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Seven tips for properly storing your duvet – preventing mould, musty smells and more 

storing your duvet

Did you know the ideal bedroom temperature is between 16-18 degrees Celsius? As temperatures begin to rise above that range, it’s time to swap your heavier winter duvet for a lighter, summer one.

But here’s a warning from the sleep experts at Happy Beds: storing your winter duvet incorrectly during the summer months could lead to the appearance of mold and mildew.

To help you avoid any unpleasant surprises when you switch back to your winter bedding, Happy Beds has shared seven essential tips for properly storing your duvet. 

1. Remove your duvet cover to prevent smells and dirt build-up

Before storing away your duvet, don’t forget to remove your duvet cover. You should never store your duvet with its cover still on, especially if the duvet cover has been used and is dirty. This is an almost certain way for smells and dirt to build up in your duvet.

2. Wash your duvet before you store it as the average person sweats up to 700ml per NIGHT

This may seem like common sense, but it’s important to wash your duvet cover before storing it away, as the average person sweats between 500ml and 700ml every night. 

A duvet can be washed in an at-home washing machine using a gentle non-bio detergent, as long as its care instructions and your washing machine instructions don’t advise against this. However, we don’t recommend using fabric softener as this is stronger and could damage your duvet. 

Wash your duvet on a normal spin cycle at 60° as this temperature is hot enough to get rid of any house dust mites that could be lurking in the crevices of your duvet.

3. Make sure your duvet is dry before storing it as dampness can cause mould and musty-smells 

As well as being washed, duvets should be dried before being put away, as even the slightest dampness can cause mould and musty-smelling problems. The best way to dry your duvet is on a washing line outside on a sunny day. However, you can use a tumble dryer, if you own or have access to one, at a low heat setting. Place a drying ball inside of the tumble dryer with the duvet to ensure it regains its shape once dry.

4. Fold the duvet to prevent damage to its structure 

Don’t be tempted to throw your duvet into a cupboard without folding it, not only will this help protect its structure it will also take less room up. If you have a down duvet, you’ll need to roll it loosely instead to prevent damaging its structure.

5. Never store your duvet in a plastic bag that isn’t vacuum-sealed as it’s a breeding ground for mould 

Happy Beds does not recommend storing your duvet in a plastic bag that isn’t vacuum-sealed, such as a bin liner. This type of bag is a breeding ground for mould, even if it isn’t placed in an area of moisture. What’s more, standard plastic bags can tear easily, which could expose your duvet to dirt.

Instead, place your rolled or folded duvet into a breathable cotton or vacuum-sealed bag. Vacuum-sealed bags are popular as they condense the duvet, making it easier to store. However, this is best used with a synthetic- or down-filled duvet. Using a vacuum-sealed bag for a feather duvet could damage the feathers inside, meaning when it’s time to open the bag, your duvet has lost some of its fluffiness.

6. Store your duvet in a cool, dry location to prevent mould or mildew 

Once packaged, you must store your duvet in a cool, dry location away from dampness or moisture as this could cause mould or mildew. If you have a rolled down duvet, you’ll need to keep this in an upright position.

7. Add laundry beads to your duvet storage spot for an extra boost in scent

If you want your duvet to stay fresh for longer, place some scented beads in an open cup or a mesh bag and add them next to it. Just remember to store them properly where your children and pets cannot reach them and in bags that do not allow the balls to become loose.

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