Washing down: The 5 most common mistakes

With the right care, down stays soft, airy and beautifully fluffy for years.

Here are five common mistakes – and how to avoid them.

YOU WASH THE DOWN TOO OFTEN
Down duvets and pillows do not need to be washed as frequently as bed linen. Shake and air them regularly to keep the filling fresh, full and evenly distributed.
YOU USE THE WRONG DETERGENT
Ordinary detergents can affect the natural properties of down and cause the filling to lose volume. Choose a gentle detergent specifically formulated for down and follow the dosage instructions carefully. We recommend Down Wash by Five Oceans.
YOU USE FABRIC SOFTENER
Fabric softener can coat the down and prevent it from regaining its natural loft. Always wash down duvets and pillows without fabric softener. An additional rinse cycle will help remove any remaining detergent.
YOU ALLOW THE DOWN TO AIR DRY
Down needs movement while drying to prevent the filling from clumping. Tumble dry on low heat with a few dryer balls or clean tennis balls. They help redistribute the filling and restore its fluffiness.
YOU RUSH THE DRYING PROCESS
A down duvet or pillow may feel dry on the outside while still being damp inside. Be patient and tumble dry on low heat, pausing to remove and shake it before continuing until the down is completely dry.