How to Wash and Care for Cotton Duvet Covers Properly
Whether you are refreshing your bedding for spring or simply want your favourite duvet covers to last longer, knowing how to wash and care for them correctly makes a noticeable difference. Cotton is a natural fibre that rewards gentle, consistent care. When washed properly, high quality cotton duvet covers can retain their softness, colour clarity, and structure for many years.
At Leruum, our cotton bed linen is designed to be durable, colourfast, and soft washed for everyday comfort. With the right laundry habits, your bedding will continue to look and feel the way it did when you first placed it on your bed. Below are our expert approved care tips to help you protect your duvet covers while also reducing unnecessary energy use.
1. Choose the Right Wash Temperature for Cotton Bedding
Our 100 percent cotton duvet covers are safe to wash at temperatures up to 40 degrees Celsius. This temperature is particularly useful for deeper cleaning, seasonal refreshes, or during allergy periods when hygiene is a priority.
For everyday use, however, washing at 30 degrees Celsius is more than sufficient. Lower temperature washing helps preserve cotton fibres, reduces colour fading, and limits fabric stress over time.
From an environmental perspective, washing at 30 degrees can reduce energy consumption significantly compared to hotter cycles. This makes it a practical choice for both fabric longevity and sustainability.
2. Dry Gently to Protect Cotton Fibres
Cotton bedding benefits greatly from gentle drying methods. Leruum duvet covers can be tumble dried on a low heat setting, but air drying remains the most fabric friendly option whenever possible.
Line drying or indoor rack drying helps minimise fibre wear, reduces the risk of shrinkage, and maintains the natural texture of cotton. It also supports a lower energy household routine.
If you do use a tumble dryer, remove the bedding promptly once dry to prevent unnecessary creasing and heat exposure.
3. Use a Mild and Eco Conscious Detergent
The detergent you choose has a direct impact on how your duvet cover ages. Harsh detergents, optical brighteners, and bleach based formulas can weaken cotton fibres and cause gradual dullness in colour.
We recommend using a gentle, non bio detergent that is free from aggressive additives. This is especially important for bedding that comes into prolonged contact with skin.
All Leruum cotton bed linen is Oeko Tex certified, meaning it is produced without harmful substances. Using skin friendly, eco safe detergents helps maintain that standard throughout the life of the product.
4. Avoid Fabric Softener and Let Cotton Breathe
Fabric softeners may seem appealing, but they often coat cotton fibres with residue that reduces breathability and absorbency over time. This can make duvet covers feel less fresh after repeated use.
A simple and effective alternative is white vinegar. Adding half a cup during the rinse cycle softens cotton naturally and helps remove detergent build up without damaging the fabric.
Once dry, there is no vinegar scent left behind, only clean, naturally softened bedding.
5. Wash Bedding Separately and Avoid Overloading
Cotton duvet covers should always be washed separately from towels or heavy garments. Towels have a rougher texture and can cause friction that damages finer cotton weaves.
Overloading the washing machine is another common issue. Bedding needs space to move freely so that detergent can rinse out properly and fibres are not compressed during the cycle.
Giving your duvet cover room to breathe helps maintain its shape and finish wash after wash.
6. Iron Carefully or Embrace Natural Cotton Texture
If you prefer a crisp finish, cotton duvet covers can be ironed on a medium heat setting. Ironing while the fabric is slightly damp makes the process easier and more effective. Always iron inside out to protect stitching and surface finish.
That said, many customers choose not to iron at all. Soft washed cotton is designed to drape naturally, offering a relaxed, clean look that works well in modern bedrooms.
Both options are equally valid depending on your personal preference.
7. Preserve Colour and Print with Simple Habits
Leruum duvet covers are produced using colourfast printing techniques designed to resist fading over time. Even so, a few simple habits can help preserve vibrancy even longer.
Wash darker colours and patterned bedding inside out, and avoid drying in direct, prolonged sunlight. These small steps help maintain colour depth and clarity without extra effort.
Caring for Your Bedding Long Term
Proper care is not about complicated routines, but about consistency. Gentle washing, mindful drying, and suitable detergents make a measurable difference to how your duvet covers perform over time.
By adopting these habits, you protect your bedding investment while also supporting a more conscious approach to home care.
Explore the full Leruum collection of cotton duvet covers and bedding sets, designed for lasting comfort, reliable quality, and everyday ease.
