FAQ

I can see darker down clusters through the inlet of the duvet: do they compromise the quality of my item?

Geese featherings present naturally also some darker spots, which are, however, of the same quality than the white ones. Moreover, the presence of darker clusters guarantees that the raw material is natural, i.e. that it has not been chemically bleached.

How do I choose the right down duvet?

A little help from our side: for cold temperatures we suggest a duvet with open construction (Baffle Box). The internal distancing tapes allow a higher quantity of clusters and eliminate possible cold spots between stitching. For medium temperatures it is better to buy a duvet with closed construction. It's filling and the type of stitching adapt easily to a normal, not too severe, climate. For mild temperatures choose duvets with closed construction, preferably the Medio and ExtraLight models. Just try our duvet test!

What is the lifespan of a down item?

A down duvet, if treated properly, is a 'friend for a lifetime'. Every 7-10 years it is recommended to clean it properly: by washing it with water or by sterilizing the downs and feathers and by providing them with a new inlet.

What kind of care does a down duvet need?

Few and easy rules for every day will keep your down duvet 'in shape'. Air your duvet (possibly outside, but without exposing to direct sunlight) so that the downs can evaporate the humidity absorbed during the night; shake the duvet to allow the downs to redistribute and re-fluff; avoid lying always on the same points to prevent downs and feathers from moving from the boxes (this is important especially for duvets with open construction!); from time to time brush it with a cloth or a soft brush especially next to the stitching (do not use the carpet beater, it will break the small feathers and the down clusters!).

Do you need to have the animals put down to obtain downs and feathers?

Done with skill and experience the plucking is not painful for the animal: geese have in fact natural periods of moult. In many countries, however, where geese meat is commonly used in the kitchen, the plucking comes after the putting down of the animal, obviously for alimentary reasons. Daunenstep is engaged together with the international committee of EDFA (European Down and Feather Association) in the fight against the maltreatment of the geese. All Daunenstep items are filled with downs and feathers only from certificated breeding-farms, where expert hands know how and when to collect downs and feathers in complete respect for the animals and in accordance with the German TÜV regulations.

Is it true that down duvets keep you too warm?

No, down duvets do not keep you too warm, but they maintain constant the body's temperature. Obviously it is necessary to choose the right duvet type (open/closed construction, weight). It is, however, true that those who have never experienced sleeping under a down duvet may need some time to adapt to the kind of microclimate developed by a down duvet.

What is a "warmth coefficient"?

Every single duvet or quilt has the indication of its warmth coefficient on the label: this will help you in choosing the right item, according to your individual warmth needs depending on climate, season and ambient temperature of your bedroom.