Expert Reveals Exactly when You Should Switch to a Lighter Duvet for Summer
As we finally enter warmer weather, there is one job that we should do before it gets really warm, swap our winter duvets.
Below, Lydia Lloyd, Textile Designer at M&S Home shares her advice on when to make the swap and how best to wash your summer bedding when taking it out of storage.
1. When should I change my duvet to a 4.5 tog?
Many will have a summer and winter duvet, but how do you know when to make the swap? Lydia Lloyd, Textile Designer at M&S Home offers her advice.
“As we transition between seasons, it can be difficult to know when to swap your winter bedding out for summer bedding, especially as the weather can be so unpredictable.
“Generally, around the beginning of April is the best time to make the seasonal bedding switch to lighter layers. When you notice yourself feeling warmer when going to bed or when you first wake up, this can be a good indicator that it is time to switch to a lighter duvet. We recommend opting for a duvet with a tog of 4.5-7 for those spring and summer months.
“If a cold snap comes after you’ve made the switch to your summer duvet, try adding a thicker, fleece throw to your bedding or alternatively opt for fleece-lined bed sheets and pillows to add an extra layer of warmth without needing to change your duvet.”
“If the weather takes a turn before you’ve had time to swap your winter duvet out, remove thick, fleecy layers and instead opt for a waffle throw as a lighter layer.”
2. Opt for breathable bedding
Lydia adds: “As well as choosing the right tog for your duvet, choosing the right materials for your bedding is key if you want to regulate your body temperature at night time.
“Something to consider when deciding on your bedding is the size of your bedroom. If your room is particularly small and you sleep with the windows closed, heat can often get trapped. If this is the case, sleeping with a duvet with a tog of between 4.5-7 can help to control body temperatures in a smaller space.
“As you approach those really hot days and nights during summer, try switching them out for linen sheets.”
3. How should I wash my summer duvet?
Before putting your summer duvet on your bed, Lydia suggests giving it a spruce up first: “Always check the care label first, but you can wash most duvets on a warm, gentle cycle using a non-bio detergent. If your machine has the option, set it to include an extra rinse and spin cycle to get excess water out.
“Once you’ve ensured there is no soap residue in your duvet, gently remove from the washer and place straight in the dryer on a low setting. Alternatively, leave it outside to air dry in the sunshine.”
When it comes to pillows, Lydia adds: “As for pillows, it is recommended that you wash them twice a year, so the start of a new season is the ideal time to think about freshening these up. Whilst we always recommend checking the care label first, most cotton, synthetic and down pillows can be washed in the machine and tumble-dried at a medium temperature.
“If your pillows are feather, add foam balls into the wash to keep the feathers light and fluffy.”