It’s that time of year again: it’s time to give your bedding a thorough cleaning. However, many people wonder what the best way to do this is. Washing a comforter can often be a challenge, as it’s usually large and unwieldy. We’ve put together some tips for you and will show you how you can easily wash your comforter thoroughly and in an eco-friendly way.
Starting the New Year Off Right: Washing Bedding and Duvets
The first week of the new year is almost over. New Year’s resolutions are either still being eagerly pursued or have already been thrown out the window. A thorough cleaning is also on the to-do list in many households to get the new year off to a good start. Vacuuming, window cleaning, and laundry are all on the agenda. The bed is also due for a thorough cleaning.
Removing the duvet cover, pillowcase, and sheets is relatively quick, and—if your washing machine is large enough—they’ll be in the drum in no time. You should wash these items regularly, since people lose an average of 0.5–1 liter of sweat per night. As a general rule, wash your bedding every two to three weeks to prevent bacteria and dust mites from thriving.
Like the Kipli mattress, Manche mattresses and pillows come with a removable cover. However, the covers on your pillows and mattress don’t need to be cleaned as often. Nevertheless, you should clean them every now and then. We recommend doing this once a year. Spring cleaning is the perfect opportunity for this!
Now the question remains: How do you wash a comforter? In general, you should air out your comforter regularly. Even before washing, it’s a good idea to give the comforter a thorough shake out the window or on the balcony to remove any dust. Since sweat and dirt can still get into your comforter despite the protective duvet cover, it’s advisable to wash the comforter itself once a year—or more often if you have allergies.
The Right Duvet
There are many types of comforters: whether it’s an all-season comforter, a summer comforter, or a winter comforter—it all comes down to the material. This is because the material affects how you should clean it. As a general rule, always wash comforters at temperatures between 30 and 60 °C, depending on the material composition and the instructions on the label.
To avoid washing too often—and thus excessive water consumption—it’s a good idea to buy a blanket that’s breathable and thus provides natural protection against bacteria and other germs. Suitable materials include organic cotton and Lyocell. They’re not only sustainable but also environmentally friendly.
Organic cotton feels comfortable against the skin and has both a cooling and warming effect on the body. Lyocell is a cellulose fiber derived from wood pulp that offers thermal properties and exceptional softness. Duvets made from biodegradable materials often need to be washed less frequently than those made from synthetic materials like polyester, thanks to their natural properties. Therefore, purchasing such a duvet is not only good for the environment but also for your health.
Here's What You Should Keep in Mind When Washing Duvets
To wash your comforter thoroughly, a large drum capacity is helpful. Always follow the care instructions on your comforter’s label. A Lyocell comforter can be washed easily at 30 °C.
To make laundry more environmentally friendly, it is recommended to use a mild, biodegradable detergent that does not contaminate the groundwater. Blankets made of synthetic fabrics such as polyester can usually be washed at temperatures as high as 60 °C.
For all types of comforters, set the spin speed as low as possible to achieve the best washing results. A spin speed of 400 or 600 revolutions is ideal. Since not everyone has a washing machine large enough at home, it’s a good idea to have comforters measuring 155 × 200 cm or larger professionally cleaned.
Here's a tip: You can also wash your comforter in the bathtub. Just make sure not to let it soak in mild detergent for more than an hour.
When it comes to drying, the following applies: In general, comforters can be put in the dryer, depending on the material. Alternatively, you can hang them up to dry, which takes some time but saves energy. The only important thing is to avoid direct sunlight, as this can have a negative effect on the color of the washed comforter.
If you want to wash your comforter and follow these tips, you can start the new year feeling fresh, being sustainable, and without much stress.