Hello again! Now that the warm weather is here (finally!), it's time to say goodbye to that winter duvet. You know the one — the big, fluffy cloud that kept you snug as a bug when it was freezing outside…
But before you toss it in the back of your wardrobe and forget all about it until the next cold snap, let’s talk about how to store it properly. Trust us, your future self will thank you when winter rolls around again! And, sorry to be the bearer of bad news, it will.
Scroll on for six top tips created by the sleep boffins that designed our Wunderflex multi-way duvet!
1. give it a good clean
First things first — before you even begin to think about packing away your duvet, it needs to be clean. Even if it doesn’t look dirty, body oils, sweat, and dust mites can build up over time.
Check the care label to see if it’s machine washable – if you’re lucky enough to have one of ours, it most certainly is. But, if yours is too large for your machine or requires special care, a trip to the dry cleaner might be in order.
And if you’re machine washing yours at home, double and triple check it’s fully dry before storing it! Any lingering moisture can lead to mould and mildew, and nobody wants that!
2. pick the right storage spot
Where you store your duvet matters more than you might think. You’ll want to keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Yes, we’re still talking about your duvet and not your groceries! Sunlight exposure can fade the fabric and weaken the fibres over time. Now you know.
Wardrobes, under-bed storage, or even a dedicated storage bin work great — just make sure there’s good air circulation.
3. use a breathable storage bag
While it can be a little tempting to shove your duvet into a plastic bag or box, we urge you to resist the…urge! Plastic can trap moisture and cause your duvet to develop a funky smell or even become mouldy. Yuck!
Instead, choose a cotton storage bag or even one of your winter duvet covers. You can of course fold the duvet up small, and squash it into a corner of the bedsheets to save space. Then just fold the bedsheets over until you have a neat little parcel. Basically, the idea is to allow some air to circulate. And remember not to squash it in too tightly — duvets need some breathing space too.
4. add a little extra freshness
Here’s a pro tip: When you’re packing up your winter duvet, try tossing in a couple of lavender sachets or dryer sheets before stowing it away. Not only will this keep everything smelling lovely and fresh, it can also help ward off any pesky moths or bugs too.
Just make sure whatever you use is dry and natural — you don’t want to introduce any chemicals that could damage the fabric or exacerbate the chances of mould and mildew greeting you when you come to use it again!
5. label it
Okay, you’re right - this one already seems a bit extra. But actually, by labelling your storage bag, you’ll save yourself from a headache later on. If you’ve got a few duvets or blankets in storage, it’s quite easy to forget which one is which.
A simple label can save you from digging through everything when Winter rolls back around again.
6. check in occasionally
If you’re a super organised person, first of all, go you! And for you, it’s worth checking on your stored duvet once or twice before winter comes back around.
This isn’t a must-do by any means. But a quick check can ensure it’s still fresh and ready to go when you need it. Plus, it gives you a chance to spot any potential issues before they become real problems.
wrapping up
And there you have it — 6 easy steps to make sure your winter duvet is stored properly and ready to keep you cosy next time it’s needed.
Taking a little extra care now will make all the difference when the cold weather returns. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy that just-washed, fresh-lavender scent when you pull it out of storage. Total win, right?
So go ahead, give your duvet the ELC it deserves, and enjoy the warmer days ahead. Winter will be back before you know it — but you’ll be ready for it!
Until next time, eve sleep.