Washing & care tips for down duvets
What is the correct way to care for your down duvets and feather pillows? And when is the right time to replace them?
The better you care for your bedding and pillows, the longer they'll meet the comfort standards and the better they'll provide you with hygiene in your bed.
Bedding should be thoroughly aired in the morning to release the moisture absorbed during the night. Open your bedroom window and give your bedding a gentle shake. The filling in certain types of Nordic duvets may "wander". If this is the case, the filling should be redistributed by hand from time to time. Don’t expose your duvet to direct sunlight and keep it away from carpet beaters and vacuum cleaners.
Can I wash my bedding myself?
Washable pillows and duvets with washing symbols on the care label can be washed at temperatures up to 60°C. You should never wash duvets and pillows not specifically stated to be washable yourself. In contrast, you should give any non-washable duvet to a professional cleaner after 3 to 5 years.
They'll empty the duvet, professionally clean the filling, dry it germ-free, disinfect it, replace it with a new down and refill it in a new version. After cleaning, you'll get back a nearly brand-new duvet.
Take your duvet to a specialised dealer or send it in to a VSB member. They'll give you a free quote. Cleaning pillows is not worthwhile since buying a new one is less expensive. Pillows are also subject to harder use and should be replaced after 3 years.
Washing instructions for down duvets and feather pillows
Unless otherwise stated, washable down duvets and feather pillows with a washing symbol on the care label can be washed at up to 60°C. You should use a pH-neutral liquid detergent. Special detergents are available from your retailer.
- Wash duvets and pillows separately.
- Choose a programme with a spin cycle.
- Down duvet and feather pillows absorb many times their own weight in water during washing, so the spin cycle should be repeated.
- You should then tumble dry your duvet separately at 100°C.
- Shake it every 30 minutes or so to shorten the drying time, which can last for between 60 and 120 minutes depending on the size of the tumble dryer.
Important:
- Never use a conditioner
- Always follow the washing instructions on your duvet
How to care for your down duvets and feather pillows - interview on SRF Radio «Ratgeber» (in German)
Replacing down duvets and feather pillows
Duvets should be replaced about every 10 years, depending on their condition. Pillows should be replaced no later than every 3 years since they quickly lose their support. Worn-out down duvets or feather pillows can be returned to the manufacturer or help organisations for environmentally friendly recycling.
When buying new down duvets and feather pillows, look for the VSB quality seal since it guarantees you top Swiss quality. Find a VSB dealer near you.
Still have questions about how to care for and clean bedding? Then contact us!