How to store a comforter or duvet properly over the warmer months – pros say 'breathable is the buzzword'

If you've been overheating at night, learning how to store a comforter or duvet that's better suited for winter weather and switching to a lighter spring alternative will be a game-changer.

This way, you can store your winter bedding without it being in the way all summer and keep it smelling fresh and feeling fluffy, ready for the next cozy season.

Taking the time and steps to do so correctly is one of the things people who store bed linen properly always do, so here, professional organizers share their step-by-step tips to keep your cozy comforter in tip-top condition when storing.

How to store a comforter or duvet over summer months

Step 1: Start with cleaning

First things first, before storing your winter comforter, it's crucial to wash your comforter.

Di Ter Avest, professional organizer and founder of Diisorganized, advises, 'Before storing, always wash your duvet according to the laundry symbols on the care label. Most duvets can go in a large-capacity washing machine on a gentle cycle with mild detergent,' such as the Tide Free & Gentle Laundry Detergent Liquid available at Walmart.

'If it’s too big, you can take it to a laundromat or dry cleaner.' This is usually recommended when washing a down comforter, too, particularly if you're worried about damage, as Ben Soreff, professional organizer at House to Home Organizing, warns that extra care must be taken in this circumstance.

'This is an important step to eliminate any leftover sweat, dust, or oils that can cause musty smells and attract pests over time,' adds Di.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Step 2: Air it out

Then, to dry your comforter or duvet, if possible, harness the benefits of air-drying laundry and let it dry completely – either outside on a sunny day, or in a well-ventilated space.

If this isn't possible, you can use a dryer on a low heat, says Ben, but even if you do so, it's best to air out bedding outdoors afterward. This will help prevent any trapped moisture which may lead to mold, mildew, or weird musty smells when you come to unpack it come winter.

'Finally, give it a good shake,' adds Ben. 'Removing the cover is recommended for storage breathability.'

Step 3: Fold it properly

Then, following the same technique as when folding blankets, fold your comforter or duvet neatly for storage.

'Lay it flat and smooth out any wrinkles,' says Di. 'Fold it in thirds lengthwise, then fold it again into a compact square or roll it up.' If you're unsure which to go for, Ben recommends that a down duvet should be rolled while non-natural fibers are fine to fold.

'Folding or rolling the duvet properly will help prevent deep creases and keep the filling from clumping.'

Step 4: Store in a cool, dry place

Finally, your fresh and folded winter comforter is ready for storage. Opting for a cool, dry place is best.

'Wherever you store your duvet, make sure it's not in direct sunlight or a damp area, like a basement,' advises Di. 'Sunlight can fade fabric, and moisture can lead to mold or mildew.'

Now, choosing the best storage to store your comforter will depend on your space and lifestyle.

'Some people are fine storing a duvet loose in a linen closet as long as it is cool and free from moisture,' says Ben. 'However, if the duvet is expensive, a specific duvet storage bag works best. Try and avoid using plastic, since our goal is always for the duvet to breathe. You can use an acid-free box if you have the space, but it's not necessary. Breathable is the buzzword.'

For this reason, we recommend the SLEEPING LAMB 120L Extra Large Blanket Storage Bag available at Amazon, which is spacious enough to hold two king-size comforters and two pillows while allowing air circulation to prevent musty odors.

If your storage ideas need to reflect the fact you're tight on space, Di suggests using vacuum storage bags, such as the HIBAG Vacuum Storage Bags, also available at Amazon. 'They compress bulky duvets down significantly,' she explains. 'Just be careful with down duvets, as too much compression can damage the feathers.'

You can also use underbed storage ideas, 'Which are a good option if you want quick access and don't want to compress the duvet too much,' recommends Di, or, if you have the space, placing a breathable bag on a high shelf will also work well, especially for fluffier duvets.

Whichever you choose, before you close up for the spring and summer seasons, you can add a few lavender sachets, such as the WillowBrook Fresh Scents Scented Sachet Packet available at Amazon, cedar balls, or moisture absorbers into the storage container, to keep odors and pests away.

'Lavender makes a great homemade moth repellent, and cedar helps prevent mildew,' says Di. 'Plus, they smell so good!'

Meet our experts

Ben Soreff

House to Home Organizing focuses on creating a non-judgmental and positive decluttering environment, allowing Ben to sensitively and successfully help a vast array of clients streamline and overhaul their homes, including level five hoarders.

Di Ter Avest

Di has helped hundreds of clients rethink their relationship with clutter, including seasonal storage and space-saving storage hacks.

'As you can see, storing your comforter in a breathable container keeps it fresh, while vacuum bags save space but should only be used for synthetic or lightweight duvets,' says Di.

You might also need to store blankets to keep them looking good, and under-the-bed boxes, storage ottomans and trunks make the perfect solution.