How to Wash a Duvet in the Washing Machine: Temperature, Cycle and Drying

Can you wash a duvet in the washing machine? Yes, many duvets are machine washable, provided their care label allows it and the drum is large enough. Down and feather duvets can often be washed at 40–60°C, synthetic duvets generally at 40–60°C, while some wool duvets, such as Zizzz Swisswool duvets, can be washed at 30°C on a wool cycle. The drying method also depends on the filling and the manufacturer's instructions.

In all cases, wash your duvet on its own, use a suitable detergent without fabric softener, and make sure it is completely dry before putting it back inside its duvet cover.

Here's everything you need to know about washing temperatures, washing machine settings, drying methods and how often to clean each type of duvet.

Can You Wash a Duvet in the Washing Machine?

Yes, many duvets can be machine washed, provided you follow three essential rules.

1. Make sure the drum is large enough. Your duvet needs enough room to move freely during the wash. A washing machine with a capacity of around 7 kg may be suitable for some 160 × 210 cm duvets, but thicker or bulkier models may need a larger capacity. If the duvet almost completely fills the drum, use a larger machine at a launderette.

2. Check the care label. The label tells you whether machine washing is permitted, the maximum washing temperature and whether the duvet can be tumble dried. Always follow these instructions. For example, not every wool duvet is machine washable. This depends on how the wool has been treated, the filling and the construction of the duvet.

3. Check the condition of the outer cover. Before washing, look for holes or open seams. If feathers, down or other fibres escape during the wash, they can damage both the duvet and the washing machine. Always wash your duvet on its own, without any other laundry.

What Temperature Should You Wash a Duvet At?

The correct washing temperature depends on the filling and the care label.

• Down and feather duvets: Often between 40 and 60°C, depending on the label.
• Standard wool duvets: Only machine wash if the label allows it, usually at a maximum of 30°C. Hotter water and vigorous spinning can cause wool to felt.
• Zizzz Swisswool duvets: Wool cycle at 30°C.
• Synthetic duvets: Generally between 40 and 60°C, depending on the label.

If you or your child has a dust mite allergy, the washing temperature is particularly important. Washing at 60°C is recommended to kill dust mites effectively, provided the textile can withstand this temperature. Washing at a lower temperature may help remove dust mite allergens without necessarily killing the mites themselves.

For more information, read our article How to Choose Bedding if You Have a Dust Mite Allergy.

Which Washing Machine Cycle and Detergent Should You Use?

Many washing machines have a dedicated duvet or bedding cycle, which uses plenty of water and a moderate spin speed. This is a good option for down, feather and synthetic duvets, provided the care label allows it.

If your machine doesn't have a duvet cycle, choose:

• Down and feather duvets: A delicate cycle.
• Wool duvets: A wool cycle, if machine washing is permitted.
• Synthetic duvets: A gentle cycle suitable for synthetic fabrics, following the care label.

A standard cotton cycle may be too vigorous for some bulky duvets.

Use a mild detergent, a specialist down detergent or a detergent designed for wool, depending on the filling. Follow the recommended dosage and avoid using too much detergent. Harsh detergents can damage down and wool fibres.

Do not use fabric softener. It can cause down to clump together and prevent the filling from regaining its natural loft. An extra rinse cycle can help remove any remaining detergent.

How to Wash a Down and Feather Duvet

Down and feather duvets need particular care to protect their natural filling and maintain their loft. Follow these steps:

1. Check the care label and outer cover. Make sure the duvet is machine washable and that there are no holes or damaged seams.
2. Wash the duvet on its own. Depending on the label, this is often possible at 40–60°C. Use a duvet or delicate cycle with a mild detergent and no fabric softener.
3. Add an extra rinse cycle. This helps remove detergent residue from the filling.
4. Dry carefully. If the care label allows tumble drying, use a low or moderate temperature and two or three suitable dryer balls. Pause regularly to shake the duvet and separate any clumps of filling.
5. Continue until completely dry. Check that no damp patches or clumps remain inside the duvet.

A down and feather duvet that remains damp inside can develop mould and unpleasant odours. Thorough drying may require several tumble-dryer cycles.

For more detailed instructions, read our guide How to Wash Down and Feather Duvets Properly.

How to Wash a Wool Duvet

Not every wool duvet is machine washable, so always check the care label first. Wool generally needs less frequent washing. In many cases, regularly airing your duvet is sufficient to keep it fresh.

If the care label permits machine washing:

1. Wash at a maximum of 30°C using a wool cycle and a detergent specifically designed for wool.
2. Choose a gentle spin cycle to avoid damaging the fibres.
3. Air dry the duvet flat or spread across several drying bars, in a shaded, well-ventilated area. Turn it occasionally to help it dry evenly.
4. Avoid tumble drying whenever possible. Air drying is the safest option, as the heat and friction inside a tumble dryer can cause wool to felt.

The wool fibres in our Zizzz Swisswool duvets are specially prepared to allow machine washing at 30°C on a wool cycle.

How to Wash a Synthetic Duvet

Synthetic duvets, usually filled with polyester or microfibres, are generally easier to wash than duvets with natural fillings. They can often be machine washed at 40–60°C, depending on the care label.

Use a duvet cycle or a gentle programme suitable for synthetic fabrics, along with the recommended amount of detergent. Avoid fabric softener. If the label allows tumble drying, use a low temperature. Otherwise, lay the duvet flat to air dry.

Synthetic duvets are generally the type that best withstands frequent washing.

Can You Put a Duvet in the Tumble Dryer?

It depends on the filling and the manufacturer's care instructions.

• Down and feather duvets: Yes, if the care label permits it. Tumble drying is often the best way to dry the filling thoroughly. Use a low or moderate temperature, add suitable dryer balls and pause regularly to shake the duvet. Several cycles may be necessary.
• Synthetic duvets: Yes, on a low heat setting, if permitted by the care label.
• Wool duvets: Air drying in the shade is generally the safest option.

Whatever the filling, your duvet must be completely dry before you put it back inside its cover and onto your bed. Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, which can dry out down, feathers and wool fibres.

How Often Should You Wash Your Duvet?

The ideal washing frequency depends on the filling, how you use your duvet and whether it is protected by a duvet cover.

• Down, feather and wool duvets: Occasional washing is generally sufficient when the duvet is protected by a cover and regularly aired. Washing approximately once a year can serve as a guideline, but always follow the manufacturer's recommendations and adjust the frequency according to use.
• Synthetic duvets: Synthetic duvets can often withstand more frequent washing. For people with dust mite allergies, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) recommends washing synthetic or cotton duvets that can withstand 60°C every two months.
• Duvet covers: Wash your duvet cover every one to two weeks, depending on your needs. If you have a dust mite allergy, weekly washing is recommended.

For the rest of your bedding, read our article How Often Should You Change Your Bedding?.

Your pillows also need cleaning. Discover our guides on How to Machine Wash a Down Pillow and How to Wash a Swisswool Wool Pillow.

Duvets and Dust Mites: What Really Works?

Dust mites feed on dead skin cells and thrive in humid environments. According to Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), their ideal humidity level is around 75%, and they die when humidity drops below 55%.

To help reduce dust mites in your bed:

• Wash duvet covers and sheets every week. This helps remove skin cells and dust mite allergens.
• Wash compatible duvets at 60°C. This temperature is recommended to kill dust mites effectively. Washing at a lower temperature may remove some allergens without necessarily killing the mites. Dry cleaning is generally less effective against dust mites.
• Keep your bedroom cool, at around 19°C, and ventilate it daily.
• Air your duvet in the morning rather than making your bed immediately. This allows moisture accumulated during the night to evaporate.

Caring for Zizzz Duvets

At Zizzz, we use natural fillings selected for their comfort, breathability and quality.

Our goose and duck down duvets contain 90% down and 10% feathers. They are Downpass certified and feature a tightly woven NOMITE cover, suitable for people sensitive to dust mites.

Our goose down duvets are made in the canton of Bern, Switzerland, while our duck down duvets are manufactured in the Black Forest region of Germany. For washing temperatures, always follow the care label on your duvet.

Our Swisswool duvets are filled with 88% Swiss virgin wool and 12% plant-based fibres. They are manufactured in the canton of Schwyz, Switzerland. Their wool fibres are specially prepared to allow machine washing at 30°C on a wool cycle. Air drying is recommended.

Not sure which filling is right for you? Read our guide Which Duvet Is Right for Me?.

Frequently Asked Questions About Washing Duvets

Can You Wash a Duvet in the Washing Machine?

Yes, many duvets can be machine washed, provided the care label allows it and the drum is sufficiently large. The duvet must have enough room to move freely during the wash. A machine with a capacity of around 7 kg may be suitable for some 160 × 210 cm duvets, but thicker or bulkier models may require a larger drum. Always wash your duvet on its own.

What Temperature Should You Wash a Duvet At?

It depends on the filling and the care label. Down and feather duvets can often be washed at 40–60°C, synthetic duvets generally at 40–60°C, and machine-washable wool duvets usually at a maximum of 30°C on a wool cycle. Washing at 60°C is recommended to kill dust mites effectively, provided the fabric can withstand this temperature.

Which Washing Machine Cycle Is Best for a Duvet?

Choose the dedicated duvet cycle if your washing machine has one. Otherwise, use a delicate cycle for down and feather duvets, a wool cycle for machine-washable wool duvets, and a gentle cycle suitable for synthetic fabrics for synthetic duvets. Always follow the care label and consider adding an extra rinse cycle.

Can You Tumble Dry a Duvet?

For down and feather duvets, yes, if the care label permits it. Use a low or moderate temperature with two or three suitable dryer balls, and continue until the filling is completely dry. Synthetic duvets can be tumble dried on low heat if the label allows it. For wool duvets, air drying is generally the safest choice.

What Should You Do if Your Duvet Doesn't Fit in the Washing Machine?

Use a larger machine at a launderette or take your duvet to a professional bedding cleaning service. Dry cleaning is generally less effective against dust mites. If reducing dust mites is your main goal, choose washing in water at 60°C for duvets that can safely withstand this temperature.

Sources

• Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Immunology and Allergy – “Mesures d'éviction des acariens”: Recommendations on washing at 60°C, cleaning frequency, humidity, bedroom temperature and dry cleaning (French).
• Mayo Clinic – “Home remedies: Dealing with dust mite allergies”: Explains the difference between killing dust mites and removing their allergens (English).
• Woolmark – “Can I wash wool in the washing machine?”: Guidance on machine washing wool only when permitted by the care label and using the appropriate wool cycle (English).
• Electro Dépôt – “Puis-je laver ma couette dans ma machine ?”: Guidance on choosing a washing machine capacity according to duvet size (French).