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How to wash a duvet and care for it

Having the right bedding can be the difference between counting sheep and getting a good night's sleep. With a comfortable and clean duvet, you can improve the quality of your sleep and wake up feeling better. By learning how to properly care for your duvet, you will prolong its lifespan and sleep more comfortably at night. 

Explore this guide to learn how to wash your duvet and care for it, choose laundry accessories, change your duvet for the season, and more.

Washing and care instructions | Seasonal duvet change | Storage options | Laundry accessoriesOur services


Duvet washing and care instructions

After purchasing a roll-packed duvet, keep in mind that it may take a few days to regain its correct shape and fluffiness. How to wash and care for your duvet will depend on its material — a down & feather duvet should be treated differently than a polyester duvet. Explore these care instructions and additional tips below.

How to wash down & feather duvet

  • Down & feathers have a natural smell which disappears once you have taken the duvet out of the package and aired it for some time. Alternatively, you can wash this type of duvet before use.
  • We recommend to air your down & feather duvet well when you wake up in the morning. This allows any moisture to evaporate before putting the duvet back on the bed. Where possible, air out in direct sunlight. Natural sunlight helps to disinfect your duvet.
  • To wash your down & feather duvet, set the washer to a delicate warm water cycle (60°C or 140°F). Wash the duvet separately and only use one third of the normal amount of detergent.
  • After washing your duvet, place it in the tumble dryer without delay. Set the tumble dryer on air or low heat setting. Avoid using a high setting which will damage the feathers.
  • We recommend that you place a dryer ball or a high-quality tennis ball in the dryer which will ensure more efficient drying and help your duvet regain its shape.

How to wash polyester duvet

  • Polyester duvets are easy to care for and can be frequently machine washed, which makes them safer for people with allergies.
  • We recommend to air your polyester duvet well when you wake up in the morning. This allows any moisture to evaporate before putting the duvet back on the bed. Where possible, air out in direct sunlight. Natural sunlight helps to disinfect your duvet.
  • To wash your polyester duvet, set the washer to a delicate warm water cycle (60°C or 140°F).
  • After washing your polyester duvet, place it in the tumble dryer or air dry it according to the care instructions that come with your duvet. Polyester duvets dry relatively quickly.

Additional tips for washing your polyester and down & feather duvets:

  • To keep your duvet clean, we recommend washing it every two to three months. This will prolong the lifespan of your duvet by keeping it free of mites and dust.
  • Carefully follow the care instructions that come with your IKEA duvet. With these instructions, you can properly wash and care for your duvet.

Changing your duvet for the season

The key to a good night's sleep is a comfortable temperature in your bedroom, regardless of the season. When the temperature rises during the summer, switching to a cooler duvet will help you maintain a good sleep. During the winter months, opt for a warm quilt that will keep your body temperature at the right level.  

Warmer duvets for the winter months

When the weather gets colder, a warmer duvet can keep your body temperature at a comfortable level while helping to lower the temperature in the bedroom so you can get a good sleep.


Storage options for your duvets 

When the weather changes, it's time to put away your seasonal duvets for the season. Finding a place to store your duvets will protect them against dust and bugs, so they last longer. Before storing away your duvets, ensure you have washed and let them dry. Explore storage options for your duvets below.

Storage boxes

With storage boxes, you can hide your duvets in plain sight and keep them free from dust while providing proper air flow in a breathable bag. Choose from a wide range of storage boxes, with different designs, colours and materials like wood and rattan – even labelled ones. After storing your duvets, you can place the storage boxes in your wardrobe or under the bed to keep your bedroom clutter-free.

Beds with storage

Beds that come with built-in storage are a great solution for compact living spaces. The built-in storage underneath a bed is a perfect hiding place for your duvets, and can also be used for storing clothes and other accessories. Storage beds offer a practical, tidy and organized option so you can make use of your space.

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Keep your duvet smelling fresh

Here's a tip to keep all your duvets smelling fresh: Add KROPPSVARM lavender or mint potpourri in a storage box with your duvet. The potpourri will add a nice scent and keep your duvets fresh while you store them away for the season.

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Laundry accessories for a cleaner duvet

Make washing your duvet easier with our laundry and cleaning products. A drying rack offers a more eco-friendly option so you can let your duvet dry naturally.

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A laundry room with clothes hung to dry on a MULIG drying rack and items placed in DYNAN open storage shelving unit.
A laundry room with clothes hung to dry on JÄLL drying rack and KLUNKA laundry bag placed on a knob hanger.
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You can do everything yourself, but you don’t have to. We offer a range of services to make your life easier. To learn about all the services we offer, visit the services page.

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