Down 101: How to Clean and Care for Your Duvets and Pillows

Nestling into a luxurious down duvet or resting your head on a plush down pillow is more than just an everyday comfort — it's an experience of blissful indulgence.

Down products stand out in the world of bedroom elegance for their unrivaled softness and lasting durability. However, maintaining their pristine condition and lavish comfort hinges on proper care.

Our guide is designed to unveil simple yet vital steps to ensure your down duvets and pillows remain as inviting and luxurious as they were from the start.

In this guide, you will learn the following:

  1. Understanding Down Products
  2. Routine Care for Your Down Bedding
  3. How to Clean Down Duvets
  4. How to Clean Down Pillows
  5. Professional Care With Guildcraft’s Refresh Service
  6. Your Pathway to Long-Lasting Luxury
  7. Why Guildcraft?

Understanding Down Products

Down, the soft undercoating of geese is prized in bedding for its warmth, lightness, and breathability. However, its delicateness and airiness require specialized care. Unlike synthetic fibers, down can clump and lose loft if not treated correctly. To ensure your down products' longevity and peak performance, it’s essential to understand and gently cater to their distinctive qualities.

Routine Care for Your Down Bedding

Caring for your down products doesn't have to be a daunting task. A little routine maintenance can go a long way in preserving their loft and ensuring they remain fresh and inviting. Consider these simple yet effective practices: 

  • Daily Fluffing: Shake your down pillows and duvets each morning to remove dust and maintain their loft.
  • Occasional Airing: Periodically refresh and eliminate moisture by hanging your down products outside.
  • Protective Covers: Use high-quality, breathable duvet covers and pillow protectors to shield them from oils, dirt, and skin cells.
    • Check the Label: When in doubt, always follow the specific care instructions provided by the manufacturer.

    How to Clean Down Duvets

    Even with the best routine care, down duvets will eventually need a thorough cleaning. Here's a step-by-step guide to ensure you do it right:

    1. Washing

    • Wash every 18-24 months, more if spills occur.
    • Use a front-loading washer without an agitator.
    • Opt for a gentle cycle with warm water and mild detergent.
    • Avoid fabric softener; it can coat the down, reducing its fluff.
    • Rinse well to remove all soap residues.

    2. Drying

    • Use a medium/high heat setting in the machine.
    • Include tennis balls to break clumps.
    • Expect a 1-2 hour drying time.

    Please note: over-washing can damage the down, so only wash your duvet when necessary.

    How to Clean Down Pillows

    Pillows require a slightly different approach compared to duvets. Here’s how you can keep your down pillows clean and fluffy:

    1. Washing

    • Use a gentle cycle with warm water and mild detergent.
    • Avoid fabric softeners as they can diminish the loftiness of the down and feathers.
    • Wash two pillows together to balance the load.
    • Run an extra rinse cycle to thoroughly remove the soap.

    2. Drying

    • Dry on a low heat setting in a large dryer.
    • Place a couple of tennis balls in the dryer to help fluff up the pillows.
    • Periodically hand-fluff the pillows to check their dryness.
    • Be aware that getting the pillows completely dry may take several cycles.

    Important Reminder: If you notice any clumps or unusual smells, it is likely because the pillow is not fully dry. Moisture may still be inside the pillow, even if the outside feels dry.

    Professional Care with Guildcraft's Refresh Service

    When your down products need more than a simple wash, Guildcraft's Down Duvet and Pillow Refresh Service is your go-to solution. Our experts specialize in rejuvenating down items with meticulous care. Here’s what we offer:

    • Expert Cleaning: We use specialized techniques and products tailored for down, ensuring a thorough yet gentle cleaning.
    • Restoration: Our service revitalizes your down products, aiming to restore their fluffiness and brightness for a 'first-night' feel.
    • Attention to Detail: Each item receives individual care, ensuring every down cluster is perfectly fluffed.

    Guildcraft's Refresh Service is more than just cleaning; it's about preserving the luxury and comfort of your down products for years to come.

    Your Pathway to Longlasting Luxury

    By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your down products remain as inviting and sumptuous as when they were new. And remember, when they need that extra touch of care – Guildcraft's Refresh Service is here to breathe new life into your cherished bedding.


    Embrace the comfort, enjoy the luxury, and sleep peacefully, knowing your down products are cared for with expertise and love.

    Shop Down Bedding Pillow and Duvet Refresh

    Why Guildcraft?

    • We carefully curate our bedding collections, sourcing the finest quality products, from premium fabrics to luxurious Canadian Down.
    • Expert Design Advice: Work with our experts to create spaces that blend aesthetic beauty with supreme comfort.
    • Our design studio customizes bedding to suit your preferences, crafting a sleep experience uniquely tailored to your comfort.
    • Each down piece is handcrafted, boasting a 20-year guarantee for unmatched quality and durability.
    • Bespoke Interior Solutions: Offering custom drapery, upholstery, and Canadian-made blinds and shutters, all with expert installation.
    • A Legacy of Excellence: With 40 years in the business, we specialize in transforming homes into elegant, comfortable retreats.
    • From the initial design to the final delivery, our commitment to your complete satisfaction remains our top priority.


    About the author: Cindy Guild

    Cindy Guild is a passionate entrepreneur and visionary who founded GuildCraft Duvets & Pillows in Guelph, Ontario in 1982. She used her unwavering commitment to quality, comfort, and innovation to build a company that brings quality-consistent and luxurious fabrics, linens and designs to customers.

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