If you’ve ever tried to fit a king-size duvet into a home washing machine, you’ll know how quickly the drum fills and how unevenly it washes. Domestic machines simply aren’t designed for bulky bedding. Launderettes, however, are made for the job. Their larger commercial washers and dryers can handle even the thickest duvets, giving them a proper deep clean.
So, can you wash a duvet at a launderette? Yes, absolutely. Most UK launderettes offer 12 kg to 18 kg machines that can take everything from a single to a super-king duvet. On average, it costs £8 to £14 for the wash and a few extra pounds to dry. The full process takes about 60 to 90 minutes, and the results are fresh, fluffy, and hygienic.
Duvet Washing Quick Facts
| Duvet Size | Machine Size | Wash Cost | Dry Cost | Total Time | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single | 8 kg | £5–8 | £4–6 | 60 mins | £9–14 |
| Double | 12 kg | £8–11 | £6–8 | 75 mins | £14–19 |
| King | 18 kg | £10–14 | £7–9 | 90 mins | £17–23 |
| Super King | 18 kg+ | £11–15 | £8–10 | 90 mins | £19–25 |
Washing your duvet in a machine that’s too small can lead to poor cleaning and even damage the fabric. Always choose a larger drum if you’re unsure, as a little extra space helps water and detergent move through the filling evenly.
Choosing the Right Machine Size
Every launderette offers a range of machines, and the size you need depends on your duvet.
- Single duvets fit easily into 8 kg washers.
- Doubles need around 12 kg.
- King or super-king duvets require at least 18 kg.
If you’re visiting a new launderette, it’s worth checking beforehand that they have large dryers too, since a damp duvet can develop mould if not dried completely.
How to Wash Your Duvet
Before heading out, check the care label on your duvet. Most can be washed at 40 °C, though feather and down fillings may need a delicate cycle and lower spin speed. Avoid any that say “dry clean only.”
At the launderette, remove the duvet cover and wash it separately. Inspect the duvet for small tears or loose seams, as these can worsen during washing. Fold the duvet loosely when placing it into the drum, leaving enough room for water to circulate.
Use a small amount of liquid detergent—around two or three tablespoons is enough. Too much soap can be hard to rinse out. If the launderette provides detergent automatically, you can skip this step.
Select a standard or cotton cycle for most synthetic duvets, and a delicate cycle for feather or down fillings. A warm wash at 40 °C is usually safest. Adding an extra rinse ensures no detergent remains trapped in the filling.
Drying Your Duvet
Drying is just as important as washing. Choose the largest dryer available and set it on a medium heat. Depending on the thickness of your duvet, it may take 40 to 60 minutes.
Check that the duvet is completely dry by feeling both the corners and the middle. If any areas feel cool or damp, run another short cycle. To keep the filling fluffy and evenly distributed, add two or three clean tennis balls or dryer balls to the drum.
What Types of Duvets Can You Wash?
- Synthetic or polyester duvets: The easiest to wash and dry. Standard 40 °C cycle, dries in 30–40 minutes.
- Feather or down duvets: Wash on delicate with a lower spin. Dry thoroughly with tennis balls to prevent clumping.
- Wool duvets: Check the label. Some are machine-washable on a cold, gentle cycle, but air drying is safest.
- Silk duvets: Should be dry-cleaned only.
- Memory foam toppers or weighted blankets: Often too heavy or absorbent for launderette machines—check the manufacturer’s instructions before washing.
How Often Should You Wash a Duvet?
Most people wash their duvets two to four times per year. If someone has been unwell, it’s best to wash the bedding immediately. Allergy sufferers may prefer to clean theirs every couple of months.
Your duvet cover should be washed weekly, as it protects the duvet and helps extend its lifespan. If your duvet smells musty, feels heavier than usual, or looks stained, it’s a clear sign it needs attention.
Cost Breakdown
Washing a duvet at a launderette is one of the most cost-effective ways to keep it fresh.
| Duvet Size | Wash Cost | Dry Cost | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double | £8–11 | £6–8 | £14–19 |
| King | £10–14 | £7–9 | £17–23 |
If you wash your duvet about four times a year, that’s roughly £56–76 annually for a double and £68–92 for a king.
Dry cleaning, by comparison, often costs £25–40 per duvet, so you could save £11–17 each time by using a launderette instead.
Pro Tips for Best Results
- Visit during quieter hours, such as weekday mornings, to avoid waiting for large machines.
- Don’t overload the washer. Duvets need space to move freely.
- Use the correct temperature for your filling type.
- Always check the duvet is completely dry before packing it away.
- Bringing a book or grabbing a coffee nearby helps the time pass while you wait.
Service Wash Option
If you’d rather not handle the process yourself, many launderettes offer a service wash. You simply drop off your duvet, and the staff wash, dry, and fold it for you to collect later the same day or the next.
Service washes usually cost between £18 and £30, which is slightly more than doing it yourself but ideal if you’re short on time or need to clean several duvets at once.