We'd like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum... Read More »
PLEASE READ BEFORE POSTING
Hello Forumites! However well-intentioned, for the safety of other users we ask that you refrain from seeking or offering medical advice. This includes recommendations for medicines, procedures or over-the-counter remedies. Posts or threads found to be in breach of this rule will be removed.We're aware that some users are experiencing technical issues which the team are working to resolve. See the Community Noticeboard for more info. Thank you for your patience.
📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!
No more "grape treading" duvets in the bathtub for me!
Options
squeaky
Posts: 14,129 Forumite
Yep, that's what I used to do.
I worked out that laundromat costs plus, for me, the bus ride each way, was more expensive than buying a cheap and cheerful replacement.
(If this is your only option - remember that most animal refuges are happy to take in duvets that are quartered, hemmed, and cleaned, for bedding)
Washing at home was "supposedly" even cheaper. But then, since my double won't fit in my home machine it meant putting the thing in the bath and getting in there and doing the "treading the grapes" thing. Given my physical limitations it meant a five minute stomp and then leaving it to soak for a while before going back for another go.
So a whole day's worth.
Then, of course, having to drain the bath and kick the duvet to the far end so I could have a shower.
Then rinsing - at least three times. Lots more grape treading of course.
Then the hard work of wringing it out.
Then hanging it over the tub until it had drained well enough to take through the house to air on the line or, more often, in the tumble drier.
Three shots in the TD because it's so full there isn't really any decent air flow through it.
So I finally bit the bullet and followed through with an idea I'd had last time.
I cut the duvet down the middle - longways - and hemmed both the edges.
Each half fit in the washing machine (yay!
) and they only needed one shot in the TD each.
Way less water used - and even with all the sewing it was quicker than the old way.
Then just a long tacking stitch - with different coloured thread - to join it back together. (This so that I can easily unpick next time I need to wash it and not undo my hemming by mistake).
Result!
It's absolutely as good as new
In fact - next time I need a replacement, I don't think I'll buy a double at all. Just two singles. That'll save a load of work
I worked out that laundromat costs plus, for me, the bus ride each way, was more expensive than buying a cheap and cheerful replacement.
(If this is your only option - remember that most animal refuges are happy to take in duvets that are quartered, hemmed, and cleaned, for bedding)
Washing at home was "supposedly" even cheaper. But then, since my double won't fit in my home machine it meant putting the thing in the bath and getting in there and doing the "treading the grapes" thing. Given my physical limitations it meant a five minute stomp and then leaving it to soak for a while before going back for another go.
So a whole day's worth.
Then, of course, having to drain the bath and kick the duvet to the far end so I could have a shower.
Then rinsing - at least three times. Lots more grape treading of course.
Then the hard work of wringing it out.
Then hanging it over the tub until it had drained well enough to take through the house to air on the line or, more often, in the tumble drier.
Three shots in the TD because it's so full there isn't really any decent air flow through it.
So I finally bit the bullet and followed through with an idea I'd had last time.
I cut the duvet down the middle - longways - and hemmed both the edges.
Each half fit in the washing machine (yay!
) and they only needed one shot in the TD each.Way less water used - and even with all the sewing it was quicker than the old way.
Then just a long tacking stitch - with different coloured thread - to join it back together. (This so that I can easily unpick next time I need to wash it and not undo my hemming by mistake).
Result!
It's absolutely as good as new
In fact - next time I need a replacement, I don't think I'll buy a double at all. Just two singles. That'll save a load of work
Hi, I'm a Board Guide on the Old Style and the Consumer Rights boards which means I'm a volunteer to help the boards run smoothly and can move and merge posts there. Board guides are not moderators and don't read every post. If you spot an inappropriate or illegal post then please report it to forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com. It is not part of my role to deal with reportable posts. Any views are mine and are not the official line of MoneySavingExpert.
Never ascribe to malice that which is adequately explained by incompetence.
DTFAC: Y.T.D = £5.20 Apr £0.500
Comments
-
Good plan - we've recently replaced our kingsize duvets with the £9.96 Asda ones because it would have cost nearly as much to hoik them to a laundrette. Great idea about the animal shelters.0
-
We solved the "who gets the lion share of the duvet, EVERY night" by each of us having a single duvet. No more arguments. Marital bliss. No more hot spots. No more cold draughts.
Also single duvets are easier to wash and "adult luxury" single duvet covers are often available on sale as they sell out of the double ones quite quickly. So we have a good range of duvet covers. We have a 6' bed so having two single duvets is much, much easier to handle.
Good night, sweet dreams0 -
Brilliantly simple idea, Squeaky :T I shall be doing this with mine - like you I have a long and not very convenient bus trip to the nearest launderette and definitely not a grape-stamper
... don't throw the string away. You always need string!
C.R.A.P.R.O.L.L.Z Head Sharpener0 -
Hi, I'm a Board Guide on the Old Style and the Consumer Rights boards which means I'm a volunteer to help the boards run smoothly and can move and merge posts there. Board guides are not moderators and don't read every post. If you spot an inappropriate or illegal post then please report it to forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com. It is not part of my role to deal with reportable posts. Any views are mine and are not the official line of MoneySavingExpert.Never ascribe to malice that which is adequately explained by incompetence.DTFAC: Y.T.D = £5.20 Apr £0.50
0 -
Yep, that's what I used to do.
So I finally bit the bullet and followed through with an idea I'd had last time.
I cut the duvet down the middle - longways - and hemmed both the edges.
Each half fit in the washing machine (yay!) and they only needed one shot in the TD each.
Way less water used - and even with all the sewing it was quicker than the old way.
Then just a long tacking stitch - with different coloured thread - to join it back together. (This so that I can easily unpick next time I need to wash it and not undo my hemming by mistake).
Result!
It's absolutely as good as new
In fact - next time I need a replacement, I don't think I'll buy a double at all. Just two singles. That'll save a load of work
Fab idea.....you should patent it and go on dragons den;)0 -
Hmmm... make single duvet "pairs" with velcro strips along one side...
Right... I'm on my way to make my first million Hi, I'm a Board Guide on the Old Style and the Consumer Rights boards which means I'm a volunteer to help the boards run smoothly and can move and merge posts there. Board guides are not moderators and don't read every post. If you spot an inappropriate or illegal post then please report it to forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com. It is not part of my role to deal with reportable posts. Any views are mine and are not the official line of MoneySavingExpert.Never ascribe to malice that which is adequately explained by incompetence.DTFAC: Y.T.D = £5.20 Apr £0.50
0 -
ooooops! dont want to be one of them either, though I've been a daisy and ladybird stamper in my time ... don't throw the string away. You always need string!
C.R.A.P.R.O.L.L.Z Head Sharpener0 -
I'd be careful of the velcro strips though, I had one of those 2-part duvets which velcroed together for 15 tog in the winter, and the velcro can be a bit uncomfortable. I like the idea of a running stitch in a bright red thread so its easy to find for next washtime.... don't throw the string away. You always need string!
C.R.A.P.R.O.L.L.Z Head Sharpener0 -
ok, tacking stitch before I get slapped wrists again ... don't throw the string away. You always need string!
C.R.A.P.R.O.L.L.Z Head Sharpener0 -
What a brilliant idea. I use my thin summer duvet all year round because I gets hot!
Two singles would be a good solution.0
This discussion has been closed.
Confirm your email address to Create Threads and Reply
Categories
- All Categories
- 351K Banking & Borrowing
- 253.1K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
- 453.6K Spending & Discounts
- 244K Work, Benefits & Business
- 598.9K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
- 176.9K Life & Family
- 257.3K Travel & Transport
- 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
- 16.1K Discuss & Feedback
- 37.6K Read-Only Boards