How to Wash a Duvet Cover: Keep It Fresh and Wrinkle-Free

A duvet cover is one of the most frequently washed items in the bedroom — it's in direct contact with your skin every night and protects the duvet inside. Washing it correctly keeps it soft, fresh, and wrinkle-free wash after wash. Here's how to do it properly for every fabric type.

What You'll Need

Tyler Glam Wash Laundry Detergent, Diva (128 fl oz) — gentle formula that keeps duvet cover fabric soft and fresh-smelling
Handy Laundry Wool Dryer Balls (Pack of 6) — reduces drying time and softens fabric naturally without chemical residue

How Often Should You Wash a Duvet Cover?

Every 1–2 weeks: Standard recommendation — more frequently than the duvet itself since it's in direct skin contact
Weekly: If you sweat heavily, have allergies, or sleep with pets
Every 2 weeks: If you use a top sheet as a barrier between you and the duvet cover

Step 1: Remove the Duvet Insert

Remove the duvet insert before washing the cover. Shake the cover to ensure the insert is fully out — a duvet insert left inside the cover during washing won't clean properly and can damage both items.

Step 2: Turn Inside Out and Close the Zipper or Buttons

Turn the duvet cover inside out before washing — this protects the outer fabric from friction and fading, and ensures the inside (which is in contact with your skin) gets thoroughly cleaned
Close all zippers, buttons, or ties to prevent snagging other items and to maintain the cover's shape

Step 3: Wash by Fabric Type

Cotton Duvet Covers

Temperature: Warm (40°C) for regular washing; hot (60°C) to kill dust mites
Cycle: Normal or cotton
Detergent: Regular amount of Tyler Glam Wash

Linen Duvet Covers

Temperature: Cool to warm (30–40°C)
Cycle: Gentle
Note: Linen softens beautifully with each wash; avoid hot water which weakens linen fibers over time

Microfiber Duvet Covers

Temperature: Cold or warm (never hot)
Cycle: Gentle
Note: Wash separately from cotton items that shed lint; avoid fabric softener which clogs microfiber

Bamboo Duvet Covers

Temperature: Cold (30°C max)
Cycle: Gentle or delicate
Note: Bamboo is delicate; hot water and high agitation cause shrinkage and pilling

Silk or Satin Duvet Covers

Temperature: Cold only
Cycle: Delicate or hand wash
Note: Use a mesh laundry bag; many silk covers are dry clean only — check the label

Step 4: Dry to Minimize Wrinkles

Duvet covers wrinkle easily — the drying method makes a big difference:

Tumble dry on low to medium heat with wool dryer balls
Remove while still slightly damp and smooth by hand — this is the most effective way to reduce wrinkles without ironing
Shake out vigorously before putting in the dryer to prevent tangling
For linen: line dry or tumble dry on low; linen wrinkles naturally and this is part of its character
For silk/satin: air dry flat or hang; never tumble dry

Putting the Duvet Cover Back On

The easiest method for putting a duvet cover back on:

Turn the cover inside out and reach inside to grab the two far corners
Grab the corresponding corners of the duvet insert through the cover
Shake the cover down over the duvet while holding the corners
Straighten and smooth, then close the zipper or buttons

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wash a duvet cover and duvet insert together?

No — always wash them separately. The cover and insert have different care requirements, and washing them together results in poor cleaning for both. The cover needs to move freely in the machine to clean properly.

How do I get wrinkles out of a duvet cover without ironing?

Remove from the dryer while still slightly damp and smooth by hand immediately. Shake vigorously and hang or lay flat to finish air drying. For stubborn wrinkles, a handheld steamer is faster and gentler than ironing for most duvet cover fabrics.

My duvet cover has a persistent smell after washing — what do I do?

Add half a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle — it neutralizes odor-causing compounds and removes detergent residue. Make sure the cover is drying completely — a damp cover develops a musty smell quickly. If the smell persists, the cover may need a hot wash to kill bacteria.

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