Last Modified 08 March 2024 |
First Added 28 August 2020
How to Wash and Care for your Bedding
We dedicate great care and attention to designing our bedroom sanctuaries, creating a haven for relaxation and rejuvenation after a long day. The perfect bed is meticulously selected, adorned with the most decadent duvet and the plushest pillows, encased in the finest bed linens – each element blending to provide a cosy cocoon of comfort. Yet, amid this attention to detail, the significance of caring for bedding is often overlooked.
As the very foundation of your bedroom oasis, your much-loved duvet and pillows deserve regular care and maintenance. This practice is not only essential for hygiene but also for prolonging their lifespan and enhancing your sleep experience. Follow these simple but effective guidelines on how to wash and care for your bedding to ensure your bed remains a haven of tranquility, comfort and freshness for years to come.
Why your duvet and pillows need regular care
There’s nothing better than the sensation of snuggling down in freshly laundered linen, but ensuring true cleanliness extends beyond your bed sheets. When you consider that the average person spends approximately a third of their life in bed, nestled under the duvet with their head cradled by the pillow, it becomes easier to understand why keeping them in tip top condition is so important. There are three main reasons why you should treat your bedding with care:
1) Better hygiene
These bedding essentials accumulate a significant amount of dust, dirt, sweat and skin cells over time, which can gather to create an environment that’s ripe for bacteria to thrive. Regularly washing your duvet and pillows can help eliminate these allergens, reducing the risk of respiratory issues and skin irritation, and promoting better overall health.
2) Prolonged lifespan
Maintaining your duvet and pillows preserves the integrity and performance of the bedding materials, whether they are filled with down, feathers or synthetic fibres. Flattened pillows and clumped duvets not only compromise comfort but also diminish their effectiveness in providing support and insulation. Proper care can help maintain their loft and extend their lifespan.
3) Enhanced sleep quality
The condition of your bedding can significantly impact the quality of your sleep. A lumpy pillow or a clumpy duvet can disrupt your sleep posture and temperature regulation, leading to discomfort and restless nights. By caring for your duvet and pillows, you can enjoy a more comfortable and restorative sleep experience.
How to wash your duvet and pillows
The first step in washing your duvets and pillows is to check the care label for specific instructions from the manufacturer. These may vary depending on whether they are filled with feather, down or synthetic fibres, and some may require professional dry cleaning. Feather & Black’s collection of luxury duvets and pillows – including our sumptuous duck feather and goose down options – are machine washable at 40°C, so they are incredibly easy to care for.
For machine washable duvets and pillows, opt for a gentle cycle and invest in mild, eco-friendly detergent to preserve the delicate fibres and minimise environmental impact. Ensure that there is ample space in the machine by washing your bedding separately from other laundry. This prevents lumping, colour bleeding and snags and ensures your duvet and pillows emerge pristine. Pillows should be washed every two to three months and duvets washed at least twice a year.
In between washes you should fluff your bedding daily by gently shaking it to redistribute the filling and restore their lush appearance. Air your duvet and pillows occasionally by hanging them outdoors or in a well-ventilated room to remove moisture and odours, keeping them fresh and inviting. For minor spills and stains, your bedding can be spot cleaned with a mild detergent and warm water.
How to dry your duvets and pillows
Once your bedding is freshly laundered, it’s essential to allow ample drying time to avoid any damp odours permeating the fibres. The optimum drying method is outside in the fresh air, where the sunlight acts as a natural disinfectant and the gentle breeze whisks away moisture, infusing them with a delightful scent. If the weather or space restricts line drying, you may be able to tumble dry your pillows and duvet; however always check the care label beforehand.
If using a tumble dryer, select a low heat setting to prevent shrinkage and consider using dryer balls or clean tennis balls to maintain the fluffiness of the filling, particularly if your duvet or pillow is feather or down. Periodically pause the drying cycle to fluff and redistribute the filling for even drying. Remove your bedding promptly on completion of the cycle to prevent wrinkles and avoid over drying, as this can damage the fabric and cause it to feel brittle and scratchy.
How to store your bedding and pillows
During warmer months, when a heavyweight, higher tog is not always necessary, you may want to stowaway your winter duvet and replace it with a lightweight spring/summer comforter. The luxury duvets in Feather & Black’s versatile collection are meticulously designed to cater for all seasons, with high and low tog options that can be connected using innovative cotton ties. This strategic layering ensures that you stay warm and cosy on chilly nights and cool and dry on summer evenings.
Invest in breathable storage bags or containers that allow air circulation, carefully folding or rolling your bedding to ensure it maintains its shape and loft. Stow them away in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to avoid the accumulation of dust and prevent musty odours and pesky mildew, keeping the duvet fresh. Periodically check your stored bedding for any signs of damage or pests, adding natural deterrents such as cedar blocks or lavender sheets if required.
When your bedding is in use, good quality, high thread count duvet covers, pillowcases and sheets act as a protective barrier, helping to prevent damage from spills, stains and general wear and tear. Feather & Black’s stylish collection of 100% cotton bed linen ensures breathability, comfort and durability, while also providing a luxurious feel. By selecting premium bed linens, you not only protect your bedding but also elevate your overall sleep experience.
Consider the act of caring for your bedding not as a chore, but as an investment in your comfort and wellbeing. A good night's sleep is essential for a healthy and happy life, and a clean, cosy duvet and fresh, plump pillows play a vital role in achieving deeply rejuvenating rest. By embracing these simple care practices, you can ensure that your bedding remains pristine, cradling you in sumptuous luxury night after night.