Freshen up your duvets before the cold hits

When temperatures drop, we take all our warmer clothes out of the wardrobes. This includes padded coats and duvets, which have often been stored for months inside a wardrobe or box. This can cause the garments to take on a musty smell, especially if they have been kept inside compartments or containers that are never opened or aired during the summer. As a result, your duvets may have an unpleasant smell, even if they are clean.

So how do we wash and refresh these garments? You can do this using some simple remedies. Read on to find out more: 

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To deodorize duvets and coats, fill a basin with cold water, pour in two tablespoons of white vinegar and, if you want, a few drops of any essential oil you like. Immerse the garment and soak it for half an hour, then empty out the water, rinse gently and be careful in ridding it of excess water (do not wring out).

A delicate method to wash away any dirt and odors is with Marseille soap: moisten the bar of soap and rub it on the parts to be washed, very delicately, and then dab immediately with a soft and damp cloth (that does not leave lint), without wetting the whole garment.

If you have a specific stain remover for synthetic garments, you can use it on any stains or streaks present, according to the manufacturers' instructions: in this way you will actually end up washing the coat which will then have to be air dried - preferably spread out flat on the drying rack, in a well-ventilated place.

In general, it is advisable to wash duvets only when you really need to: washing them often upsets the distribution of the padding and, in the long run, also compromises the waterproofing properties of the cover. If you really have to use the washing machine, it must be a modern model (i.e. not those with top loaders), and always using programs for delicate items (such as those for wool and cashmere).

Ready to put on your winter jackets?