Changing a duvet cover is one of those household tasks that often feels more challenging than it should. Wrestling with a duvet and cover can be frustrating, especially when it doesn't quite line up or ends up lumpy and uneven. Fortunately, there are several effective methods to make this process easier, each with its own advantages. Whether you're a traditionalist, prefer a creative approach, or just want to get the job done quickly, this guide will walk you through the best techniques for putting a duvet cover on with minimal hassle.
Why Bother With a Duvet Cover?
Before diving into the methods, it's worth understanding why a duvet cover is so essential. A duvet cover acts as a protective layer for your duvet, shielding it from dust, dirt, and spills. It’s much easier to wash a duvet cover regularly than it is to clean the entire duvet. Additionally, duvet covers allow you to change the look of your bedding with minimal expense and effort. Whether you're switching up your bedroom decor or just want a fresh, clean bed, changing the duvet cover is a simple and effective solution.
The Traditional Method: A Tried-and-True Approach
The traditional method is a favorite for those who like to stick to the basics. This technique is straightforward, and once you’ve mastered it, you’ll be able to change your duvet cover quickly and efficiently.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preparation:Start by turning your duvet cover inside out. Lay it flat on your bed with the opening at the foot of the bed.
- Align the Duvet:Place your duvet on top of the cover, ensuring that the corners are aligned with the corners of the cover. If your duvet cover has ties or snaps, attach them to the loops on the duvet to keep it in place.
- Start Flipping:Beginning at the head of the bed, reach into the duvet cover and grab the top corners of the duvet. Hold onto these corners tightly and begin turning the cover right-side out by pulling it over the duvet. As you do this, the duvet will start to slide inside the cover.
- Shake and Adjust:Once the cover is mostly turned right-side out, give it a few good shakes to help the duvet settle evenly inside the cover. Smooth out any wrinkles or lumps, and adjust the corners if necessary.
- Final Touches:Close the duvet cover using the buttons, snaps, or zipper at the foot of the bed. Give the duvet a final shake to ensure it’s evenly distributed inside the cover.
This method is reliable and works well with most duvet covers and inserts. The key is to keep the duvet as flat and aligned as possible during the process, which will make the final adjustments much easier.
The Burrito (or Roll) Method: Creative and Fun
The burrito method is a clever and slightly more playful approach to changing your duvet cover. It’s particularly useful if you struggle with the traditional method, as it involves less flipping and more rolling.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preparation:Lay the duvet cover inside out on top of your bed, with the opening at the foot of the bed. Place your duvet on top of the cover, aligning the corners carefully.
- Start Rolling:Begin at the head of the bed and roll the duvet and cover together towards the foot of the bed, creating a tight, burrito-like roll.
- Encase the Duvet:Once you’ve rolled the duvet and cover all the way to the foot of the bed, reach into the opening of the duvet cover and flip it over the rolled duvet. This step can be a bit tricky, but take your time to ensure the duvet is fully encased in the cover.
- Unroll and Adjust:Slowly unroll the duvet and cover towards the head of the bed. As you unroll, the duvet should slide smoothly into the cover, aligning perfectly with the corners.
- Final Touches:Close the duvet cover and give it a good shake to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
The burrito method is ideal for those who prefer a more hands-on approach and enjoy the satisfaction of watching their duvet cover effortlessly slide into place. It’s also a great option for larger or bulkier duvets that can be difficult to manage with the traditional method.
The Stuffing Method: Quick and Easy
If you’re in a hurry and need to get the job done fast, the stuffing method is your best bet. While it’s not as precise as the other methods, it’s quick and can be surprisingly effective with a little practice.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preparation:Lay your duvet cover on the bed, inside out and with the opening at the foot of the bed.
- Stuff the Duvet:Starting with one corner, begin stuffing the duvet into the cover. Work your way down the length of the duvet, stuffing it into the cover as you go. You don’t need to be too precise at this stage; just focus on getting the duvet inside the cover.
- Align the Corners:Once the duvet is mostly inside the cover, reach into the corners of the cover and pull the corners of the duvet into place. This step can be a bit challenging, especially with larger duvets, but taking the time to align the corners will make the final adjustments easier.
- Shake and Adjust:Give the duvet a few good shakes to help distribute it evenly inside the cover. You may need to smooth out any wrinkles or lumps by hand.
- Final Touches:Close the duvet cover and give it a final shake to ensure everything is in place.
The stuffing method is all about speed and efficiency. While it might not result in a perfectly aligned duvet every time, it’s a great option for those who need to change their duvet cover quickly or don’t mind a bit of extra fluffing and adjusting afterward.
Additional Tips for a Perfectly Made Bed
No matter which method you choose, these additional tips can help ensure your duvet cover goes on smoothly and stays in place:
- Secure the Corners:Many duvet covers come with ties, snaps, or buttons inside the corners to help keep the duvet in place. If your cover doesn’t have these features, you can add your own by sewing a small piece of ribbon into each corner of the cover and the duvet.
- Use a Bed Skirt or Clips:If your duvet cover is slightly larger than your duvet, a bed skirt can help keep everything looking tidy and in place. You can also use duvet clips to secure the corners of the duvet to the cover, preventing it from shifting around inside the cover.
- Fluff and Shake:After the duvet cover is on, give it a few good shakes and fluffs to ensure the duvet is evenly distributed inside the cover. This will help eliminate any lumps or unevenness and give your bed a smooth, polished appearance.
- Choose the Right Duvet Cover:The material and size of your duvet cover can make a big difference in how easy it is to change. A slightly larger cover can make the process easier, while a snug-fitting cover may require more effort to align the duvet. Consider investing in a cover with a zipper or snap closure for added convenience.
Conclusion
Putting on a duvet cover doesn’t have to be a frustrating chore. By using the right method and taking a few extra steps to ensure everything is aligned and secure, you can achieve a beautifully made bed with minimal effort. Whether you prefer the traditional method, the creative burrito method, or the quick and easy stuffing method, you’ll find that changing your duvet cover is easier than ever. So the next time you’re ready to freshen up your bedding, try one of these techniques and enjoy the satisfaction of a perfectly made bed!