How do you dry a feather down duvet?

To properly dry a feather down duvet, it's crucial to tumble dry it until completely dry.

Here's a detailed guide on how to dry your feather down duvet effectively:

The Importance of Tumble Drying

Plumping the Feathers: Tumble drying is the best method because it helps to fluff up the down feathers. The tumbling action separates the feathers, preventing them from clumping together. This ensures that your duvet remains soft and evenly filled. As stated in our reference, tumble drying helps to separate the feathers after washing.
Preventing Mildew: Unlike line drying, which can take a very long time, tumble drying rapidly dries the duvet. This reduces the risk of mildew growth, which can occur if the feathers remain damp for an extended period, according to our reference.

After Washing: Immediately transfer your duvet from the washing machine to a tumble dryer. Avoid leaving the wet duvet in the washing machine for too long to prevent potential issues with mildew.
Use a Low Heat Setting: Choose a low heat setting on your tumble dryer. High heat can damage the down feathers and the fabric shell of the duvet.
Add Dryer Balls: To help break up clumps of feathers and improve airflow, add a few clean tennis balls or dryer balls to the dryer. These will also help the duvet dry faster.
Check Regularly: During the drying cycle, periodically check the duvet to ensure it's drying evenly. If you notice any damp spots, continue to dry it.
Dry Thoroughly: The most important step is to ensure that the duvet is thoroughly dry. Damp feathers can lead to mold growth. The reference states that it is important to dry until thoroughly dry.
Air Out (Optional): After the tumble dryer cycle, let the duvet air out for a few hours before using it or putting it away. This helps remove any remaining moisture.

Long Drying Time: Line drying a feather down duvet takes a considerable amount of time. The longer it stays wet, the higher the chance of mildew and odor developing inside the duvet.
Uneven Drying: The feathers tend to clump together when drying on a line, resulting in a lumpy and unevenly filled duvet.
Risk of Mildew: If the feathers do not dry completely or quickly enough, mildew can form which can ruin the duvet.

Drying Method	Pros	Cons
Tumble Drying	Plumps feathers, prevents mildew, quick drying.	Requires a tumble dryer, might need multiple cycles.
Line Drying	Cost-effective if using a clothesline, no electricity cost.	Can cause mildew, feathers clump, very long drying time.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your feather down duvet is not only clean but also dry, fluffy, and ready for use.