Time to store the duvet? Clean it and put it away using these guiding tips
As temperatures rise in the spring we begin to take off the pile of blankets that kept us warm at night during the winter, and so it is most likely the right time to put away the duvets and heavy covers until next autumn.
This means cleaning them thoroughly, refreshing them and then storing them tidily. But given that are rather bulky, they can be difficult to manage. Having the time and the resources, it is much more convenient to leave it to a laundry business to do, but it is also possible to do this at home in most cases. In fact, it is advisable to leave it to the experts in the case of duvets made with goose down or blankets that may have inlays of precious and delicate materials - but most synthetic duvets can be cleaned at home.
Before you start, check the labels and the manufacturer's instructions for washing directions, and if you can wash the item the washing machine or by hand at home, you can proceed.
Start by beating the item well so that the bulk of the dust, hair and similar falls off. Then pass the vacuum cleaner over it carefully to complete the job.
- In the washing machine: you can use a detergent for delicate clothes or even Marseille soap. However, it is advisable to add bicarbonate to the tubto deodorize the items (even half a glass will be fine, but you can also use a full one). Choose the specific washing program indicated or, if unsure, select the one for delicate garments. Add two or three tennis balls (or those available specifically for doing laundry) to get the softest result and always distribute the padding evently inside the duvet.
- By hand: in the bathtub or in a large enough basin, you will need to soak the duvet in warm water to which you need to add laundry soap or even Marseille soap. If you are not dealing with delicate fabrics, you can add half a glass of vinegar. You will then need to pay close attention to the moment in which you scrub and fluff the duvet in the washing and rinsing phases. It is tiring, but it is worth doing a good job. Do not to leave soap in the fibers (which can cause unpleasant odors later on).
At the time of drying you can use the dryer (unless it is not recommended by the washing instructions on the item), or leave it to air dry. In the latter case, spread the duvet flat on a drying rack. Better still is to put it in a ventilated environment or even outside, so that it dries in the air but away from direct sunlight.
How to store a duvet?
- First of all, it must be perfectly dry.
- If you have vacuum seal bags, use them as normal.
- Alternatively, as an temporary measure, you can also use a large plastic bag of the sturdy type like those used for garbage, and with the vacuum cleaner, create the vacuum. Then close the bag tightly with a piece of string and with tape which is highly adhesive (like duct tape).
- If, on the other hand, you do not and storage room problems, simply fold the duvet and maybe you can also combine it with the pillows supplied with it into one bundle. You can follow a very simple method to create a compact "package" that contains everything by following the instruction you can view in this video.
You will find your duvet fresh and ready to use without any issues next autumn!
