Knowing how to get stains out of duvets doesn't come naturally like other soft clothes. Thanks to their size, thickness, and texture, the cleaning approach for duvets requires more technicality as different duvets come with specific washing instructions.

It might seem like it's near impossible to remove stains in your duvet. They are large and more stressful to clean, but, by following the proper cleaning method, your duvets will be spotless.

At Sleepseeker we’ve put together a handy guide below on how to identify the types of duvet stains and carry out an effective wash.

Identify the stains on your duvet

Identifying a stain is the first step of learning how to get stains out of duvets. Identifying stains is about recognising their colour and understanding why they're there. Below are some of the common stains your duvet may have.

Yellow stains

It's normal for your duvet to turn yellow over time, especially if it's white or in a light shade. Duvets absorb whatever liquids come in contact with them. The yellow stains of duvets result from body liquids and sweat. Lotion and creams can also contribute to the yellowish colour. 

The most frustrating thing about yellow stains is how difficult it is to remove them. Even with bleach, it may be a challenging endeavour.

Brown stains

Brown stains on duvets result from the following situations:

  • Presence of lotions containing benzoyl peroxide.
  • A low concentration of bleaches containing chlorine can cause darker duvets to get brown spots. Those areas become lighter or bleached.
  • Oil or rust in your washing machine can cause brown stains on duvets.
  • Undissolved washing powder left in the machine can cause brown duvet stains.
  • Brown stains can also result from mould's presence.

Blood stains

On white duvets, blood stains can be extremely prominent. Thanks to blood's unique ability to clot, getting bloodstains out of your duvet can be challenging. 

Bloodstains on your duvet come from anywhere. For example, nosebleeds and cuts can lead to stains on your duvets. Mosquito bite sites can also leave blood stains when you scratch them.

It's easier to clean off blood stains when they’re fresh. If left to stand, haemoglobin in the blood clots sticks tightly to the duvet. 

5 tips to clean your duvet

Wrapping yourself in a freshly washed luxury duvet is one of the best feelings in the world. The comfort is unrivalled. But, if those yellow, brown, and blood stains persist, the cleaning isn't complete. Learn how to get stains out of your duvet with these 5 handy tips. 

1. Use washing up liquid

Using washing up liquid when dealing with stains is a no-brainer. You shouldn't go for harsh chemicals when dealing with duvet stains, except if you want to buy new bedding.

Start by applying the liquid detergent directly to the stained area, after you've checked the specific cleaning instructions on the duvet. Ensure the manufacturer doesn't warn against the product or any of its constituents.

If you can afford it, it's best to add the washing up liquid to a water bowl while dealing with more significant stains. Next, soak the duvet in it for a long while. Then, with clean feet, walk on the duvet. Walking on the duvet creates a mechanical motion that facilitates the lifting of stains off the surface of clothing.

2. Use white vinegar

If the brown stain on your duvet is due to mould, white vinegar can come to the rescue. Beyond brown stains, white vinegar also works magic with blood and yellow stains. If there's a foul odour coming from your duvet, white vinegar can neutralise the scent.

Apply white vinegar directly to the target area to dissolve a stain. You can also soak the duvet in vinegar for about 30 minutes. Then, use cold water to rinse the duvet.

Repeat the process a few more times till the stain completely disappears. Once the stain is off the duvet, wash it with detergent again to remove the smell of white vinegar.

From start to finish, using white vinegar to get stains out of a duvet takes time. However, the sparkling results are well worth it.

3. Wash your bedding regularly

To reduce the amount of dirt accumulated on your duvet, you can use a cover for it. Using a duvet cover is especially vital for white duvets.

If you don't have a duvet cover, it's best to wash your duvet regularly. You shouldn't have to use the duvet for several months before washing it. Prolonged usage before washing only makes the cleaning process harder. In addition, stains will be more difficult to remove after a long time.

Wash your duvet monthly or bi-monthly, if you can. The ideal scenario is to have a few duvets you can wash and rotate periodically.

4. Avoid bleach

Washing your duvet with bleach may seem like an obvious choice. However, the long-term effect on your duvet can be damaging. When you buy a duvet, you want it to stay in good condition for a long time. Bleach can defeat that purpose.  

Bleach has harsh chemical properties that can affect the natural fibres in your feather duvet. Consequently, using it will cause your duvet to fade after a while. 

Rather than having to resort to bleach stain removal, wash your duvet frequently. Even if you have to deal with stains, you'll be able to remove them with white vinegar.  

5. Wash at a low temperature

The best temperature to wash your duvet is 60°. It's the perfect temperature to wash your duvet because dust mites die at this temperature. Washing your duvet at high temperatures can make it shrink. If you're in doubt, check the label for precise instructions.

If in doubt, use a dry cleaners

Anyone can master how to get stains out of duvets. However, you may not have the time or patience to do it. You may also not be sure of how to remove specific stains. If that sounds like you, it's best to hand over the duvet to a professional laundry. Getting a dry cleaner to do the job saves you time and stress.

For more guidance on what to do with old duvets or pillows or how to wash a duvet, contact our friendly team at Sleepseeker. We have several types of duvets and pillows for you to choose from.

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