DIY Cleaning Methods for Duvets

Baking Soda and White Vinegar Cleaning for Duvets: The Real-World How-To

• Shake it out first. Before you even think about cleaning, give your duvet a good shake outside. This helps loosen up dust, crumbs, and whatever else has made itself at home in there.

 

• Spot clean stains. Mix a small amount of baking soda with water to make a paste. Dab it onto any visible spots or stains with a clean cloth. Let it sit for about 30 minutes, then gently blot with a damp cloth to lift the residue. This is especially handy for those mysterious marks that seem to appear out of nowhere.

 

• Freshen up with baking soda. Sprinkle a light layer of baking soda over the entire duvet. Let it sit for at least an hour—longer if you’ve got the time. Baking soda is great for absorbing odors and giving your duvet a fresher feel. Afterward, vacuum the duvet thoroughly using the upholstery attachment to remove all the powder.

 

• White vinegar for deodorizing. Fill a spray bottle with a mix of one part white vinegar to three parts water. Lightly mist the duvet—don’t soak it. The vinegar scent will fade as it dries, taking some of the less pleasant smells with it. Make sure to air out the duvet well after spraying.

 

• Air dry completely. Whether you’ve spot cleaned or misted, always let your duvet dry fully before putting it back on the bed. Hang it outside if possible, or drape it over a drying rack in a well-ventilated room. Dampness is a magnet for musty smells and can lead to other issues you don’t want in your bedding.

 

• Fluff it up. Once dry, give your duvet a good shake and fluff to redistribute the filling. This helps it look and feel more inviting, and keeps the loft even.

• Pro tip: Always check the care label on your duvet before using any cleaning method. Some fillings (like down or certain synthetics) can be sensitive to moisture or agitation, so it’s best to follow the manufacturer’s advice when in doubt.

How to Clean a Duvet with Oxygen Bleach and Lukewarm Water

• Check the care label first. Not all duvets are created equal. Some are filled with down, others with synthetic fibers, and a few are even wool. The care label will tell you if your duvet can handle a soak or if it’s destined for the dry cleaner. If the label says “dry clean only,” don’t risk it—step away from the tub.

 

• Shake out the duvet and spot treat stains. Before you get started, give your duvet a good shake to loosen dust and debris. If you see any obvious spots, mix a small amount of oxygen bleach with lukewarm water and dab the area gently with a clean cloth. “Oxygen bleach” here means a powder like sodium percarbonate (think OxiClean), not the chlorine stuff. It’s color-safe and less harsh on fabrics, but always test a hidden area first.

 

• Fill a bathtub or large basin with lukewarm water. Lukewarm means comfortably warm to the touch—think bathwater for a baby, not a lobster boil. Too hot, and you risk damaging the fill; too cold, and the cleaning power drops off.

 

• Dissolve the oxygen bleach. Follow the instructions on your oxygen bleach packaging for the right amount. Usually, it’s a scoop or two per tub. Stir until it’s fully dissolved—clumps can leave residue on your duvet.

 

• Submerge the duvet and gently agitate. Lower the duvet into the water, making sure it’s fully saturated. Use your hands to gently move it around, pressing down to help the solution penetrate. Don’t twist or wring—this can damage the fill and seams.

 

• Let it soak for 30–60 minutes. Give the oxygen bleach time to do its thing. If your duvet is extra grimy, you can gently agitate it every 10–15 minutes. Keep an eye on it—don’t let it sit for hours, or you might end up with a waterlogged mess that’s tough to rinse.

 

• Drain and rinse thoroughly. Once the soak is done, drain the tub and refill with clean, lukewarm water. Gently press the duvet to release the cleaning solution. You may need to rinse a few times to get all the product out—leftover residue can make the fabric feel stiff or cause irritation.

 

• Press out excess water (don’t wring!) Lay the duvet flat in the tub and press down to squeeze out as much water as possible. Rolling it up in a large towel can help draw out even more moisture. Avoid twisting or wringing, which can clump the fill.

 

• Dry flat or tumble dry on low. If your care label allows, tumble dry the duvet on low heat with a few clean tennis balls or dryer balls to help fluff the fill. If you’re air drying, lay it flat on a clean surface, flipping occasionally to ensure even drying. Make sure it’s completely dry before using or storing—dampness can lead to musty odors or worse.

 

• Fluff and reshape. Once dry, give your duvet a good shake and fluff to redistribute the fill. If you notice any clumps, gently break them up with your hands.