Somewhere in the world of bedding, a rumour began:

"Wool isn't washable unless it's treated with chlorine gas"

Which is amusing, really, when you picture sheep in the middle of a Devon rainstorm...happily soaked, totally unshrunken and no intention of checking themselves into a chemical plant!

Here's a truth we sleep by here at Devon Duvets:

"Wool can be washable - if you use the right wool."

Some manufacturers use chemicals to "correct' wool fibres that were never intended for bedding. These coarse or low-grade fibres are flattened with chemicals until they behave...but they lose everything that makes natural fibres so special.

We take a very different path.

At Devon Duvets, we start with high-grade British wool fibres from specific breeds of sheep chosen for their natural crimp and bounce (our little secret). This isn't low-grade fleece destined for carpets; it's pure, soft and lofty fleece born for duvets, wool pillows and mattress toppers that breathe beautifully.

Because our wool already has the right quality, there's no need to alter it with chemicals or force it into obedience. We simply respect what nature already perfected.

Our wool is:

• Independently tested to recognised cleanliness standards.
• Certified with a wool sterilisaiton permit, proving it's hygienic and bedding-safe - without the use of chemicals.
• Never bleached, chlorinated or chemically altered.

Some bedding brands treat wool with chlorine gas and make the claim that wool is machine washable only when treated. We don't. Why?

Because nature already engineered wool to cope with weather, moisture and movement. When you respect the fibre, rather than force it with chemicals.....it behaves beautifully in the wash.

So no, we don't gas our wool.
We don't bleach it.
We don't flatten it into submission.

We choose quality over shortcuts.

We spend around 2,500 hours a year breathing inches from your duvet. If you wouldn't spray chemicals in your bedroom, why would you want to sleep under them?

Our natural wool duvets are proof that chemical free bedding can still be washable, breathable and luxuriously soft.

Wool bedding is already remarkable:

• Naturally temperature-regulating and breathable.
• Wicks away moisture to keep you dry.
• Naturally antibacterial and dust-mite resistant.
• Soft, resilient and self cleaning.
• Naturally flame retardant.

When you introduce bleach, chemicals or chlorine gas, you change the structure of the fibre - losing that bounce, that comfort, that nature made performance.

Sheep have survived centuries of storms, seasons and British rain....without shrinking...no chlorine gas necessary!

Maybe it's time we trusted wool a little more.

Devon Duvets

Natural. Washable. Chemical Free bedding. As wool should be.

Read how to care for your wool duvet here

aStill curious? Here are some common questions we hear about natural washable wool.

1. Is wool washable without chemicals or chlorine treatment?
   YES, High quality wool with natural crimp and resilience can be washed gently without needing chlorine or chemical treatments. When the right wool is selected and processed naturally, it remains washable, breathable and durable - just as nature designed.
2. Why don't Devon Duvets use chlorine or bleach to treat wool?
   We believe that wool should stay as nature intended. We never use chlorine gas, bleach or chemical processes. Instead, we select premium British wool that already has the natural strength, softness and structure needed for washing - no chemical shortcuts required.
   
3. What is chlorine treated wool? 
   Chlorine treated wool is wool that has been exposed to chlorine gas or chemical solutions to strip and smooth the fibres. Whilst this process can make lower grade wool appear washable, it also alters the fibre and removes natural quaities, increasing chemical exposure.
   
4. Does untreated wool shrink when washed? 
   NO. Not when cared for properly. Quality wool behaves beautifully when washed using a wool cycle and wool-safe detergent. Just as wool survives rain, wind and weather on sheep outdoors, natural wool duvets can be washed without shrinking - no harsh treatments required.
   
5. Is natural wool better for sleep than chemically treated wool?
   Yes. Natural wool offers breathable warmth, temperature regulation, moisture wicking and hypoallergenic benefits. Chemical treatments can alter these natural properties. Sleeping under untreated wool supports a natural and healthier sleep environment. 
   
6. How do I wash a chemical free duvet?
   Use a 30 degree centigrade wool cycle with a wool safe detergent. Avoid bleach and enzymes. Remove promptly and air dry flat or on a line. Wool is naturally antibacterial, so airing your duvet often refreshes it without washing.
7. Why Choose Devon Duvets wool bedding?
   We use traceable, high grade British wool that's never been bleached, chlorinated or chemically altered. Our duvets are handcrafted by our seamstresses in Devon, fully natural and certified clean, offering breathable, cloud soft comfort and healthier sleep without chemicals.
8. What makes Devon Duvets wool different?
   Whilst some brands use low grade wool and then correct it with harsh processes, we start with exceptional wool that doesn't need altering. It's natural crimp gives bounce, softness and durability and it remains pure, chemical free and naturally washable.