Dressing your bed with fresh sheets and fluffy pillows is one of those tasks that feels worth the effort. There’s no beating the relaxation of sinking into a freshly made bed. However, figuring out how to put on a duvet cover is a challenge that many people have overcome over time. Duvet covers are lighter and easier to maneuver than the comforters they fill, but the contrast between the two parts can make it difficult to unite them into one cozy bed covering. Learn how to deal with this difficult duvet and how often to wash both parts of this popular type of blanket.
What is the purpose of the quilt?
A comforter is a type of bedding that falls into the same general category as duvets, comforters, and covers. It is usually the top layer on a bed, over sheets and other thin blankets. A comforter is unique among other comforters and thin bedding because it has two distinct parts. The duvet cover is separate from the inside of the comforter, making it easy to remove for cleaning. The fabric that touches your skin can be washed regularly, while the heavier inner comforter is cleaned less frequently. It is an essential arrangement when caring for a comforter filled with feathers or other materials that can be damaged by frequent washing. Most comforters are white or beige because the cover is what will be seen. This means that you can invest in several different duvet covers to change the look of your bedding without having a lot of different bulky comforters that are difficult to store.
What’s inside the quilt?
A duvet is the part that goes inside the cover. While the entire set is also called a duvet, it technically refers to the blanket that is protected by the cover. Some listings refer to the inner blanket as the duvet filling for clarity. You can use a duvet cover on a duvet to give it a new look or hide stains, but actual duvets work best to fill the cover. Duvets vary in filling materials, with options such as goose down, synthetic duvet filling, or buckwheat hulls inside. The word “duvet” is French for down, so it’s no surprise that many duvets today are still filled with this traditional material.
What is the best way to put a duvet cover?
Even twin-size comforters are large and heavy enough that they can be a bit difficult to handle when putting the cover on. Removing the cover is as simple as undoing the fasteners and gently shaking the cover out onto your bed. Air the comforter over a clothesline or shower curtain rod while you wash the cover. If possible, have a family member help with the task of putting the cover on. Toss any decorative pillows to the side and spread the comforter out onto the bed. The key is to start along one edge and pull the material out the other side without it unraveling. There are different tricks to achieving this that vary depending on how you attach the cover.
How to put on a duvet cover using ties
When tackling the challenge of wearing a duvet cover with ties, it all starts with turning the duvet cover inside out. This is especially important if you have a duvet cover with ties because most covers have small ties at the four corners that hold the cover to the duvet. If you forget to tie the corners, you will find your duvet bunched up inside the cover. Tie all four corners to the corresponding loops or handles on the duvet.
Once the cover is pinned, reach inside along the top edge of the fold. Place your hands at the two corners opposite the top corners. When you have them, use your arms to flip the fabric over and wrap it around the edge of the quilt without lifting it too much. Continue moving the fabric to the right side, moving to the far edge of the quilt. Fasten the cover, shaking the entire quilt to redistribute the filling and align everything.
Put the duvet cover with buttons
Getting used to how to put on a buttoned duvet cover is very similar. If the duvet has buttons on the top to attach it to the cover, you will need to turn the cover inside out and pin it first before laying out the fabric and turning it right side out. You can use an easier method for covers that are loose on the inside and only close with buttons along the open seam.
Lay the inside-out duvet cover out on your bed first. Make sure the open seam of the cover is facing down. Then place the duvet itself over the top and align them. Roll the two together, starting at the top of the bed and working down. Grasp the open seam of the inside-out duvet cover and begin pulling it right side out over the filling. As you pull, the duvet should remain tightly rolled. Fasten the buttons around the blanket. Grasp the closed seam and the edge of the filling, then shake the roll so that it opens inward.
How to put on a duvet cover with zippers
Zippered duvet covers are rarely attached or fastened to the filling, making them easy to wear any way you like. It’s always easiest to start with a cover turned inside out. Trying to put a cover right side out around the duvet will only leave the fabric unraveling at one corner or another.
How to put a duvet cover yourself
The method of covering the rolled up filling and shaking it out is probably the best method if you are on your own. Trying to use the traditional method of pulling the fabric down over the comforter will only tire you out and leave you with an uneven position. You can also try hanging the comforter over a shelf or shower rod and then working the comforter from underneath to let the weight of the blanket help you with the process.
How often should you clean your duvet cover?
While you may prioritize cleaning your sheet sets at least once a week, you can spend a little more time with your duvet cover. Part of learning how to use a duvet cover is getting into the habit of cleaning it every two to four weeks. A duvet insert should be cleaned at least once every six months, but because of its filling material, it may need to be dry cleaned or otherwise treated with special care.
Prepare yourself for a luxurious sleeping experience by changing your duvet cover more frequently and with less effort. If you find it difficult to lift and move the blanket when covering it, invest in a lighter weight duvet insert from us here at Ashley.
