An alpaca duvet should never go in the washing machine, so when an accident happens, the stain is cleaned by hand, on the spot. This method works for vomit, urine, mucus and similar stains.
Before you start
Take the cover off first. Often the stain has only reached the cover, which you can wash as usual. If it has gone through, lift off any solids with a spoon or a blunt knife, then press a dry towel onto the area to soak up as much liquid as possible before you start cleaning.
1. Make a mild cleaning solution
Mix 1 teaspoon of detergent made for wool and delicate fibers and 1 teaspoon of white vinegar into 1 litre of cold water.
Please check that the detergent says enzyme-free (most of these are). Pet-stain removers and "bio" detergents contain enzymes that break down protein, and since alpaca fiber is itself a protein, they would weaken the fill along with the stain. Cold water matters because vomit and mucus contain protein, and heat makes protein bind to fibers. Heat also makes the fiber more likely to felt.
2. Dab the stain
Dip a clean white cloth in the solution, squeeze it out so it is damp rather than dripping, and dab the area, working from the edge towards the centre so the residue is drawn inwards and doesn't spread.
Press firmly, then lift straight up. Using a damp cloth instead of pouring liquid on lifts the residue out rather than pushing it deeper into the fill. Mucus is slippery and loosens slowly, so expect to repeat this several times, turning to a clean part of the cloth each time. Please avoid rubbing or twisting, because felting happens when wet fibers rub and shift against each other, and alpaca felts easily.
3. Rinse
Rinse the same way with a cloth dampened in clean cold water, two or three times.
This removes the detergent and the loosened residue. On the last rinse, dampen slightly beyond the edge of the wet area. If the edge dries as a sharp line, any remaining residue collects there and can leave a visible ring on the white cotton.
4. Press out the water
Place a dry towel on top, press down with flat hands, then lift. Replace the towels until they come away almost dry.
Pressing draws water out of the fill without moving the fibers.
5. Dry the duvet flat
Dry the duvet flat with air reaching both sides, for example across a drying rack or two chairs in a well-ventilated room.
Please keep it away from radiators, irons and tumble dryers, as heat can both set any remaining stain and felt the fiber.
The fill inside the quilting can take a day or two to dry completely, so check by pressing the area with a dry hand before putting the cover back on. Damp fill is where bacteria and musty smells develop, so this step deserves the most patience.
Air it afterwards
Once the duvet is completely dry, airing it outside will freshen it further. A few hours on a dry, breezy day is ideal. Some sun is fine, but please don't leave it out in strong sun for days at a time, as long exposure to sunlight can yellow and weaken natural fibers. Later in winter, airing it on a dry, frosty day is an old Scandinavian habit that freshens bedding and is unwelcoming to dust mites.
If a lot of liquid has soaked in
If a lot of liquid has soaked deep into the fill, for example a child's accident during the night, spot cleaning may not reach all of it. Write to us and we will help you decide what to do.
For everyday care, read how to choose a duvet, and for choosing a cover that can be washed hot, how to choose bed linen for your duvet.