duckdown duvet do i wash or not

[listenandlearn]

hi need some advice from you domestic godesses

I have a gorgeous duckdown duvet but i think needs cleaning i thought take up the launderette and wash (to big for my machine) but been told that not a good idea as they smell like a chicken coup after and my mate said she through hers out

Obviously i dont want to have to through it out as love it soooooooooo much and also realise they need thorough drying but will it still smell afterwoods

dont really want to dry clean it,so have any of you had any experience of this

thank you

It will reek to high heaven afterwards but mine was ok after (lots of) airing.

yeah they do smell vile.

if you can fit it in a tumble drier then do that, with a tennis ball to bump all the feathers about. helps with the smell i found

No direct knowledge/experience, but suggest you check if a dry cleaner would be the solution? Ask them about the smell issue though - and also about the cost, as I imagine it would be pricey.

I have my goose down duvet washed in the lauderette as it is too large for my machine,the main thing is that down must never,ever be washed in biological detergents as the enzymes will break down the down.You can buy a down friendly detergent on the Miele website or you can use ecover wool detergent.My duvet doesn't smell at all after laundering,but I pay for extra drying as they take an age to get properly dry and that might be why some smell fowl (grin).hope that helps!

thanks for answers,

just been reading yankee candle thread (love them to) and inspired me to order some so i have,maybe its an omen for the duvet washing

thanks

I wash my goose down duvet every year after heyfever season and it always came out fine so far. I go to the laundrette and use the big drum there on hot setting, use ecover delicate (about half a lid-cup) and I also use the driers there to make it nearly dry and then air dry at home for another day.