Preparing blankets and quilts for winter

Bedding that went into storage clean and dry comes out ready. Bedding that went in damp comes out smelling of the cupboard.

Clean before storing, air before using

Have blankets and quilts professionally cleaned at the end of the season, then air them for a day before the first cold night.

Store in breathable covers

Cotton storage bags, not polythene. Add cedar or neem — never mothballs near wool.

Fluff and rotate

Shake out duvets to redistribute fill, and rotate the sides you sleep on.