How to keep your Zenbivy quilt fresh: Proper down cleaning & care

A clean quilt is not only more hygienic—it also keeps you warmer. But many people are hesitant to wash down products. Good news: it’s easier than you might think! In this blog, we’ll show you different methods for freshening up or thoroughly cleaning your Zenbivy quilt—depending on what it needs.

1. “Freshen” – the quick refresh in between

The easiest way to keep your quilt clean and odor-free all year round! Ideal for light dirt or removing unpleasant smells—without needing a full wash.

✅ What you need:

• Your quilt

• A small bucket of water

• Mild, non-greasy dish soap or soap

• A clean sponge or washcloth

• A towel for drying

• A dryer

• 1 damp bath towel

• 2–3 clean tennis or dryer balls

How to do it:

1. Lay your quilt flat.

2. Mix a few drops of soap into the water.

3. Dampen the sponge and gently remove dirt or stains. You can spot-clean or wipe down the entire quilt.

4. Rinse the sponge and remove any soap residue from the quilt.

5. Dry the treated areas with a towel.

6. Flip the quilt and repeat on the other side.

7. Put the quilt in the dryer—along with a well-wrung damp bath towel and 2–3 tennis or dryer balls.

8. Dry on low heat for about an hour—until the towel is dry.

Tip: If you just want to refresh the smell and reactivate the loft of the down, you can skip steps 1–6 and go straight to “steam-drying” in the dryer.

2. Hand wash – for a thorough clean

If your quilt is heavily soiled or has been in use for a long time, a hand wash is worth it. Yes, it takes a little longer—but it’s worth it!

✅ You need:

• Your quilt

• A bathtub or large tub

• Special down wash detergent (e.g. from Nikwax)

• 1–2 large towels

• A dryer

• 2–3 tennis or dryer balls

Step-by-step:

1. If needed, separate the sheet and quilt, open the foot box, and secure any loose straps.

2. Fill the tub with cold water. Place the quilt in and gently push it under until the down is completely saturated (this takes a while).

3. Add the recommended amount of down detergent.

4. Gently knead the quilt so the detergent spreads evenly.

5. Drain the water and gently squeeze out the water (do not wring!).

6. Refill the tub with clean water and rinse the quilt thoroughly. Repeat until no soap residue remains.

7. Gently press out the water again.

8. Lay the quilt on a large towel in the tub and lift it out together.

9. On the floor, carefully press out excess water until very little is left.

10. Put it in the dryer—along with 2–3 tennis or dryer balls. Dry on the lowest heat setting, and regularly fluff until completely dry.

11. Lay it out loosely and let it fully loft before storing.

3. Machine wash – only with a front loader!

If you’re in a hurry, machine washing is possible, but only under certain conditions.

Important:

• Only use a large front-loading washer (not a top loader!)

• Cold wash, gentle cycle

• Only use special down detergent

• No spinning, no fabric softener

• Be careful when moving it—wet down is heavy!

Dry as with the other methods: low heat, dryer balls, and regularly fluffing. And as always: wash less often, but properly.