Dr. Barry Jarvis
One of the simplest ways to change up your bedroom’s look is swapping out your duvet cover. But wrestling the duvet into a snug fitting duvet cover can be frustrating. Follow this guide to learn the easiest methods for putting a duvet cover on smoothly.
We’ll walk through step-by-step instructions for button, zipper and corner tie duvet covers. You’ll also learn tips for keeping duvets securely in place, managing excess duvet fluff, and laundering covers properly so changing your duvet becomes simple. Soon you’ll change your duvet cover in minutes for a fresh bedroom look in no time.
Duvet Cover Basics
Before starting, let’s review the basics of duvet covers and inserts:
Duvet Cover – The removable outer fabric shell or case that slips over the insert to protect and embellish it. Comes with closures like ties, buttons or zippers.
Duvet Insert – The fluffy comforter insert filled with down, feathers, wool or down alternative that slides inside the duvet cover. Provides warmth and softness.
Benefits – Allows changing covers frequently for easy style updates. Covers protect duvets from body oils and spills so they stay cleaner longer.
If considering investing in a whole duvet set, make sure to get the right cover size to generously fit the insert. Then let’s get started making the bed!
Preparing to Change the Duvet Cover
Follow these tips before putting on clean duvet covers for the smoothest process:
- Wash and dry the duvet cover completely so it’s fresh and ready to go onto the bed. Air out down-filled covers fully.
- Empty the old duvet cover and shake out the insert to restore fluff if needed. Re-fluff dried out down in the dryer on air fluff.
- Ensure the insert will fit into the replacement duvet cover if the sizes differ. Too small is difficult; too large leaves excess fabric.
- Take off all jewelry rings or watches to prevent snagging delicate fabrics when changing the cover.
- Clear a large open area on the bed or floor to shake out the duvet easily.
- For two people, changing a duvet cover takes only a minute!
With some prep, you’ll make changing duvet covers quick and frustration-free.
How to Put on a Button Closure Duvet Cover
Button closure duvet covers are the most popular style. Follow these steps to easily put a duvet into a button closure cover:
Step 1
Turn the duvet cover inside out and lay it flat on the bed. Make sure the openings with buttons are undone so the cover lays completely open. Shake the duvet insert to fluff.
Step 2
Lay the duvet insert evenly on top of the duvet cover so it covers about 2/3 of the surface. Line up edges.
Step 3
Working together, have two people tightly roll up the duvet and cover into one big cylinder, pressing out any air pockets as you roll.
Step 4
Once rolled up, flip the cylinder so the loose edge with buttons is on the bottom. Slide your hands inside the untucked flap and unroll the duvet, guiding it gently into the cover.
Step 5
Once unrolled inside the cover, reach in the openings on the sides to grab the duvet corners. Pull them completely into the cover corners so the insert lies flat.
Step 6
Button up the closure openings snugly, adjusting and smoothing any extra fabric, pleats or puffs to create a sleek look. Insert pillows into shams and you’re done!
With teamwork, this process takes just a minute and results in a plump wrinkle-free duvet ready to style.
How to Change a Zipper Closure Duvet Cover
For even easier changing, opt for a duvet cover with a handy zipper closure. Follow these simple steps:
Step 1
Fully unzip the duvet cover and spread it out flat on the bed with the zipper opening on the bottom facing you. Fluff the insert if needed.
Step 2
Lay the duvet insert evenly over the open cover so it covers about 2/3 of the surface. Smooth to line up corners.
Step 3
Tightly roll up the duvet and cover together to press out excess air as you roll. Make sure you can access the zipper flap left open.
Step 4
Once rolled, turn the cylinder so the zipper opening is now on the top. Unroll the duvet while gently guiding it into the cover.
Step 5
Reach in through the bottom zipper opening to pull the duvet corners fully into the cover’s corners so it lies flat.
Step 6
Slip your hands inside to the zipper seam. Working around the cover perimeter, zip it up snugly making minor adjustments as needed.
Simply leaving one end open to insert the rolled duvet makes zipper covers a breeze to change.
How to Put on a Duvet with Corner Ties
Some duvet covers secure through discreet internal ties at the corners rather than full closures. Follow these instructions to pop a duvet into a tied cover:
Step 1
As with other duvet covers, start by turning it inside out and fully opening up the cover on the bed. Shake out the insert.
Step 2
Lay the open duvet cover on the bed. Place the duvet insert evenly on top, lining up corners.
Step 3
Working together, tightly roll up the duvet and cover from bottom up, smoothing and pressing to remove excess trapped air.
Step 4
Once fully rolled, flip the rolled cylinder with loose ends now at the bottom. Unroll the duvet, guiding it into the cover.
Step 5
Reach inside the untied cover corners to grasp the duvet corners. Pull duvet fully into cover corners and tie off internal corner ties.
Step 6
Smooth the exterior, adjusting any extra fabric or pleats, so the duvet looks sleek and wrinkle free. Insert shams to finish.
For minimalist covers with simple ties at corners, rolling and unrolling remains the fastest insertion method.
Special Techniques for Oversized Duver Covers
Extra large King and oversized duvets can be more challenging to wrangle into a cover neatly:
- Team up with two people, one on each side, for super-sized duvets.
- Use a large bed or flat open floor space to roll and unroll the bulky duvet smoothly.
- Roll extra tightly from each side into the middle to get more air out and create a tighter spiral, preventing looseness.
- Unroll slowly, smoothing continuously, to keep the duvet contained and centered in the cover.
- Adjust pleats and corners before refastening closures to remove excess bunching at seams.
Don’t fight with an oversized duvet – have a helper to wrap, stuff, straighten, and get crisp results.
Alternate Methods for Inserting Duvets into Covers
While the roll method works best, there are a couple alternate techniques to try:
Gathered Shake Method
Lay duvet cover inside out. Shake insert into the middle of the cover. Grab all 4 corners through the fabric and shake forcefully to fully insert duvet into corners of cover. Fasten closure. Works for smaller duvets.
Rolling Pin method
Lay open duvet cover on table. Place duvet insert on top matching corners. Roll tightly together using two rolling pins from opposite ends to press out air. Works best for twin/smaller covers.
Test out different approaches if you find one insert method doesn’t work well for your duvet set. The important thing is getting the duvet fully seated into cover corners.
Keeping Your Duvet in Place Inside the Cover
To prevent the duvet shifting around inside the cover, use these tips:
- Look for duvet covers with four internal ties at each corner you can fasten snugly to each corner of the duvet.
- Add larger ties, ribbon or fabric straps at each interior corner as ties to secure the duvet inside the cover.
- Use straight pins sparingly to temporarily tack duvet and cover together at problematic corners.
- For down comforters, use an inner “duvet mitt” slipcover with corner straps to wrap filling securely before inserting into the duvet cover.
- Remove and re-shake the duvet into place every couple months to redistribute and prevent clumping.
Securing the duvet inside prevents excessive shifting and maintains an even distribution of fluffiness.
Dealing with Excess Duvet Cover Fabric
If your duvet is smaller than the cover, you’ll end up with extra billowing fabric:
- Buy a properly fitting cover specifically made for your duvet’s dimensions.
- Use decorative duvet ties at corners pulled tightly to remove some slack in the fabric.
- Add an interior grid or mesh if included with the duvet cover to protect corners from poking through.
- Don’t make the bed as tightly – allow the excess fabric to incorporate into loose, relaxed bedding style.
- For dramatic excess fabric, take to a tailor and have them take in and shorten the cover sides so it fits properly.
- Last resort – insert a larger duvet insert if you prefer a more overstuffed plush look.
You want a smooth tight fit, not acres of wrinkled excess fabric. Take steps to remove the extra.
Caring for Duvet Covers
Follow these care steps to keep duvet covers looking fresh:
- Wash regularly every 2-3 months, more if soiled. Wash with gentle cycle and cold water.
- Use mild, high efficiency liquid detergent to prevent buildup. Vinegar helps brighten.
- Never use bleach or fabric softeners which damage fibers.
- Follow label drying guidance to prevent shrinking. Low heat or line dry is best.
- For stubborn wrinkles between washes, spot steam with an iron or steamer.
- Inspect before washing and hand treat any new stains immediately to avoid setting in.
- Zip up covers immediately when not on the bed to shield from dust and light.
Proper duvet cover care keeps them looking vibrant and lasting longer.
Washing Down and Down-Alternative Duvets
Special care protects the loft and warmth of down:
- Wash at laundromat with commercial machine every 2 years.
- Use mild powder detergent formulated for down. Avoid liquid detergents.
- Run 2-3 rinse cycles to fully remove soap.
- Dry thoroughly on low heat, adding tennis balls to fluff fill.
Down and down-alternative duvets require less frequent deep cleaning than covers. Air out down comforters periodically.
Storing Duvet Inserts Properly
Give duvets breathable space when not in use:
- Avoid cramming into tightly sealed containers which prevents airflow.
- Use large breathable cotton cases or duvet storage bags.
- If using a vacuum storage bag, choose type designed for down that won’t overly compress feathers.
- Store folded loosely during summer. Refold differently each season to redistribute fill evenly.
Proper airflow keeps stored duvets fresh for years between uses.
Troubleshooting Duvet Problems
Issue: Duvet insert is too small for the cover.
Solution: Replace with properly sized insert. Add interior ties to secure in place. Insert a larger duvet. Add a duvet cover insert to fill out.
Issue: Duvet bunches up unevenly in corners.
Solution: Unwrap and re-cover, smoothing continuously during insertion. Check size match. Add interior ties to secure.
Issue: Duvet cover gets wrinkled looking.
Solution: Dry with tennis balls to fluff filling. Steam wrinkles. Shake duvet insert inside cover to redistribute filling. Replace if cover fabric appears damaged.
Issue: Cover seems loose and flat with little fluff.
Solution: The duvet fill may be compacted. Dry on air fluff cycle with tennis balls to re-expand. Replace if duvet no longer has loft.
With some adjustments, you can resolve any duvet quirks that arise and keep your bedding lustrous.
Duvet Cover FAQs
How often should you wash a duvet cover?
Industry recommendations are to launder duvet covers every 2-3 months. Wash more frequently if covers become visibly dusty or soiled. Duvet inserts require less frequent washing – only every year or two unless heavily soiled.
How do you put a duvet in a duvet cover by yourself?
Lay the cover inside out. Shake the duvet into the middle of the open cover. Grab the corners through the fabric and shake forcefully to work it fully into the corners. This “burrito method” works best for lighter duvets. For larger/heavier duvets having a helper makes this much easier using the coordinated rolling method.
Why is my duvet cover so big?
Oversized duvet covers result when the dimensions don’t match the insert. Measure your duvet’s length and width and buy a properly sized cover. For excess fabric, add interior ties to secure duvet in corners to reduce slack. Or use an oversized insert to fill it out.
How do you keep a duvet insert in place?
Use interior corner ties or loops built into duvet covers that allow you to tie the duvet securely through the fabric. For covers without ties, sew ribbons into the corners as ties. Using an interior duvet cover with corner ties also helps keep the insert from shifting inside an outer duvet cover.
Why does my duvet get lumpy?
Duvet inserts can become uneven and lumpy over time if the filling becomes compacted. Running on air fluff cycle with tennis balls helps re-expand. Shaking the duvet around inside the cover to redistribute fill also helps. Replace duvet inserts that no longer recover their loft.
The Bottom Line
With the right techniques, changing your duvet cover becomes an easy way to refresh your bedroom in minutes. Follow our step-by-step instructions to get the process smooth – whether you have button, zipper or corner tie covers. A tightly wrapped rolling method works wonders to neatly tuck the insert inside most duvet covers. Securing ties prevent shifting while proper laundering keeps your duvet cover crisp and plush. Soon you’ll swap out your duvet for seasonal updates in no time.
Originally posted on September 19, 2023 @ 8:58 pm
Author
Dr. Barry Jarvis
Dr. Barry Jarvis is a renowned sleep specialist, dedicating their illustrious career to the intricate world of sleep medicine. Holding a medical degree from a prestigious institution, Dr. Jarvis has cultivated a deep understanding of the complex mechanisms that govern sleep and its pivotal role in overall health and well-being. With a compassionate approach and a meticulous eye for detail, Dr. Jarvis has helped countless individuals reclaim restful nights and vibrant days. Beyond their clinical expertise, they have contributed to groundbreaking research in sleep medicine, unraveling the mysteries of sleep disorders and pioneering innovative treatments that stand at the forefront of the field.
