The weather is getting warmer, so it’s time to put away the winter quilts. Speaking of storing winter quilts, this is a real headache for many people—let alone the fact that it takes up a lot of time and space, different types of winter quilts also require different storage and maintenance methods. So let’s take a look at how we should properly store our winter quilts!

　　Cotton quilt

　　Cotton quilts have good moisture absorption and breathability, are soft and warm, but tend to become damp easily and need to be aired out frequently. After 2-3 years of use, it’s recommended to fluff up the compacted old cotton fibers again to maintain their warmth-retaining properties.

　　[Storage and Maintenance]

　　When using, slip the duvet cover over the comforter. Every two weeks, air it out in the sun for two hours and fluff it up by gently patting it to maintain its loft and restore its softness. If the filling becomes stained, simply wipe the stain away with a damp cloth lightly dipped in neutral soap.

　　Cotton quilts aren't particularly delicate and don't have strict requirements for their storage environment—as long as the environment is dry and free of insects, that's sufficient. Using vacuum compression bags for storage can save a lot of space. Cotton quilts aren't afraid of being compressed, so they can be placed at the bottom layer when stacking clothes.

　　Fiber quilt

　　A fiber quilt is a quilt made from synthetic fibers. It is durable, highly elastic, easy to wash and quick-drying, resistant to sunlight and abrasion, and also offers excellent thermal insulation and good moisture absorption.

　　[Storage and Maintenance]

　　Store in a dry, well-ventilated place and avoid heavy pressure. Additionally, turn and air-dry it once every 1–2 months to keep it fluffy. When storing, make sure to place it in a relatively dry and well-ventilated area to prevent mold growth.

　　Silk quilt

　　Silk quilts are made from natural protein fibers and have long been highly regarded for their warmth, lightness, and ability to keep you warm in winter and cool in summer. Silk boasts excellent moisture absorption, breathability, and softness. However, when exposed to water, silk tends to shrink and deform, so special care must be taken when washing and maintaining it.

　　[Storage and Maintenance]

　　Always use a duvet cover over the duvet insert to prevent it from getting dirty with dust and stains. Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, but it’s best to air it out in a cool, well-ventilated area for about two hours every two weeks. After airing, gently pat the duvet with your hands to maintain its fluffiness.

　　The silk quilt core itself cannot be washed with water, dry-cleaned, or ironed. If there are stains, you can gently wipe them off with a neutral detergent and let them air-dry, or take the quilt to a professional dry cleaner for specialized cleaning.

　　Before storing, silk quilts must be thoroughly air-dried; they should never be stored in damp, stuffy environments or sealed in plastic bags. Otherwise, once the silk becomes damp, it will develop an unpleasant odor and lose its warmth-retaining and breathable properties. Additionally, when storing, avoid placing heavy objects on top of the quilt, as this could cause it to become thinner and harder.

　　Down comforter

　　Thanks to the triangular skeletal structure inherent in down, which effectively traps heat, the temperature of the human body inside a down quilt remains unaffected by the room’s ambient temperature. As a result, down quilts can be used comfortably throughout spring, autumn, and winter. However, once down absorbs moisture, it tends to clump together, deteriorate, and may even start shedding feathers. Therefore, regular maintenance is especially important.

　　[Storage and Maintenance]

　　When using, be sure to put a duvet cover over the down comforter’s fabric to prevent damage to the comforter. In principle, down comforters should not be washed, as incomplete cleaning can lead to salt deposits or stains on the surface of the filling and may also reduce the fluffiness of the down.

　　However, experts recommend that even after using a down comforter for 2-3 years, it should be cleaned using an appropriate method. First, never machine wash it—instead, opt for a professional down comforter cleaning service. Additionally, when dropping it off for cleaning, be sure to specify that it should be rinsed with a neutral detergent or a specialized down cleaner. You can also request that some fragrance additives be included during the washing process to eliminate any odors that may have developed from prolonged use. Furthermore, never dry-clean a down comforter, as this could strip away the natural oils in the down and compromise its performance.

　　Since down tends to clump and deteriorate when it absorbs moisture, you should regularly take it out into a well-ventilated area to air dry and gently fluff it up with your hands or a small stick to restore its natural loftiness. This helps prevent deterioration and bacterial growth, thereby extending the lifespan of your down comforter.

　　Down comforters should not be subjected to heavy pressure or folded in multiple layers, as this could reduce their elasticity and warmth-retaining properties. When storing them, keep them in a well-ventilated, dry environment to prevent moisture buildup and subsequent mold growth. Additionally, do not store down comforters in an airtight container, but you may use insect repellents.