Nothing captures the imagination quite like down!
Airy and fluffy are words we hear often. But do you actually know if you’re allowed to wash your down duvet? And how is it possible that the discounter around the corner sells a 100% down duvet for a pittance?
What is the best down?
There are two types of down: duck down and goose down. The latter can originate from Europe or specifically from Mazuria, a region in Poland. The major difference between duck and goose down is the size of the cluster. Since a goose is larger, its down clusters are too. Consequently, you need less down to achieve the same level of warmth. The finest down comes from the nature-rich Mazuria. Mazurian goose down is characterized by its large clusters. The geese roam freely and have plenty of room to grow and live, resulting in large, insulating down clusters. Less material is needed for excellent insulation, so the result is an exceptionally light and comfortable down duvet.
Which down duvet is the best?
If you ask us what the ‘best’ down duvet is, there isn't just one answer. Preferences vary from person to person. However, we can state that a down duvet performs best at a down percentage of at least 90% (with 10% feathers). Duvets with a lower down percentage will feel slightly less fluffy and light. Nevertheless, these duvets still possess the excellent properties of down and are much kinder to your wallet.
I saw a 100% down duvet for less than €100 how is that possible?
There are significant price differences in the world of down duvets. Ed Kerkmeester, account manager at manufacturer Ducky Dons, explains: "It comes down to the amount of down inside the duvet. There are duvets with 15%, 60%, 90%, or 100% down, supplemented with feathers, which largely determines the price. There is also a price difference between duck and goose down. Additionally, the ticking (the casing that holds the down) can make a duvet cheaper or more expensive." A €100 duvet most likely contains a lower percentage of down and features a less refined casing than a higher-priced down duvet.
Can a down duvet go in the washing machine?
We generally advise against washing a duvet yourself. Theoretically, it is possible, but domestic washing machines are often not built for a large duvet. If you decide to wash it anyway, the temperature often rises too high, which can result in shrinkage or a broken washing machine. The manufacturer advises: “Preferably, do not clean your duvet yourself; have it done by a dry cleaner or a professional laundry service. This applies to drying as well. If the drying process isn't fast or thorough enough, a persistent musty odor can develop that is difficult to remove. And that is far from pleasant or comfortable to sleep under.”
And while we’re sharing tips for duvet maintenance, here’s another: always shake your duvet out by its width! Regular plumping ensures your duvet remains fresh and airy. If you do this width-wise, the down won't have the chance to shift through the duvet. Shaking it out length-wise too frequently can cause the down to shift so much that empty spots may appear.
How animal-friendly is down?
“I love down, but I feel so bad for the animals,” is something we hear quite regularly. We understand this completely! The main reason we at Weids Living and Sleeping collaborate with manufacturer Ducky Dons is that, like us, they want to be certain they are selling a responsible product. “We want to be able to trace where our down comes from and whether these companies ensure their ducks and geese live as pleasant and natural a life as possible. This means they are never, under any circumstances, live-plucked and that force-feeding does not occur. Only the feathers and down of ducks and geese already intended for meat consumption are used. The down is merely a byproduct,” according to the manufacturer.
Take a look at our range of down duvets. We have them in all shapes and sizes. And if you still have a question, feel free to call or email us!