How to freshen up a doona?

 There’s something almost ritualistic about changing the doona. You wrestle it into a fresh cover, fluff it with hope, and dream of sleeping like a log. But then you wonder—does it smell right? Is it still holding onto winter's damp mustiness? And more to the point: how do you freshen up a doona without ruining it?

Here’s how to keep your doona fresh, fluffy, and feeling like it belongs in a five-star hotel—all without turning it into a soggy clump.

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Can you freshen up a doona without washing it?

Yes, you can. If it’s not visibly dirty or smelly, sometimes all a doona needs is a bit of air therapy. Just like a pair of jeans doesn’t need a full wash after one wear, your doona can benefit from lighter maintenance.

Try this between washes:

• Air it outside: Sunshine is nature’s deodoriser and mild sanitiser. Hanging your doona on a clothesline or balcony for a few hours helps kill bacteria and moisture build-up.

• Use a fabric refresher spray: Choose one without overpowering fragrance. Look for sprays with antibacterial properties to tackle odour-causing germs.

• Give it a good shake and fluff: Redistributes the filling and knocks out any hidden dust.

• Tumble with dryer balls: Pop it in the dryer on air-only or low heat with wool dryer balls or clean tennis balls. This helps it puff back up and removes moisture.

Airing your doona every couple of weeks can make a huge difference. It also taps into Cialdini’s Consistency principle—doing small, regular things keeps the big stuff (like full washes) less intimidating.

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How often should you deep-clean your doona?

While doona covers protect from daily wear, the doona itself still absorbs sweat, skin cells, and dust mites over time. Most experts recommend a deep clean every 6 months, but it can vary:

• If you have allergies: Every 3 months.

• If you sleep hot or sweat a lot: Every 4 months.

• If you use it year-round: Aim for 2–3 times a year.

Yes, it feels like overkill until you consider this: your doona could be harbouring over 20,000 dust mites—and no one wants to cuddle that to sleep.

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Can you freshen a doona in the dryer?

Absolutely. The dryer is your doona’s best mate—if you do it right.

Set your dryer to:

• Low or medium heat for down and feather doonas (high heat can scorch the filling)

• Medium to high heat for synthetic doonas (polyester can handle more)

Add dryer balls to reduce drying time and prevent clumping. Want a shortcut to a hotel-fresh scent? Add a few drops of essential oil to the balls—lavender or eucalyptus are safe bets.

For detailed drying instructions, this guide breaks it down well . It includes how long to dry different doona types, common mistakes, and how to tell if it's actually dry inside (hint: it's often not).

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What if your doona smells musty?

A musty doona is usually a sign of moisture retention or bacterial build-up. Here’s how to fix it without washing immediately:

• Bicarb soda treatment: Sprinkle it generously over your doona, let it sit for a few hours, then vacuum it off.

• Sunlight + air movement: Hang it outdoors on a breezy day. UV rays help kill bacteria and the wind airs out the stuffing.

• Essential oil spritz: Mix a few drops of tea tree or eucalyptus oil with water in a spray bottle. Lightly mist your doona, then air it.

Don’t ignore persistent smells though—odour can be a cue for deeper issues like mildew. In that case, washing is the safest option.

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Can you wash all types of doonas at home?

Not all doonas are made equal. Check the care label first. Here's a quick cheat sheet:

Doona Type	Machine-Washable?	Dryer Safe?	Pro Tip
Feather & Down	Yes (gentle cycle)	Low heat	Use mild detergent, rinse twice
Wool	Sometimes	Rarely	Spot clean or dry clean
Microfibre	Yes	Yes	Fast-drying, great for regular washing
Bamboo	Usually	Medium heat	Naturally anti-bacterial
Cotton	Yes	Yes	Tends to shrink—avoid high heat

If your machine’s too small (hello, front-loader owners), consider taking it to a local laundromat or booking a professional cleaner.

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How do hotels keep doonas so fresh?

Hotels have a few unfair advantages:

• Industrial dryers that dry thoroughly and quickly

• Professional laundering with commercial-grade detergents

• Daily airing and fluffing by housekeeping staff

But you can mimic the effect at home with consistency and a few clever tricks:

• Use a removable doona cover and wash it weekly.

• Air your doona in sunlight whenever you change the sheets.

• Invest in a second doona, so you can rotate them and avoid moisture build-up.

It’s behavioural psychology at work—defaults and ease matter. If your doona’s already out of its cover during laundry day, you’re more likely to air it. That’s a micro-nudge in your favour.

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What's the best way to store your doona?

Storing your doona well is just as important as washing it.

Do this:

• Clean and fully dry your doona before storing.

• Use a breathable cotton bag—never plastic.

• Store in a cool, dry spot, preferably with a sachet of lavender or cedarwood for freshness.

Avoid this:

• Vacuum-sealing natural fibre doonas (it can crush the fill and ruin insulation)

• Storing in damp cupboards or garage spaces

Your doona should come out of storage ready to use—not smelling like an op shop.

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FAQ

Can I dry my doona in the sun?
Yes, especially in warm Aussie weather. Just avoid harsh midday sun for dark-coloured doonas—fading is real.

What if my doona clumps after drying?
Throw it back in the dryer with dryer balls or give it a vigorous shake. If it’s down, break up clumps by hand gently.

How can I tell if my doona is fully dry inside?
Hold it up to a light source—damp patches appear darker. Or press it—cool or squishy means it needs more time.

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The final wrap

Freshening up your doona doesn’t have to be a massive chore. Whether it’s airing it out, giving it a dryer refresh, or diving into a seasonal wash, small habits keep it in top form. And if you’ve ever wondered can you put a doona in the dryer without wrecking it, this guide spells it out-no guesswork required.