How to Put On a Duvet Cover By Yourself (2025)

Updated: December 20, 2024

Duvet covers are used to protect duvet inserts and come in a wide variety of colours and materials. But getting a duvet cover on can be difficult and frustrating.

If you’ve ever struggled with how to put on a duvet cover, you’re not alone. This article will outline two simple methods you can use to get your duvet cover on quickly and easily.

Editor’s Note: Start with a clean duvet cover, a duvet insert, and a flat surface like your bed.

 

Method 1: Sushi Roll Method

 

1. Turn your duvet cover inside out and lay it flat on your working surface. Ensure the opening is at the foot of the bed.
2. Lay your duvet insert on top of the duvet cover. Ensure the insert is flat, and smooth out both the cover and insert.
3. Tie or snap the corners and side ties of your duvet insert to the cover. This will help keep the cover and insert together while you roll.
4. Start to roll the duvet insert and duvet cover together like a sushi roll, starting from the head of your bed and working towards the foot. Try to keep the cover and insert in line with one another while you roll.
5. Once you have a complete roll, invert the duvet cover over the edges of the roll. Pull the opening of the duvet cover over each end of the roll.
6. You should now be able to zip or button the opening of your duvet cover up, with the rest of the roll inside.
7. Unroll your duvet in the opposite direction you initially rolled it. As you unroll, the duvet cover should be over the insert.
8. Shake or adjust your duvet as needed to fix any bumps inside the cover.

 

Method 2: Traditional Method

 

1. Lay your duvet insert flat on your bed or working surface.
2. Turn your duvet cover inside out and lay it on top of the duvet insert.
3. Fasten only the top corners of the duvet insert and cover to one another. (If you fasten the bottoms or the sides, you won’t be able to invert the cover.)
4. Reach into the opening of your duvet cover to the top of the duvet and grab the top corners through the cover.
5. Grabbing the corners tightly, pull them up over your head to invert the duvet cover.
6. Continue shaking the duvet so the cover falls over the rest of the insert.
7. Lay your duvet flat on your surface, pull the bottom corners into the duvet cover, and make any other adjustments as needed.
8. Zip or button up your duvet.

 

Why should you use a duvet cover?

Duvet covers are meant to protect your duvet insert, and keep them fresher and cleaner for longer. Your duvet cover protects your insert from spills, stains, and oil and dirt buildup from your skin. If you use a duvet cover, you won’t need to wash your duvet insert as often. (This is good news since inserts are bulky and hard to clean.)

Using a duvet cover is also a quick and easy way to switch up the look and feel of your room without an expensive renovation. Just swap out the cover, and your room looks completely different.

 

How often should you wash your duvet cover?

You should wash your duvet cover once a month if you’re also sleeping with a top sheet. If you sleep without a top sheet, wash your duvet cover as often as you wash your sheets—ideally once a week. 

Although your duvet cover protects your insert from dirt and grime, it’s a good idea to wash it every once in a while, too. We recommend washing your duvet insert every 3–6 months. 

Varying bedding should be treated differently depending on its material and thread count. Wash your duvet cover and insert according to the instructions on the law label to ensure you don’t damage them in the washer or dryer.

READ MORE: How to wash a mattress protector