Making your bed with fresh sheets and fluffy pillows is one of those chores that feels like it’s worth the effort. The relaxation can’t be beat once you sink into a freshly changed bed. However, working out how to put on a duvet is a challenge that has bested plenty of people over time. Duvet are lighter and easier to maneuver than the duvets that fill them, yet the contrast between the two parts can make them hard to unite into a single comfortable bed covering. Learn how to tackle that tricky duvet and how often to wash the two parts of this popular type of blanket.

What is the Purpose of a Duvet?

A duvet is a type of bed covering that falls into the same general category as comforters, quilts, and coverlets. It’s usually the topmost layer on a bed, above the sheets and other thinner blankets. The duvet is unique among other comforters and fluffy bed coverings in that it features two distinct parts. The duvet is separate from the duvet inside, making it easy to remove for cleaning. The fabric touching your skin can be washed regularly, while the heavy inner duvet is cleaned less frequently. It’s an essential arrangement when taking care of a duvet filled with down or other materials that could be damaged by constant washing. Most duvets are white or beige since the cover is what will be seen. That means you can invest in several different duvet covers to change the look of your bedding without owning a lot of different comforters that are bulky and hard to store.

What Goes Inside a Duvet?

The duvet is the part that goes inside the cover. While the entire assembly is also called a duvet, it’s technically the term for the blanket that stays protected by the cover. Some listings refer to the inner blanket as the duvet insert for clarity. You can use a duvet cover on a comforter to give it a new look or hide stains, but actual duvets work best for filling the cover. Duvets vary in filling materials, with options like goose down, synthetic quilt batting, or buckwheat shells inside. The word “duvet” is French for down, so it’s unsurprising that many duvets today are still filled with this traditional material.

What is the Best Way to Put a Duvet Cover on?

Even twin-sized duvets are large and heavy enough that they’re a little tricky to handle when putting the cover on. Removing the cover is as simple as undoing the fasteners and gently shaking the insert onto your bed. Air the duvet over a clothesline or your shower curtain rod while washing the cover. If possible, get the help of a family member for the task of putting the cover on. Toss any decorative bed pillows to the side and spread the duvet out on the bed. The key is to start along one edge and tug the material onto the other side without it coming loose. There are various tricks to achieving this goal that vary depending on the fastening method of the cover.

How to Put on a Duvet Cover With Ties

When tackling the challenge of putting on a duvet cover with ties, it all starts with turning your duvet cover inside out. This is especially important if you have one with ties because most covers will feature small ties in the four corners that anchor the cover to the duvet. If you miss tying the corners on, you’ll find your duvet bunching up inside the cover. Attach all four corners to the corresponding loops or knobs on your duvet.

Once the cover is attached, reach inside it along the top edge of the fold. Work your hands into the two corners that correspond to the top corners. When you have them, use your arms to flip the fabric over and wrap it around the edge of the duvet without lifting it too much. Keep working the fabric over to the right side, moving down to the far edge of the duvet. Tie the cover shut, shake the whole duvet to redistribute the insert and align everything.

Putting on a Duvet Cover With Buttons

Getting used to how to put on a duvet cover with buttons is very similar. If the duvet has buttons over the surface to anchor it to the cover, you’ll need to flip the cover inside out and attach it first before spreading the fabric and flipping it right side out. You can use an easier method for covers that are loose inside and only close with buttons along the open seam.

You spread the inside-out duvet cover over your bed first. Make sure the open seam of the cover is facing the bottom. Then, you lay the duvet itself over the top and align them. Roll the two of them together, starting from the top of the bed and working to the bottom. Grab the open seam of the reversed duvet cover and start pulling it right side out over the insert. As you pull it, the duvet should stay tightly rolled. Fasten the buttons shut around the blanket. Hold onto the closed seam and the insert edge, then shake the roll until it unrolls inside.

How to Put on a Duvet Cover With Zippers

Zipper duvet covers rarely tie or attach to the insert, making them easy to put on with any method you prefer. It’s always easier to start with a reversed or inside-out cover. Trying to fit a cover that’s right side out around the duvet will only leave you fighting the fabric as it works loose from one corner or another.

How to Put on a Duvet Cover by Yourself

The method of covering the rolled insert and shaking it to unroll it is likely the best method if you’re alone. Trying to use the traditional method of tugging the fabric down over the duvet will only exhaust you and leave you with an uneven fit. You might also try hanging your duvet over a rack or on your shower rod and then working the cover-up from the bottom to let the weight of the blanket help you with the process.

How Often Should You Clean Your Duvet Cover?

While you might prioritize cleaning your sheet sets at least once a week, you can go a little longer when using a duvet cover. Part of learning how to use a duvet cover is getting used to cleaning it every two to four weeks. The duvet insert should be cleaned at least once every six months, but due to its filling material, it may need dry cleaning or other special handling.

Prepare a luxurious bedtime experience for yourself by changing your duvet cover more often and with less struggle. If you find it difficult to lift and move your blanket when covering it, invest in a lighter duvet insert from us here at Ashley