How To Put A Duvet Cover On The Right Way

Putting on a duvet cover. It’s one of those tasks that no one tells you how to do properly. So, each time you need to change your duvet cover, you ask for help and clamber your way through it. And even then, despite the excess shaking, you’re still left with a wrinkly mess. Sound familiar? What if we told you there’s a better way. 

Whether you’re working with a duvet cover for a king bed, a duvet cover for a queen bed, or even a duvet cover for a kid's bed, the technique you’re about to learn is effective across the board. In this guide, we will explain our favourite duvet cover changing method and explain why it’s a good idea to change your duvet cover often. 

Here’s a breakdown of what we cover in this handy guide:

What’s the purpose of a duvet cover

Why it’s important to put a duvet cover on correctly

How often you should clean your duvet cover

Step by step for putting on a duvet cover

How to take a duvet cover off

How to tell when it’s time to replace a duvet cover

The range of duvet cover options at Briscoes

Let’s dive in!

What’s the purpose of a duvet cover

It can be helpful to think of your duvet cover sort of like a pillowcase for your duvet inner. In the same way that it’s a lot easier to wash your pillowcase than the pillow itself, it’s a lot more convenient to wash your duvet cover than the duvet inner itself. In fact, many people even take their duvet inner to the dry cleaner for a thorough clean. 

Luckily, you can put your duvet cover into your washing machine at home. Depending on the colours, you may even be able to put your duvet cover into the wash with your sheets.

Another reason for having a duvet cover is to provide style and colour to your bedroom. There are some stunning duvet covers out there that can add luxury to your space. You can also easily update your duvet cover to fit your current taste.

Why it’s important to put a duvet cover on correctly

There are several main reasons it’s important to ensure your duvet cover is put on correctly. For most people, it comes down to looks. If your duvet cover is not put on correctly, the duvet cover can look wrinkled and clump up. As well as looks, if your duvet cover isn’t laid out evenly, it can mean that parts of the bed are cold at night. This can ultimately lead to a night of bad sleep. If you don’t get enough sleep, it can then lead to health issues. 

Top tip: For these same reasons, it’s also important to choose the right duvet cover size. Whether you’re fitting a duvet cover for a king single or duvet cover for a double. 

How often you should clean your duvet cover

There isn’t a set rule for how often you should clean your duvet cover, as this will depend on a few different factors. If you have a cat that sleeps at the end of your bed or you’re partial to breakfast in bed on the weekend, you may want to wash your duvet weekly. Another key factor that will impact how often you should clean your duvet is whether you have a top sheet or not. 

Top tip: A top sheet is a large sheet layered underneath your duvet cover. It sits between you and your duvet when you’re in bed. 

If you have a top sheet

Even if you shower before you go to bed, your body will still sweat during the night. As you’d imagine, a top sheet means that your duvet cover is better protected from your body during the night. If you do sleep with a top sheet, it’s recommended that you wash your duvet cover every couple of weeks. 

If you don’t have a top sheet

Some people prefer to not sleep with a top sheet. Although doing this may seem like it’s going to save you from regularly washing an extra sheet, you’ll need to wash your duvet cover more often anyway. If you don’t use a top sheet, it’s recommended that you wash your duvet cover at least once a week.

Of course, if you have a significant spillage or your duvet cover looks visibly messy, it should be washed straight away. This same goes for cleaning your mattress, although that process is a different kettle of fish. Read or helpful guide for tips on protecting your mattress for some mattress pointers. 

Step by step for putting on a duvet cover

There are plenty of so-called life hacks out there. Given that some life hacks are not overly necessary, we’re reluctant to put our duvet cover method in that category. In saying that, we do believe this technique is life-changing because it makes changing a duvet cover so quick and easy. Whether your duvet cover is linen or polyester, this step by step process will work well. 

Step 1: Turn your duvet cover inside out

To start the process, turn your duvet cover inside out and lay it on your bed ensuring it is completely flat. Ensure that the duvet cover opening is at the top end of the bed. 

Step 2: Lay out your duvet inner

Now, get your duvet inner and simply lay it out on top of your inside-out duvet cover. Do so, ensuring that the duvet inner is also completely flat and stretches out to each corner of your duvet cover. 

Step 3: Start rolling

Let the good times roll. Starting at the bottom, grip the end of the duvet cover and duvet inner together. Then, begin to roll. The roll doesn’t need to be very tight, but it shouldn’t be overly loose either. As you roll, simply pull the remaining laid out duvet inner and duvet cover towards you. 

Step 4: Open the duvet cover

Now’s when the magic happens. Once you’ve completed your roll, reach the opening of your duvet cover. Then, pull the duvet cover through the opening to turn the roll inside out. 

Step 5: Unroll

For the final step, slowly unroll the duvet out onto the bed. Give the duvet a good shake to get rid of any wrinkles, and voila!

How to take a duvet cover off

Taking a duvet cover off is a relatively easy process and doesn’t require a step by step guide. The best way to approach this is by opening the duvet cover and pulling the duvet inner through. Just try not to be too rough so you avoid damaging any buttons or zip on the duvet cover.

How to tell when it’s time to replace a duvet cover

Unfortunately, your duvet cover will eventually need replacing, no matter how frequently your wash it and look after it. Signs that you need to replace your duvet cover include:

• Colour fading
• Stitching coming undone
• Stains that won’t wash out
• Rips and tears
• Broken zippers, buttons or fastenings

Depending on the quality of your duvet cover, you should expect your duvet cover to last about five years if looked after well. When it does come time to replace your duvet cover, browse our extensive range online. If you discover that your duvet inner needs replacing, have a read of our handy guide to duvet inners.   

Top tip: Much like outerwear or shoes, the more duvet covers you have to spread the wear, the longer they will last. Plus, it saves you that miserable moment when you just want to go to bed but realise your one duvet cover is still on the washing line!

The range of duvet cover options at Briscoes

At Briscoes, we’re proud to offer a wide variety of top quality duvet covers and duvet cover sets from leading suppliers. Whether you're after a brushed cotton winter duvet cover or a light duvet cover for summer, we’ve got you covered in every size. The brands that we offer include:

• Esprit
• Twill & Co
• Kas
• Fieldcrest
• Gracious Living
• Royal Doulton
• Poppiseed
• Resene
• UrbanLoft
• Abode
• Hotel @ Home
• Mambo
• Design Plus
• Royal Premiere

You can also search for your dream duvet cover by size or price. Otherwise, you can filter specifically if you’re looking for bold prints, textures or even matching co-ordinates.