How Often Should You Replace Your Duvet?

Let’s face it, most people don’t think about their duvet until something spills on it. Even then, it’s usually a quick wash and back on the bed. But like anything else we use every day, duvets don’t last forever. They wear down. They flatten out. Sometimes they stop feeling quite right, even if it’s hard to put a finger on why.

So, how often should you really replace your duvet?

Most bedding experts say every 5 years or so. But that’s not a strict rule. It depends on the type of duvet, how you look after it, how often it gets used, and honestly, how fussy you are about sleep comfort.

Here’s a closer look at how long duvets usually last, what to watch for, and how to stretch the life of one without waking up cold or cranky.

Table of Contents

Is Your Duvet Still Doing Its Job?

It’s easy to forget that your duvet plays a big part in how well you sleep. It’s not just a cover—it’s what keeps your body at a comfortable temperature all night. If it’s not doing that anymore, something’s probably off.

Here are a few quiet signs that your duvet might be on its last legs:

You keep waking up cold. Not freezing, just a bit chilly—even when the heating’s on and the tog rating should be enough.
It feels heavy but not warm. That’s usually because the filling’s stopped trapping air like it used to.
The shape is uneven. You fluff it in the morning, but it still looks flat in the middle and bunched up at the sides.
It smells a bit off. Maybe it’s been through a few washes, but the freshness never quite returns.
It’s just not comfy anymore. Can’t explain it, but something’s changed.

Sound familiar? If more than one of those boxes is ticked, your duvet’s probably ready to retire.

The Type of Duvet Makes a Difference

How Often Should You Replace Your Duvet Real Advice for UK Homes — Source by freepik

Not all duvets age the same way. The materials inside play a big role in how long they last.

Synthetic Duvets

The most common type in UK homes. They’re affordable, easy to wash at home, and come in lots of options for tog ratings. But they wear out faster—usually around 4 to 5 years, sometimes sooner if washed often.

Feather and Down

These can feel like a dream when new—light, breathable, and warm without bulk. They tend to last longer too. A good one should give you 7 to 10 years of use, as long as it’s cared for properly. That means airing it out and avoiding the tumble dryer.

Wool-Filled

Less common but growing in popularity. Wool duvets are great at regulating temperature and are naturally resistant to dust mites. They hold their shape well and can last up to 10 years or more. You’ll pay more upfront, but the lifespan balances it out.

What About Kids?

Duvets for children don’t hang around as long. Between accidents, spills, and all the extra washing, they go through more wear and tear. Also, kids grow—and so do their sleep needs.

For little ones, swapping their duvet every 2 to 3 years is pretty standard. It keeps things hygienic and makes sure the tog rating fits the season and their age.

Caring for Your Duvet (So It Lasts Longer)

A few simple habits can keep a duvet going strong, no matter what it’s filled with:

Use a proper duvet cover at all times. It’s there for a reason.
Air it out every couple of weeks. Hang it over a bannister or near an open window. Let it breathe.
Don’t overwash. Unless there’s a spill or allergy concern, once or twice a year is enough. Washing too much flattens the filling.
Fluff it regularly. Just shake it out in the morning. Keeps the filling spread evenly.
Follow the label. If it says dry clean only, don’t chuck it in the washing machine and hope for the best.

Even a cheap duvet lasts longer when it’s looked after. A good one can last much longer if treated right.

Tog Ratings Don’t Stay Forever

You might have picked your duvet based on tog rating—like 13.5 for winter or 4.5 for summer—but over time, that rating doesn’t really mean the same thing. The filling flattens, and it stops trapping heat the way it used to. That’s one reason older duvets just don’t feel as warm anymore, even if the tog says they should be toasty.

If you’re layering up with jumpers, hot water bottles, and still waking up cold, the duvet could be the problem.

The Cost of Replacing

Let’s not ignore the money bit. Duvets can be pricey, especially the good ones. So it’s tempting to keep using the one you’ve got for “just a bit longer.”

But it’s worth thinking about cost per use. A £100 duvet used every night for five years works out to around 5p a night. Not too bad when you look at it that way.

Also, your sleep is worth investing in. Swapping out a tired duvet might do more for your sleep than a fancy pillow spray or expensive candles.

What to Do With Your Old One

Disposing of a duvet isn’t as simple as tossing it in the wheelie bin.

Some options in the UK:

Animal shelters – Some take clean, used duvets for bedding.
Textile recycling points – Check with your local council. Not all accept them, but some do.
Reuse around the house – Old duvets make decent padding for storage, protection during decorating, or even insulating the shed.

Whatever you do, try not to just dump it. Someone—or something—might still get use out of it.

So, How Often?

If your duvet is

More than 5 years old (or 3 for a synthetic one),
Not keeping you warm,
Looking flat or smelling stale
…it’s probably time to let it go.

For most people, replacing a duvet every five years is a solid guideline. Some natural-fill duvets last longer. Children’s duvets need swapping sooner. And if you’re not sleeping well, that’s always a reason to check the basics.

Final Thought

A duvet doesn’t have to be fancy. But it does have to work.

It should keep you warm, feel nice, and help you sleep well. When it stops doing those things—quietly, over time—it’s okay to move on. You don’t need to wait for holes or hard evidence. If it feels past its best, it probably is.

Sleep is too important to leave to chance. And getting a fresh, supportive duvet might just be the small change that makes a big difference.