DRY A DUVET?

Drying down is a difficult, time-consuming task. It is important to start drying as soon as possible after washing.

Wet down clumps together and forms lumps.

​Always dry on a low temperature.

​Take your duvet out of the dryer regularly. Lay it open and fluff it up. Distribute the down evenly. Then put it back in the dryer.

Repeat these steps several times. One or two cycles are often not enough. 

​Always dry on a low temperature. 

What does Fja-Oeyen recommend?

We always recommend washing the filling and the cover separately.
In our opinion, this is the only way to truly get your duvet completely clean.

Cleaning your duvet does not need to be done several times a year or even annually.
Duvets with channels typically stay on the bed longer than cassette or square-stitched duvets.

Do not attempt to empty your duvet at home! We do not doubt your skills, but you wouldn't be the first to call us later saying: "I have a problem..."

Is your down blanket in need of a thorough cleaning? 

I have a Fja-Oeyen down duvet.

Worldwide only Fja-Oeyen Mol is certified to work with our finest down qualities. ​

We have noticed that this is sometimes misrepresented, so be cautious.
Your duvet could come into contact with lower-quality down and insufficient expertise.

​We cannot guarantee work that has not been carried out by Fja-Oeyen. In that case, we cannot ensure the quality.

Want certainty? aning​ Ask us for advice!