Washing down: The 5 most common mistakes

It's such a wonderful feeling to wake up on a fluffy down pillow, snuggled under a feather-light, down duvet. But did you know that your down-dream can suffer in the wash?

Here are the 5 most common mistakes, and how you can avoid making them.

WASHING THE DOWN TOO OFTEN
Instead, air it out and give it a shake! This helps the down stay fresh and puffy for longer. Do you need to wash it? If you really have to, then wash it in the machine at 60 degrees, but be aware that every wash will, unfortunately, affect the quality of your down.
USING A REGULAR DETERGENT WITH SURFACTANTS
The natural oils in down are destroyed by ordinary detergents and your duvet and pillow can lose their fluffiness. Use a soap-based washing powder or liquid instead.
We recommend Down Wash by Five Oceans.
USING FABRIC SOFTENER
Fabric softener damages down and causes it to lose its elasticity.
LETTING THE DOWN AIR DRY
Down pillows and down duvets should only be dried in a tumble dryer, and nowhere else.
BEING IN TOO MUCH OF A RUSH WHEN DRYING THE DOWN
Be patient and use the tumble dryer on low heat. After drying, remove the down items and give them a good shake. Then put them back in and continue to tumble dry them until the down is completely dry.

We've gathered the best washing and care advice for down duvets and pillows - so you can sleep long and well.