How regularly you need to wash your duvet revealed and how to buy the best one

HOW often do you wash your duvet? Experts have revealed the exact amount of time – and it’s more often than you think.

Many households are unaware of how often they should be popping theirs in the wash. 

Hannah Shore, head of Sleep Science for Mattress Online, said it is “essential” that households wash their duvets every six months.

She explained: “Over time, sweat, body oils, dead skin cells, and dust mites accumulate within the duvet, creating the perfect conditions for bacteria, fungi, and allergens to thrive.”

The connoisseur added that failure to do so could lead to unpleasant odours and exacerbate allergies.

“Neglecting this hygiene routine can result in a duvet becoming a hidden health hazard, undermining the quality of your sleep and overall well-being,” she added.

Hannah recommends throwing your duvet in the wash at the start of summer or winter, especially if you have a lighter or heavier sheet that you swap over as the weather changes.

But if you only have one duvet that use all year round then it has been suggested to clean it carefully and plan around its drying time.

“First, check the care label for specific washing instructions and ensure you have access to a washer large enough to handle the duvet without compressing it

“If time is a constraint, spot clean small stains with a damp cloth and mild soap to keep your duvet fresh in between full washes,” she added.

What type of duvet should you choose?

If you have been shopping around for a new cover to keep you cosy then you may have noticed that each duvet has a tog.

This rating stands for “thermal overall grade” and it is used as a unit of measurement for your duvet’s warmth and insulation level.

So for example, a duvet with a 2.5 tog would be quite light and have minimal warmth but a 15 tog duvet would be heavy and trap heat.

You may find that over the summer you prefer to have a duvet which is lighter to help keep you cool, but when the months get colder you might need to opt for something heavier.

If you are on the hunt for a new duvet Hannah Hayden, junior buyer at Dreams said to think about your sleeping habits and temperature
preferences.

“My top tip is to consider allergies when choosing a duvet – an anti-allergy option could be the perfect fit for you,

“All the fibres used are specifically designed to be completely anti-allergy, ensuring you enjoy an irritation-free sleep and wake
up feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day,” she explained.

Finding the right price

It’s worth bearing in mind that prices may also increase depending on how heavy a tog you choose and whether you want it to cover a single, double or king bed.

For example, Ikea is asking for £11 for a 4-tog double duvet and £17 for the same-sized duvet which is a 12-tog.

It’s not uncommon for people to have two duvets which they can swap around as the seasons change.

However, some opt for an all-season duvet which can be clipped together for winter or separately over the summer

Hannah said these types of duvets come with a higher upfront cost but can be a good option for those short on “storage space and prefer a versatile, year-round solution”.

However, the expert said those looking to get the most longevity out of their duvets should opt for two separate tog blankets they can swap around.

“Because each duvet is used only seasonally, they experience less wear and tear, helping to extend their lifespan and offer lasting value.”

How long should a duvet last?

This depends on the material of your duvet and how well you look after it, according to Hannah.

Natural-fill duvets, such as those made from down or feathers, can offer more longevity, often lasting up to 10 years with proper care.

In comparison, synthetic duvets crafted from materials like microfiber typically have a lifespan of around 5 years. 

“A machine-washable duvet can also be a great choice as it can help keep it fresher for longer,” she added.

Regardless of the type, she warned that it is important to replace your duvet if you “notice visible damage, or if the filling develops lumps that can no longer be fluffed back into place”.

Best time to shop for duvet deals

Forking out for a new duvet can be pricey so it is only worth buying if you absolutely need one.

Data, sourced by Idealo and shared with The Sun, shows that June has been the cheapest month to buy a duvet over the past two years.

For example, in January 2024 the price of a duvet was £71.45 but this dropped to £66 in June before rising to 68 the following month.

The same went for the previous year where the average cost of a duvet was £75 and dropped to £67 in June before rising to £70 the following month.

At the start of the year, appears to be the most expensive before prices drop in the summer and then rise again in the autumn.

There are plenty of comparison websites out there that’ll check prices for you – so don’t be left paying more than you have to.

Most of them work by comparing the prices across hundreds of retailers.

For example, Google Shopping is a tool that lets users search for and compare prices for products across the web. Simply type in keywords, or a product number, to bring up search results.

Price Spy also logs the history of how much something costs from over 3,000 different retailers, including Argos, Amazon, eBay and the supermarkets.

Once you select an individual product you can quickly compare which stores have the best price and which have it in stock.