If you are lucky enough to have a down comforter then you know how wonderful it is to be wrapped up in a cocoon of warmth each night.
Down bedding is amazing in its ability to keep you work yet not be heavy or unwieldy like using multiple cotton or wool blankets.
Down as a filling is soft, airy and very cloud like.
It is the nature of down clusters to fill a space yet weight little that makes it one of nature's best insulators.
According to research only about 1 out of every 4 comforter uses or less will use a comforter duvet cover.
A duvet cover is a wonderful option for your bed because it covers your comforter completely and can be removed for easy care.
When properly covered with a duvet set a comforter can be washed perhaps just once a year, thus extending the life of the blanket to about three years.
It is not uncommon to find a down comforter in great condition after a dozen years.
It is advised to use a duvet cover because it limits the amount of wear and tear plus blocks facial and body oils, dirt and other cosmetic concerns.
When you sleep at night your body gives off not only body warmth but perspires.
This perspiration over time can cause comforters to smell due to bacteria growing on the surface.
So by using a duvet cover you can limit the amount of dirt and odor that a comforter may experience in everyday use.
Generally speaking it is advised to wash your duvet cover at least monthly but that decision is based on personal preferences.
Just like a comforter, duvets are typically made with a cotton fabric that will have its own set of care needs.
Cotton as a fabric for duvet covers is a great choice because cotton can breathe and as mentioned before you want a fabric that will help transport heat and humidity away from your body in excess amounts.
Most duvets come with a pattern or a color which helps to style to your bedroom.
In most cased duvets can range from using a 180 thread count fabric up to using 300 thread count sateen.
In most cases these type fabrics are very machine washable and dryable friendly.
If you have a duvet cover that features a fine fabric such as silk, rayon, bamboo or a high thread count cotton fabric like batiste, you will want to take even extra care of the duvet cover.
In fact fine fabrics like those will require dry cleaning and due to cost reasons will likely only be 'washed' every few months.
It is important to note that you should never dry clean a down comforter because it will ruin the down on the inside of the comforter.
If you have a down comforter that uses a fine fabric like silk or rayon it is really important to make sure to use a duvet cover.
It will definitely be worth the price of the cover because you will be able to extend the life of your comforter.