As the weather has finally got a bit warmer, you’ve probably just done the big switch from your winter to summer bedding, but have you stored it correctly?
Many will chuck their winter duvet in a cupboard without thinking, but storing your bedding incorrectly throughout the summer months could lead to a nasty surprise when autumn arrives.
7 tips to sore your winter duvet
If you don’t store it right, you’ll be greeted with some pretty horrible smells when you get it out again, but that’s not the worst part. A badly stored duvet is the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew!
Mold is a type of fungus that grows when there is too much moisture in your home. It can cause allergies, asthma and respiratory problems, the NHS reveals.
Experts at Happy Beds have shared these seven tips to make sure your duvet remains intact:
Remove your duvet cover
First, it’s really important to remove your duvet cover before you put it away. Leaving the cover on will encourage smells and dirt to build up, and both parts should always be stores separately for the summer months.
Wash your duvet
It’s important to wash your duvet to get rid of all the sweat and grime that builds up while you sleep. You can wash it in a normal machine, but don’t use fabric softener as that could damage it. Wash on a normal spin cycle at a hot temperature (60°C/140°F) to remove dirt and dust mites.
Make sure it’s dry
After washing, make sure the duvet is completely dry before tucking it away into a cupboard. Even the slightest dampness can cause mold and musty smells, so it’s best to hang it outside on a nice sunny day. Alternatively, you could use a tumble dryer on a low heat setting.
Fold it properly
Next up, you must fold the duvet properly. It might be tempting to throw it straight into a cupboard, but leaving it all crumpled up for such a long time with damage its structure. If you have a down duvet, you’ll need to roll it loosely instead of folding to prevent damage.
Don’t store in a plastic bag
If you’re thinking about putting your duvet in a plastic bag or bin liner – don’t! This will make a breeding ground for mold, even if it isn’t an area full of moisture. Instead, place it into breathable cotton or a vacuum-sealed bag, but don’t use the latter for feather duvets as it could damage the feathers.
Store in a cool, dry location
Once packaged, you must store your duvet in a cool, dry location far away from any dampness or moisture as this could cause mold or mildew. If you have a rolled down duvet, make sure you keep it in an upright position.
Add laundry beads
Finally, if you want your duvet to stay super fresh, adding scented beads into a mesh bag or cup next to the bedding will do just the trick. Make sure they aren’t accessible to any children or pets though, and don’t allow the balls to come loose.
This information was provided by sleep experts at the online bed retailer Happy Beds.
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