How Often Should Doonas and Bedding Be Professionally Cleaned?

There is no single cleaning schedule that suits every doona, blanket or bedspread.

How often an item needs professional cleaning depends on how it is used, whether it has a removable cover, its filling and construction, any spills or marks, how it has been stored and the instructions on its care label.

Instead of relying on a fixed annual rule, inspect your bedding regularly and arrange an individual assessment when its condition, use or care requirements suggest that cleaning is due.

What affects how often a doona should be cleaned?

Two identical-looking doonas can have very different cleaning needs. One might be used every night, while another spends most of the year in a guest room or storage cupboard.

The main factors include:

• How frequently the item is used.
• Whether it is protected by a washable cover.
• Exposure to perspiration, body oils, food, drinks or pets.
• Visible stains, marks or changes in freshness.
• The filling, outer fabric and internal construction.
• Whether the item has been stored for an extended period.
• The care instructions provided by the manufacturer.
• Previous cleaning or stain-removal treatments.

A useful habit is to inspect bulky bedding when changing it for a new season or preparing a guest room. This does not mean it automatically needs cleaning at every changeover, but it provides an opportunity to check its condition.

Airing, washing the cover and cleaning the doona are different tasks

Routine bedding care often involves several separate steps.

A removable doona cover can usually be laundered more frequently than the filled doona inside it. Always follow the cover’s care label and separate it from the insert before cleaning when instructed.

Airing suitable bedding may help with day-to-day freshness, but it does not remove established stains or residues from within the fabric and filling. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and avoid prolonged exposure that could fade or otherwise affect the material.

Professional bedding cleaning deals with the complete item. The appropriate method depends on its care label, fibres, filling, stitching, size and condition. “Professional cleaning” does not necessarily mean that every doona is processed in exactly the same way.

Signs that your bedding should be assessed

Consider having a doona, blanket or bedspread professionally assessed when:

• There are visible stains, spills or discoloured areas.
• It has developed a noticeable or persistent odour.
• Food, drinks, cosmetics or other substances have been spilt on it.
• It has been used without a removable cover.
• Pets regularly sleep on or against it.
• It has been stored for an extended period.
• Guest bedding has had repeated use.
• You are uncertain whether it can be safely cleaned at home.
• Its size exceeds the practical capacity of your washing or drying equipment.
• The care label recommends professional cleaning.

Seek advice promptly after a spill rather than waiting for the mark to become older. Complete stain or odour removal cannot be guaranteed, but information about what caused the problem can help with the assessment.

Do not experiment with additional stain removers when you are unsure whether they are suitable. Some treatments may affect the colour, outer fabric or filling and can make later treatment more complicated.

Why the filling and construction matter

The word “doona” covers many different products. Fillings may include feathers, down, wool, cotton or synthetic fibres, and each item may be constructed differently.

Internal stitching and baffles help keep the filling distributed throughout the doona. Decorative trims, contrasting fabrics, coatings and previous repairs can also affect the available cleaning options.

Size matters too. Bulky bedding needs enough room during cleaning and must be dried thoroughly. If an item cannot move freely in your domestic equipment or you cannot dry it according to its care instructions, professional assessment may be the safer option.

Never assume that a cleaning method suitable for one doona is suitable for another. Check the attached care label first.

What should you tell your cleaner?

When you bring bedding to Premium Care, let us know:

• What caused any known stains or spills.
• Approximately when the incident occurred.
• Whether any products or home treatments have already been used.
• How the item is normally used.
• Whether it has recently been taken out of storage.
• Whether you have noticed damaged stitching, uneven filling or weak areas.
• Any deadline associated with guests, travel or a seasonal bedding change.

Leave the manufacturer’s care label attached. It provides important information, although the item’s present condition and construction must also be considered.

Each suitable doona, blanket or bedspread is inspected individually before the cleaning process is confirmed.

Preparing bedding for transport

Check the entire item before folding it, including the underside, edges and corners. Point out any areas of concern when you arrive.

Transport the bedding in a clean, dry bag or suitable covering. Do not seal a damp item in plastic or leave it in a wet or dirty location.

If the item is contaminated or unusually damp, call Premium Care before bringing it in so the circumstances can be discussed.

Storing bedding after cleaning

Bedding should be completely clean and dry before it is placed into storage.

Use clean storage materials and choose a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight and moisture. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions about folding or compressing the item, particularly for filled products that may lose their shape when tightly packed for long periods.

Inspect stored bedding before returning it to the bed. If it has developed marks, moisture, damage or an unusual odour during storage, have it assessed before use.

Start with an individual assessment

There is no universal answer to how often every doona should be professionally cleaned. Regular inspection is more useful than relying on a calendar alone.

Premium Care cleans suitable doonas, blankets and bedspreads, subject to their care instructions, construction, condition and current capacity.

Learn more about our doona and bedding cleaning service, or read our curtain preparation checklist when reviewing other household textiles.

Call (03) 9887 4998, send us an enquiry or bring the item to Premium Care Dry Cleaning at 245 Stud Road, Wantirna South for assessment.