When we choose a duvet, many of us love the idea of natural fillings. They are associated with comfort, breathability and a more luxurious night’s sleep. But one little worry often comes up - is a natural-filled duvet more difficult to care for?
Life is busy enough without adding complicated laundry routines into the mix. With work commitments, family life and pets, we want bedding that feels comfortable and cosy but is also easy to look after.
Natural-filled duvets have had a reputation in the past for being high maintenance, with an assumption that they need specialist cleaning or they will get ruined if they go in the washing machine.
But this isn't always true, modern natural duvets, such as Larke's Nature's Blend Duvet, are designed for everyday life. Made with natural eucalyptus tree fibres (TENCEL™ Lyocell), it offers the comfort and breathability of a natural duvet without the complicated care routine many people expect. With the right care and by following the manufacturer's instructions, it is easy to look after and designed to be enjoyed rather than saved for best.
In this Snooze
Everyday life isn't spotless
However careful we are, accidents still happen. A cup of tea in bed, muddy paws, sticky fingers, menopausal night sweats, winter bugs or the inevitable sick child. Even without those mishaps, bedding naturally collects dust, body oils and moisture over time, so regular washing helps keep your duvet fresh and hygienic.
Just as we wash duvet covers, sheets and pillowcases regularly, our duvets need to be part of that routine too. But it doesn’t need to become a chore to dread.
Simple washing instructions
Always start by checking the care label on your duvet because washing instructions can vary depending on the specific natural filling.
For Larke’s Nature’s Blend Duvet, the process is simple:
A gentle detergent helps protect the natural fibres, while bleach should always be avoided as it can damage both the fabric and filling.
If your washing machine has a bedding or duvet programme, this can be a useful option, although a standard gentle wash is usually perfectly suitable.
One feature I particularly like is that the filling is quilt stitched into place, helping it to remain evenly distributed during washing and drying. It means there is no endless shaking or trying to move the filling back into place afterwards, something many people still associate with traditional feather duvets.
Can you tumble dry a natural duvet?
Many people assume a natural duvet must be air dried over several days or taken away for specialist cleaning. Thankfully, that isn't always the case.
Larke's Nature's Blend Duvet can be tumble dried on a low heat, making washing day much more practical.
Always follow the care label, but the recommended guidance is to:
Air it between washes.
Leaving your bed turned back while you shower lets overnight moisture escape and helps keep your duvet fresh.
Don't wash it more often than necessary
More frequent washing does not automatically mean better care. Using a duvet cover and airing your duvet regularly will help keep it fresh between washes. Simply leaving the bed turned back while you shower allows overnight moisture to evaporate before you make the bed. From time to time you can air your duvet outside or by an open window. These small habits can make a real difference.
Why natural fillings are worth the effort
Although caring for a natural duvet isn’t difficult, it is also worth understanding why so many people choose them.
Natural fibres are popular because they offer excellent temperature regulation. Rather than trapping heat, they help create a comfortable sleeping environment throughout the year, allowing air to circulate while helping you stay cosy when it's cold and comfortable when temperatures rise.
Larke’s Nature’s Blend Duvet uses natural eucalyptus tree fibres, which are known for being breathable and moisture-wicking. If you are someone who finds yourself waking up feeling too warm, or if you are dealing with menopausal night sweats, the extra breathability can make a real difference to the quality of your sleep.
For those who value comfort, breathability and a more luxurious sleeping experience, a natural duvet can become something they look forward to climbing into every night.
Practical enough for real family life
Sometimes luxury products are presented as things that need protecting from everyday life, but a natural duvet shouldn't feel like that.
I love that it feels like a duvet designed for a real home rather than one you feel nervous about using. Luxury doesn't have to mean high maintenance.
If you care for it sensibly and follow the washing instructions, you can enjoy sleeping under it without worrying about the next time it needs washing.
Luxury doesn't have to mean high maintenance.
Finally…
Like any quality bedding, Larke's Nature's Blend Duvet benefits from sensible care and following the manufacturer's guidance. A gentle 40°C wash, a mild detergent, no bleach and a low tumble dry are all it takes to keep it fresh and ready for another great night's sleep. If you've been putting off choosing a natural duvet because you thought it would be difficult to care for, it may be time to think again. Since swapping to a natural duvet, I’ve not looked back!
