When was the last time you washed your doona?

Our doonas are a breeding ground for dust mites and bacteria, as well as collecting sweat and skin cells from us while we sleep. Considering we spend up to 35 per cent of our lives in bed, that is a lot of organic matter collecting in our bedding. In fact, if a doona hasn’t been washed for a year, it could be home to more than 20,000 dust mites. Yuk!  

Opinions differ on how often doonas should be washed, from 4 times a year, to once or twice a year. Either way, we’re probably not washing them as often as we should, if ever!  

Synthetic fibre doonas should be washed in a large machine on a normal spin cycle at 60 degrees Celsius, or as high as the care label suggests. Dry in the tumble dryer, or in direct sunlight outside.  

If your doona is made from natural fibres, you should follow the care instructions carefully. It’s even more important that natural fibres dry thoroughly as the filling can hold on to moisture and start to rot.  

Not many homes would have a washing machine and tumble dryer big enough to cope with large sized doonas, which is why it’s best to take them to your local laundromat where they have larger machines. This way, you can make sure your doona is washed and dried properly, keeping it in good condition. And in most local laundromats, they offer a wash/dry service so you can just drop it off and pick it up later - which is the easiest way to make sure your doona is clean and healthy.

‍