The Natural Bedding Guide
Sheep Don’t Shrink – So Why Should Your Duvet?
A light-hearted look at wool, washing and why we don’t do chlorine.
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 with no intention of checking themselves into a chemical plant.
A truth we sleep by
“Wool can be washable – if you use the right wool.”
Not All Wool Is Created Equal
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 much of what 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 has already perfected.
- Independently tested to recognised cleanliness standards.
- Certified with a wool sterilisation permit, confirming it is hygienic and suitable for bedding.
- Never bleached, chlorinated or chemically altered.
Back to the Chlorine Myth
Some bedding brands treat wool with chlorine gas and 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 forcing it with chemicals, it behaves beautifully in the wash.
We choose quality over shortcuts.
The Bedtime Thought
We spend around 2,500 hours a year breathing just inches from our duvets. If you wouldn’t spray unnecessary chemicals in your bedroom, why would you want to sleep beneath them?
Our natural wool duvets are proof that chemical-free bedding can still be washable, breathable and luxuriously soft.
Why Our Wool Works Naturally
Wool bedding is already remarkable:
- Naturally temperature-regulating and breathable.
- Wicks away moisture to help keep you dry.
- Naturally resistant to bacteria and dust mites.
- Soft, resilient and naturally 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 and that nature-made performance.
The Moral of the Fleece
Sheep have survived centuries of storms, changing 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.
Your Questions Answered
Wool FAQ: Natural, Chemical-Free and Washable
Still curious? Here are some common questions we hear about natural, washable wool.
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 carefully, it remains washable, breathable and durable – just as nature designed.
Why don’t Devon Duvets use chlorine or bleach to treat wool?
We believe wool should remain as nature intended. We never use chlorine gas, bleach or chemical alteration. Instead, we select premium British wool that already has the natural strength, softness and structure needed for washing – no chemical shortcuts required.
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. While this process can make lower-grade wool appear more washable, it also alters the fibre and changes some of its natural qualities.
Does untreated wool shrink when washed?
Not when it is cared for properly. Quality wool can be washed using a wool cycle and wool-safe detergent. Natural wool duvets should always be washed gently, removed promptly and air dried according to their care instructions.
Is natural wool better for sleep than chemically treated wool?
Natural wool offers breathable warmth, temperature regulation and moisture management. Avoiding unnecessary chemical alteration helps preserve the qualities that make wool so beautifully suited to bedding.
How do I wash a chemical-free wool duvet?
Use a 30°C wool cycle with a wool-safe detergent. Avoid bleach, biological detergents and fabric conditioner. Remove the duvet promptly after washing, gently reshape it and air dry thoroughly on a line or clothes airer. Wool naturally benefits from regular airing, so washing should only be needed occasionally.
Why choose Devon Duvets wool bedding?
We use traceable, high-grade British wool that has never been bleached, chlorinated or chemically altered. Our bedding is individually handcrafted by our seamstresses in Devon, creating breathable, cloud-soft comfort from carefully selected natural materials.
What makes Devon Duvets wool different?
While some manufacturers use lower-grade wool and then alter it through harsh processes, we begin with exceptional wool that does not need correcting. Its natural crimp provides bounce, softness and durability, allowing it to remain pure, chemical-free and naturally washable.