Washing a double duvet in a washing machine

A healthy night's sleep requires clean bedding and clean accessories—pillows and blankets. A simple shake isn't enough for the latter; a thorough cleaning with detergents is essential. Washing a double duvet in the washing machine isn't easy—it's bulky, heavy, and requires thorough cleaning. Let's figure out what kind of washing machine you'll need and whether there are alternative cleaning methods.

Should I put the blanket in the washing machine?

Not every washing machine can accommodate a single duvet, let alone a double one. Such items are much larger and heavier, so they can only be washed in machines with a capacity of 10-12 kg. Attempts to force a blanket into the drum weighing 5 or even 8 kg will be futile and dangerous. Firstly, it won't wash or rinse properly. Secondly, there's a high risk of imbalance, which could lead to machine failure.

If you don't have a suitable washing machine at home, you only have three options:

• self-service laundries;
• dry cleaning;
• hand wash.

The third method is cheaper, but takes longer and is more difficult. If you have a deep bathtub and a helper, you can try manual cleaning.

Woolen blanket

Things are more complicated if the blanket is made of wool. Large wool blankets become very heavy when wet, so standard washing machines rated for 5-7 kg won't be able to handle this weight. It's much safer to wash the blanket using traditional methods. Hand washing is done as follows:

• fill the bathtub with water heated to 30-40 degrees (it can’t go higher, wool doesn’t like high temperatures);
• dissolve detergent in water and lather (it is better to choose special gels for wool, since knitting does not tolerate aggressive powders);
• place the blanket in the soap solution and leave it to soak for 20-30 minutes;
• change the water, add detergent again and lather;
• soak the blanket in soapy water for another 10 minutes;
• Rub the stains gently with your hands, without a brush;
• rinse, changing the water until the soap is completely removed;
• drain the water and leave the blanket at the bottom of the bath, allowing the water to drain;
• without twisting, squeeze out.

Don't wring a wool blanket as usual, as the knitting can easily deform and stretch. It's best to leave it slightly damp and lay it flat to dry. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight or near heaters.

A product made of holofiber

A double duvet made of hollow fiber and synthetic padding also won't fit in a standard washing machine. It's best to hand wash such items. Fill the bathtub a quarter full with warm water, dissolve the detergent, drop the duvet in, and soak for an hour. Then, scrub the soiled areas or trample the entire surface with your feet. Then drain the soapy water, add fresh water, and rinse the duvet until the gel is gone.

A blanket with synthetic padding and holofiber is washed every three months.

Don't remove the wet blanket immediately—let it sit for another 1-1.5 hours to allow most of the excess moisture to drain. Then, lay the blanket out to dry, laying it horizontally in a ventilated area. Be sure to feel and “fluff” the filling, since synthetic padding often deforms and crumples when wet. Heaters and direct ultraviolet rays are prohibited – only natural drying.

Down-filled product

Down duvets are also hand-washed. Pay particular attention to the detergent used: powdered detergents are strongly discouraged, as the granules are difficult to rinse out, settle in the fibers, and deform the down. Ideally, special gels for down jackets with special ingredients prevent the filling from felting.

To do this, fill a bathtub or a suitable basin, work the gel into a lather, immerse the item in the solution, and soak for 60 minutes. Spots are washed separately with laundry soap or a gentle stain remover. Rinse the blanket at least three times and dry in a warm, dry place. It's important to let it dry naturally and not for more than two days, otherwise mold will form in the damp filling.

What do the professionals advise?

When washing blankets, it's worth considering a few tips. It's recommended to inspect the item for damage, remove stains with a mild bleach, and thoroughly vacuum before bathing. Dry in a ventilated area.

If washing in a washing machine, roll the blanket into a roll. It's also recommended to weigh the blanket before loading it and ensure at least a third of the drum is empty.

   

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