New John Lewis duvet cover is so rough!

[BakedBeeeen]

How can I soften a new John Lewis 100% cotton duvet cover set? It has been washed once, and the fibres feel so rough. I ironed it to see if that would smooth it out a bit, but it didn’t really work much.
It was washed at 40 degrees with my usual fabric conditioner.
Please help!

This is the set:
www.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-stripe-duvet-cover-set/pistachio-multi/p112537422

I don't have this particular one but experienced the same with an M&S fitted all-cotton sheet. It made me realise that cottons vary and I go for silky/satin-finish cotton now. Sorry, no help I know but I feel your frustration!

Wash hotter - 60c It’s 100% cotton so it will be fine on hotter temp.

Use as little soap powder/ liquid as you can get away with. Extra rinse.

I think it's probably because it's a very low thread count.

It’s because the thread count is only 144.

Thanks - I wonder if a tumble dry would help? I usually only line dry bedding.

It's because it's a budget brand one, it looks nice though. Usually with the budget ones the poly cotton ones like they sell in the supermarkets or Argos are softer.

What’s the thread count?

The thread count is 144, I didn’t even look at that when choosing, as I presumed John Lewis would always be good quality!

I’m actually gutted as I really like the design. I’m going to try tumble drying with some dryer balls that I have.

It probably is good quality for the price, it looks lovely, I would tumble it with some balls, I do that with towels, often you can get away with half drying on the line with a quick tumble before and after.

Tumble dry it and also iron it as that can soften the fibres.

144?!

that is incredibly low op

I am surprised JL even sell a duvet cover with such a low thread count

It's impressive that it is pure cotton for a budget range but yes, it's a loose weave with probably quite coarse threads so won't feel silky smooth. A spell in the tumble dryer, even if you don't dry it all the way, should help.

Without being rude and echoing what other people have said it’s an anyday one , their budget range , equivalent to a cheap supermarket one unfortunately.
You need a higher thread count for softness in my experience, I’m a bedding snob and don’t go for less than 400 now

Yes I have a cheap £12 duvet cover from Asda and it’s lovely and soft. I’m sure it’s poly cotton.

Soak in a bicarbonate of soda for an hour or so followed by a white vinegar soak then machine wash again and you should have lovely soft sheets. If you don’t repeat!

And never use fabric conditioner on cotton bedding or on towels. It coats them in silicone and prevents them from absorbing moisture.

Tumble dry definitely, it always makes bedding (and towels) softer.

Try ironing it with a spray starch.

Not rude at all, I have now learnt my lesson with 100% cotton thread count!

Also agreeing with another poster, I have a really cheap polycotton one from Argos which is so lovely and soft.

Will try the above strategies to see if I can make it any better, otherwise I will chalk it up to experience…😕

OP - also M&S Egyptian Cotton, check the source.

It’s annoying that although it’s their cheapest it’s not cheap if you know what I mean ,
For £45 ( kingsize ) you’d expect better x

As well as the thread count, it is also the filament length of the cotton. This can vary depending on the quality of the cotton. The longer the filament length the better.
I have quite a few JL anyday items in my house and they mostly are fine.
I would be unhappy with washing on a higher temperature. Cotton can shrink.

As you have confessed your bed snobbery - please tell me what duvet you have?
Wool? Goose down?

I actually have expensive wool duvets. baavet is my favourite but the cat kept pissing on it so replaced it with a washable wool duvet from the wool room.