At this time of year, many customers contact us to get advice on washing and caring for their down products. Many people don't want to fully wash their duvet, but are looking for ways to freshen them up. The best way to air out a down duvet is outside on a lovely, dry day. (Just like the painting of the duvets hanging out the windows in Austria). I like to do this on my deck outside, laid across some lawn chairs, and under my patio umbrella (since we have lots of migrating birds at this time of year) to protect my white duvet from overhead messes! Full washing instructions can be found on our site as well.
Pillows can be freshened up in the dryer on a fluff cycle, or light heat. Be sure to check the product often. You do not want it to cover the heating element. Dryer balls are a wonderful way to fluff up down pillows and duvets. I prefer wool dryer balls over and plastics (and they are far more environmentally friendly). Watch our site in the coming days, we will be carrying locally made, beautiful custom wool dryer balls. They work wonders. More on that soon!
If you are changing a heavier weight duvet to a lighter weight duvet for the warmer months, be sure to store the duvet in a breathable (NOT plastic) bag - ours come with our signature breathable bags. Plastic storage bags, and vacuum bags are not advisable for down products as they can crush the product, and can flatten it faster over time. Air is important to maintain loft. Humidity is also a factor for storage. Keep your down product in a dry area of your home, and avoid humidity.
The best tip of all? In all seasons, FLUFF your duvet daily. It will help maintain the loft of the down, and preserve the longevity of your products. 45 seconds is all it takes to make a bed with a duvet on it!