Everyone has always been familiar with duvets - a soft, pillowy blanket that people often draft over their beds for warm nights.
Like how pillows and pillow shams always go hand in hand, we often have the same assumption about duvets and their protective covers. Some even claim these two will and can never be separate - except for washing purposes!
So is that true? Can you use a duvet cover by itself, or is a standard duvet always supposed to go inside its cover? Keep scrolling through our article to find out.
A. Can You Use A Duvet Cover by Itself? Does A Duvet Cover Need An Insert?
Can you use it alone? (Source: Flickr).
Is it possible to use duvet cover without insert? Yes! Surprised?
To our delight, a duvet cover introduces more functions and capabilities beyond its intended usage. Suppose the duvet has broken down - yet its cover is still of good quality - you can be creative and use this cover item as at least one of the following:
1. As Flat Sheets and Top Sheets/Blankets
Are you one of those who struggle to cool down at night- to the point that the excessive heat keeps making you uncomfortable?
If that's the case, we strongly suggest using your thin, silk duvet cover as flat sheets for body coverage. Say goodbye to thick, hot duvets and comforter sets; no more nights of being startled from your deep slumber due to excessive suffocation!
Such tactics are also great in that they can give your comforters or duvets some needed rest, extending their lifespan. You can return to them when winter or cooler months come!
Some might argue that pulling the duvet off its cover can sometimes be a pain. While we do agree that several duvets are difficult to work with, getting them out of their cover is still much easier than putting mattress sheets back on your mattress.
Plus, due to the cover's thin top layer, remaking your beds the next morning will be extremely smooth - much more time-efficient than working on flat sheets AND a comforter cover!
2. Decoration Items
Duvet covers arrive in many solid colors, styles, and fabrics that appeal to all preferences, giving your beloved bedroom (or even living room) a lovely, fresh look.
Indeed, regardless of what you prefer, trust them to deliver. Crisp flat sheets for an aesthetic touch of luxury hotel vibe? You got it. Or more textured and heavy fabric to showcase your wealth and power? No problem at all. You can even use them all to give every room in the house a different look, turning it into a mini museum that wows every visitor!
For those who prefer simplicity, there's no need to be extravagant about the duvet cover usage. Just use it on your loveseat or sofa to spice up the decor a little, or let it become a weighted blanket for your family on exciting movie nights!
It can also work well in children's bedrooms - where the design may have to alter frequently to catch up with your kids' ever-changing interests.
Of course, certain readers might question: "Why not use decorative blankets for such purposes?" Well, that's also a nice option - but too expensive for some tight-budget people.
Meanwhile, duvet covers cost much less; plus, washing/folding these thin fabric pieces is definitely much more seamless than bulky comforters or quilted blankets!
B. Are There Any Disadvantages to Using Duvet Covers As Stand-Alones?
Are there any disadvantages? (Source: Flickr).
While we can definitely exploit these items as standalone, that does not mean there aren't any downsides.
1. Compatibility Issues
A typical duvet cover is not designed to fit all mattress and bed sizes (duh!). Thus, it might slip off frequently, forcing you to readjust the item every time after waking up. Though some people do not mind that, others may find such tasks tedious and annoying.
2. Lack of Comfort
The entire concept of any type of duvet cover is to keep your duvet from dirt, dust, and stains. It can by no means offer comfort on its own. So in terms of comfort level, blankets and duvets will clearly outperform!
That's why we only suggest using a duvet cover alone if you prioritize best cooling sleep above all else. Otherwise, those wanting extreme comfort in colder months won't likely find duvet covers a great choice for their bedding sets.
C. How To Clean Your Duvet Cover for Better Standalone Usage
How to clean them (Source: Flickr).
Regardless of how you choose to use your duvet covers, their full potential can only be maximized if well-maintained. Here are some simple tips for cleaning them:
1. Step-By-Step Guide for Cleaning:
Step 1. Extract the cover from your duvet. Assess its condition: is the item clean or littered with stains?
If the latter is your case, pre-treat those smears before throwing your duvet cover inside a dryer or washing machine. (almost every duvet cover is machine washable, so no worries!)
Step 2. Do not use powdered detergent or fabric softeners. Use gentle, milder options. Also, it would be best to wash it by itself or with other thin sheet sets/fabrics (rather than mixing the item with thick clothes).
Step 3. Stay far from hot water. Some believe hot water is the best weapon against germs; but in fact, warm water also has the same effect without damaging the corner ties.
Step 4. Tumble dry. After the washing cycle ends, pull the linen duvet cover out of your dryer immediately.
Step 5. Use the duvet cover as a standalone piece or return it to your duvet insert.
2. How Often Should You Wash It?
The rule of thumb is to wash them at least once per week. However, if you use your duvet covers as flat/top sheets, cleaning frequencies can be reduced to once per month or every two/three weeks.
Another great way to reduce your washing time is to invest in high-quality covers in the first place. Some models are made of premium synthetic materials or natural fabrics, which can prevent 99% of bacterial growth. You can use them all month without worrying about health issues.
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D. FAQs
What Is The Point Of A Duvet Cover?
A duvet cover's intended goal is to provide a layer of protection for your duvet, keeping the latter away from harm and stains. However, as we have stressed throughout the article, you can be creative and learn to repurpose these pieces in different situations!
Can You Use Duvet Covers Without Insert Inside The Cover?
Totally; using them without any insert inside the duvet cover is possible. Refer to bedding manufacturer manuals or our guides above for more suggestions!
Can A Duvet Cover Be Used As A Bedspread?
Sure; that is a very popular choice! In fact, you can replace any type of bedding item (ex: mattress protector/ fitted sheet/ top sheets/ bedspread, bed topper, etc.) with fluffy duvet covers.
Conclusion
Can you use a duvet cover by itself?
We hope our article has answered this question clearly enough for you, with excellent tips and ideas to utilize a removable duvet cover. Cleaning and maintenance advice for your favorite duvet cover is also offered!
For more support on using a cover without a duvet (or vice versa: using a duvet without cover), feel free to reach out to us.