You know what they say – the couple that washes their duvet cover together, stays together. Just kidding! But seriously, if you’re wondering whether you can wash your duvet cover with the duvet inside, wonder no more – we’re here to give you the answer.
What is a Duvet Cover?
Many people confuse a duvet, aka comforter, with a duvet cover. So before we answer the burning question, let’s first make sure we’re on the same page about what a duvet cover actually is.
A duvet cover is like a pillowcase for your duvet. It protects the duvet from dirt and grime and makes it easier to keep clean. Duvet covers also come in a variety of colors and styles, so you can change up the look of your bedroom without having to buy a new duvet.
Can You Wash a Duvet Cover with the Duvet Inside?
It is technically possible to wash a duvet cover with the duvet inside, but there are some things you should know before attempting this feat. For one thing, it’s going to take forever to dry. The whole point of having a duvet cover is that it’s much easier to wash than the actual duvet.
A duvet insert should never need to be washed unless someone has an accident on it or you’re planning on storing it for an extended period of time.
Attempting to wash a duvet cover with the duvet inside is also likely to damage your washing machine. The filling in the duvet is much heavier than the cover and can put a lot of strain on the internal components of your washer. Not to mention, if your washer isn’t big enough, you could end up damaging it even further by overloading it.
So, unless you’re willing to take those risks, it’s probably best to stick to washing your duvet covers separately from your duvets.
Reasons to Wash a Duvet Cover with the Duvet Inside
The whole purpose of a duvet cover is to avoid washing your duvet altogether. But there are a few situations that might call for washing the duvet without removing the cover.
The duvet cover can’t be removed: I’ve bought many duvets in my life, and some already have a cover sewn onto them. These types of duvet covers usually aren’t meant to be removed or need special care to remove them. In this situation, you’re faced with two choices – either risk damaging the cover by removing and washing it separately or wash it with the cover still on it.
You don’t know how to put the duvet cover back on: Another reason you might need to wash the duvet with the cover still on is if you don’t know how to put the cover back on by yourself. This can be a common problem when you first get a duvet because they often come with intricate patterns that can be difficult to line up. If this is the case, it’s probably best to just wash it with the cover still on it.
You have a lightweight duvet: Duvets are often used to add an additional layer of warmth in the winter. However, many duvets are also lightweight and meant to be used year-round. They often have a washer-friendly filling and you can wash them along with the cover. Just be sure to check the washing instructions and verify the filling type. Never wash a duvet with down-filling!
When to Never Wash a Duvet Cover with the Duvet Inside
As we’ve mentioned, there are some exceptions to the rule, but there are also some situations when you should never wash a duvet cover with the duvet inside.
Your washing machine isn’t big enough: King and Queen size duvets can be bulky and difficult to wash, even without the cover. Trying to wash it with the cover on is just asking for trouble. If your washing machine isn’t big enough, you’re likely to damage it or end up with a water-logged mess.
The duvet is filled with down: Down-filled duvets are delicate and should never be washed in a washing machine. The feathers can get damaged and clump together, ruining the duvet. Instead, you should spot-clean any stains and have the duvet professionally cleaned once a year.
The duvet cover is delicate: Some duvet covers are made of delicate materials like silk or linen. These types of fabrics can be easily damaged in a washing machine, so it’s best to remove the cover before washing.
Conclusion
You can wash a duvet cover with the duvet inside, but it’s not always the best idea. There are a few exceptions to this rule, but overall, it’s much easier and safer to wash the cover separately from the duvet. Doing so will extend the life of your duvet and ensure that it remains in good condition for years to come.