How to Store a Duvet: Mistakes to Avoid and Bags to Invest in

Around the time the clocks go back, you may find that your summer duvet is no longer keeping the mustard warm. So you’ll probably want to change into a winter blanket now. But what can you do with your summer blanket to keep it fresh during hibernation?

We take a deep dive into how to store a duvet and talk to duvet experts and home organization influencers who can shed some light on the matter. As a sleep product author, I’ve tested best blankets on the market – and I know how expensive blankets May be.

So, after shelling out serious money on your duvet, you want to keep it in great condition by storing it away. There are a few things you should do to keep your duvet fresh, clean and in good condition during the winter.

1. Clean your blanket before storing it.

“Before you put your duvet away for storage, make sure it is clean and dry before packing it away for the season,” says Kate Edmondson, owner of the company. Home Edited – professional organizational services.

Before removing bedding from the comforter, remove it. Then wash the blanket according to the care instructions.

“Wash bedding in a lavender solution before storing,” agrees Wendy Miranda, customer service representative at Lakeland. ‘I recommend Lakeland Wool Detergent with Lavender.’

Washer and dryer in the kitchen. Pink hydrangers in a shell

(Image credit: Future PLC)

“Down comforters can be washed at 40 degrees to keep them fresh. Use about a quarter of the normal amount of detergent you use for other washes. Cleaning requires detergent, but if there is more of it, it will not wash off the blanket. Then carefully lower yourself down.

“Always check the care label before cleaning. Most often, however, microfiber blankets and duvets can be washed at home on a gentle cycle using a mild (non-bio) detergent, says Kate from Home Edited. “If your washer or dryer is not large enough to accommodate your duvet, we recommend having it professionally cleaned or even using a laundromat to handle the task as they offer larger capacity washers and dryers.”

2. If you don’t wash the blanket, air it out.

If you really don’t feel like washing your duvet, you should at least let it air out before putting it away.

“Before putting the blanket into storage, it is recommended to ventilate it thoroughly, if possible outside. A fresh, bright and dry day will help keep moisture out of your duvet, says Gemma Bray, aka Organized mom.

This process will remove any body oils and odors before packing it away for the winter and make sure it’s not musty in the spring.

There was a duvet hanging on the stairs and a stack of three pillows next to it.

(Image credit: Future PLC/Polly Eltes)

3. Make sure everything is completely dry.

Any moisture left in the duvet is bad news. Your duvet will get moldy, and if it’s stuffed with down or feathers, the fillings will clump together. This will render your blanket unusable.

So whether you’re washing your duvet or just airing it out, make sure it’s completely dry before you put it away.

4. Cover with a blanket.

The last thing you want is for your duvet to get dusty over the winter. Dust mites are the leading cause of allergies in the UK and feed on dust. An uncovered blanket would be like a buffet for them (grim!).

“Keep (your duvet) covered to minimize dust,” is one of Kate from Home Edited’s top tips. We’ll look at the best places to store your duvet, but essentially, don’t just shove it under your bed and hope for the best.

Open shelving with stacks of linens and flowers on them.

(Image credit: Future PLC/David Brittain)

4. Choose a storage location that will prevent mold.

You need to place the duvet in something dry that is unlikely to become damp or moldy. “Use breathable storage to prevent mold and odors,” says Kate of Home Edited.

Breathable bags, for example, made of cotton, are well suited for this. They allow air to circulate through the blanket. Plastic bags are less ideal as they restrict air flow and can trap moisture, leading to the dreaded mold growth. Garbage bags are especially harmful because they also cause your duvet to smell bad.

“Breathable materials include cotton, linen, recycled polyester, as well as polypropylene (which can be inexpensive). Always check whether the material is breathable before purchasing,” says Kate from Home Edited.

Kate at home Edited recommends these bags are from IKEA or these are from Dunelm which are ideal for placement under a bed/ottoman.

Linen closet with folded towels and labeled storage baskets.

(Image credit: Future PLC/Joanna Henderson)

5. Roll or fold neatly

There is general agreement that rolling a duvet is better than folding it to preserve the filling.

“When it comes to folding, I like to roll it up if you have the space,” says Gemma from The Organized Mum.

“If (you store your duvet) in a box on a shelf, I can use a folded or rolled ranger,” says Sophie Liard, aka Folding lady. “Here you fold a section of the blanket underneath you, then fold the sides so they overlap each other slightly, then starting at the top and moving towards the first fold, you can roll or fold the blanket when you get to the end. the first folds on itself, and the duvet is fixed.

White blanket folded on a wooden stool

(Image credit: Sleepseeker)

6. Store in a dry place.

Choose where to store your duvet carefully. You need a cool, dry place in the house where he can rest comfortably. A slightly damp attic or kitchen cabinet will not work here. And you definitely shouldn’t put anything on top of the duvet, as this will damage the fillings.

“If you have a bed with storage underneath it, this is the ideal place to store your duvet as it’s a designated area and you’re less likely to end up with things on top,” says Gemma from The Organized Mum.

“If storage space is limited and you don’t know where to store it, once you’ve placed your duvet in a suitable storage bag, consider using spaces under or behind beds, at the top or back of a closet, or in special storage areas. designated closet or chest of drawers. There’s no need to purchase additional storage,” advises Kate from Home Edited.

The bedroom has a neutral decor with a single bed and a chest of drawers with a lamp on top in front of the window.

(Image credit: Future/Colin Poole)

7. Use a moth repellent

“No matter how you choose to store, add moth repellent to the items you pack just in case,” says Wendy of Lakeland.

These moth bags from Lakeland are perfect and you get 20 bags in a set so you can add them to your summer wardrobe if you put them away too. They should help keep moths away from your duvet during storage.

8. Refresh the blanket after storage.

“When unpacking duvets, place them in a glass of dryer balls To refill, you can also tumble your sheets on low heat using a clean, slightly damp, scented cloth for a nice, fresh scent when you can’t take your sheets out into the fresh air, says Wendy of Lakeland.

Simply add a few drops of your favorite essential oils to the fabric and place it in the dryer along with your duvet. And voila, your duvet is ready for the next season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to store a duvet in a vacuum bag?

It’s tempting to use a vacuum bag to store blankets because they save space. Be careful, however, as squeezing all the air out of your duvet can damage the filling.

“When it comes to storing our blankets, it’s important to store them properly,” warns Kate from Home Edited. “As convenient as a vacuum bag is, I would advise against storing duvets in it due to feather breakage.”

But if you are categorically against a vacuum bag, then there are a few tips that will help.

“You can store down or feather duvets in a vacuum bag, but you need to leave some air in there to prevent them from getting damaged. I would suggest you stop before the bag gets compacted,” says Carly Bullock, a Lakeland shopper.

“If you need to use a vacuum bag, please make sure the duvet is completely dry before you put it in and make sure the vacuum seal is intact,” says Gemma from The Organized Mum.

How to fold a blanket for storage?

“I would recommend rolling duvets lightly to prevent them from squashing. Any other blankets can be folded,” says Carly from Lakeland.

“When storing down or feather duvets, it’s best to roll them up and put them in a storage bag,” agrees Kate from Home Edited. “Be sure to purchase the right size duvet storage space. And once it is placed, label it correctly for easy identification; Before you know it, warm weather will arrive.

If you store your summer or winter blanket correctly, it should still be in great condition when you unbox it next year.