Caring & Cleaning

DUVETS

1. Always use a duvet cover to protect the down and casing from body oils, perspiration, humidity, soiling, and wear. If properly covered, comforters need very infrequent cleaning.

2. When making the bed, give the duvet a good shake to fluff the filling and create air movement, which freshens the filling.

3. Regularly air your duvet outdoors. Airing enables the filling to fully release absorbed humidity, renew itself, and restore its capacity to absorb the moisture we give off in our sleep. Avoid strong sun, as this can dry out the down, causing it to become brittle and break, thus losing vital loft. Never air the duvet in humid conditions. This just adds humidity to the down and does not allow the drying out process to occur.

4. Never sleep or sit regularly or for prolonged periods on top of the duvet—this causes matting of the filling and reduces the effective life of the duvet. If pets are allowed on the top of the duvet, the same effect will occur.

5. Do not beat the duvet as you would a rug, or vacuum it. The first could destroy the down and loosen the stitching; the second could suck filling through the fabric and deprives the down of its vital element: air.

6. Cleaning is a detrimental process and should be avoided if at all possible—the life of your duvet is shortened every time it is laundered. Daily fluffing and regular airing is all that is necessary under normal circumstances. Cleaning is usually only required if the duvet is actually soiled. If the soiling is localized and slight, the duvet can be spot cleaned using a mild washing powder such as Dreft. Do not use bleach or products with “brightening agents”. Once cleaned, the area should be rinsed well and dried thoroughly (you can use a warm, not hot, hairdryer). While drying, the filling should be moved by hand to promote warm air circulation and prevent matting. If cleaning the duvet is necessary, we recommend professional cleaning, largely for practical reasons. However, it is possible to launder the duvet in a large capacity or commercial washing machine. Use a very gentle wash cycle and a mild soap powder like Dreft. Do not use bleach or products with “brightening agents”. Wash the duvet separately and add 2 or 3 clean tennis balls to help movement of the down in the machine. Rinse well and dry thoroughly (a large tumble dryer may be used on a low temperature). If your duvet is professionally laundered, be sure to remove it from any plastic to prevent mildew in case it is not completely dry.

PILLOWS

1. Always use a pillowcase or sham to protect the casing and reduce the need for cleaning. Note that some pillow protectors contain synthetic materials in the quilting, which can reduce the effectiveness and benefits of natural fillings.

2. Give pillows a good fluff daily to redistribute and air the filling. Regular plumping up and fluffing helps prevent the gradual matting of the natural filling and preserves the resiliency and life of the pillow.

3. When necessary, we recommend that the pillow be professionally cleaned. Do not wash pillows at home or in an agitator washer. Pillows may be spot cleaned with a mild washing powder such as Dreft. Do not use bleach or products with “brightening agents”. It is essential that the pillow be thoroughly dried. We recommend tumble-drying on a low temperature setting.

STORAGE

If not in use, store down only in its original breathable bag, cotton comforter bag, or wrapped in a sheet in a dry area of the home away from all humidity.