Did you know that the average doona is home to a plethora of dead skin cells, hair, sweat, dust mites and other bacteria? Most people don’t realize this because they sleep with their duvets every single night without washing them! Can you imagine all of the germs you’re exposing yourself to? But there’s no need to stress. We have just the solution for you. Keep reading to learn how how to wash a doona properly.
How to Wash a Doona?
Your comforter is a big, fuzzy baby that needs delicate care. Whether you prefer washing it by hand or machine, always read the label’s washing instructions first. Handle your comforter as gently as possible and you’ll be in the clear.
In order to wash your clothes correctly (but gently), you will need a quality detergent and fabric softener. These natural recipes not only clean well, but also smell delightful–you might find yourself wanting to spend the whole day in bed!
Scented laundry detergent
- ¼ cup plant-based mild laundry detergent
- ¼ cup borax
- ¼ cup baking soda
- dryer balls
- A few drops of tea tree oil or lemon oil
Sleepy fabric softener
- ⅓ cup white vinegar
- A few drops of lavender oil, bergamot oil, or chamomile oil
If you want to sleep soundly at night, aim to wash your doona with detergent and softener at least monthly, or every other week if you can swing it.
How to Machine Wash a Doona and Doona Cover
You can’t put a doona in the washing machine if it says ‘dry clean only’ and hope for the same results.
Before you attempt to wash your doona, check that your washing machine can handle the size. If it’s too small, you’ll only end up angry and frustrated. Once you’re sure of the machine’s capabilities, grab these five items and get started:
If your washing machine doesn’t have enough room, you may have to wash these two items separately.
Add the homemade laundry detergent to your washing machine. The all-natural softener goes into the fabric softener compartment. Run a gentle cycle with your doona and tennis balls. If you need more advice on making your own cleaning solutions, our article on DIY cleaning solutions offers some great tips.
If you want to keep your doona and its cover in good condition, tumble-dry them on a low setting. High temperatures will shrink the fabric, so only use this setting if that’s your desired outcome. You can also line dry your doona outside in the sun; not only will this help prevent shrinking, but it’ll make laundry smell fresher and cleaner. For tips on drying other items, see our guide on how to clean upholstery, which includes useful drying advice.
If you own a king or queen size doona, you know how difficult it is to wash and dry them without a machine. Washing machines make the process much easier, so if you have one available, definitely use it! Then hang it on your washing line. For more insights on managing larger items, our chest freezer organization guide might offer some useful ideas on organizing space efficiently.
How to Wash a Feather Doona
If you’re winding down for the night and already envisioning snuggling up in bed under your cozy feather doona, only to remember that it needs to be washed first… don’t worry, we’ve all been there. Washing a feather doona is admittedly fussy, but if you follow these steps then your comforter will last much longer.
How to Wash a Wool Doona
If you’re not familiar with how to care for wool, it’s important to know a few things before washing your wool doona. For one, always use cool or cold water – no higher than 30°C. Wool can quickly shrink in heat! It’s best if you hand wash your doona too, so that the wool retains its shape and doesn’t get misshapen. Avoid using hot water or putting your doona in the washing machine at all costs. For a detailed guide on cleaning other delicate items like your beauty blender, you can use similar gentle techniques to ensure their longevity.
When you’re ready to dry your wool doona, lay it flat in the shade and allow it to air dry slowly. Placing it under direct sunlight is not recommended as this may cause shrinkage. For more tips on drying and maintaining various household items, check out our guide on how to clean car seats, which offers advice on handling different materials carefully.
How to Put on a Doona Cover
This trick for putting on a duvet cover by yourself will save you from feeling overwhelmed.
Spread your doona cover flat on the bed linen with the opening end nearest you, then smooth out any bumps. Lay your doona inside-out on top of the cover so that both sets of corners are aligned, then starting from the opening end near you, slowly roll together your doona and cover as tightly and smoothly as possible.
After you reach the end of the roll, open up the doona cover and start to wrap your roll in it- much like how you would a sausage. It should look like a sausage wrapped in the casing. Once that’s done, slowly unravel the roll until there are nounced bumps. And there you have it! A neatly covered doona!