Refresh & Revive Your Winter Warmers
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As the temperature drops, there’s nothing more comforting than cosying up with warm, fresh bedding. But before you pull out your quilts and blankets for the season, it’s essential to refresh and clean them properly. This not only ensures a healthier sleeping environment but also extends the life of your beloved bedding. Here’s how to get your doona winter-ready while keeping your linen cupboard organized and inviting.
1. Give Your Doona and Blankets a Fresh Start
Even if your bedding has been stored away properly, dust, allergens, and musty odours can build up over time. Here’s how to refresh them before use:
- Air Them Out: Before washing, give your blankets and doona a good shake and let them breathe outside in fresh air for a few hours. If you have access to sunshine, even better! Sunlight naturally eliminates bacteria and odours.
- Spot Clean First: Check for any stains or spots and treat them with a gentle stain remover. This is especially important for wool or delicate materials that may not be suitable for a full wash.
2. Washing Your Doona and Blankets Properly
Different fabrics require different care methods. Here’s general guide on how to wash various types of bedding effectively but always make sure you follow the specific instruction on your duvet:
- Cotton & Microfiber Doonas: Machine wash on a gentle cycle with mild detergent. Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach, as they can break down fibres over time. Use cold or warm water to prevent shrinkage.
- Wool Doonas: There are two types of wool quilts, washable and dry clean only. Only every wash a wool quilt if it specifically says it can be laundered as this means the wool has been specially treated to prevent it from clumping and felting in the wash. As a natural fibre, wool quilts really benefit from being aired on a clothes line. Pop is outside on a breezy day and be amazed and how the quilt will plump back up ready for another winter keeping you warm.
- Down-Filled Doonas: These should only be cleaned sparingly. If machine-washable, use a front-loader on a delicate cycle with minimal detergent. Dry with wool dryer balls or clean tennis balls to help fluff the filling and prevent clumping. Always make sure that your down duvet is fully dried to prevent any odours from damp feathers.
- Wool Blankets: These are best cleaned using a wool-safe detergent on a wool cycle or taken to a professional cleaner.
- Microfibre & Weighted Blankets: Synthetic blankets can be washed on a cool cycle with mild detergent. Many synthetic blankets cannot go in the dryer as this could damage their fibres. For weighted blankets, many are spot clean only. Check the label for care instructions, as some have removable covers that can be washed separately.
Always ensure items are completely dry before storing or using them to prevent mildew and odours.
3. Smart Storage
As we all know, prevention is better than a cure. Proper storage is key to keeping your bedding fresh and ready for next winter. Here’s how to store them correctly:
- Use Breathable Bags or Containers: Avoid plastic, as it traps moisture and encourages mildew. Cotton storage bags or vacuum-sealed bags (for space-saving) are excellent choices.
- Store in a Cool, Dry Place: Keep bedding in a well-ventilated closet or storage area away from direct sunlight and damp conditions.
- Add Natural Freshness: Place a lavender sachet or cedar blocks inside your storage area to deter pests and keep your linens smelling fresh.
Enjoy a Cosy, Organised Winter
Refreshing your bedding for winter doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With the right care and storage solutions, you can maintain soft, clean, and long-lasting doonas and blankets that make your home feel even more inviting.
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