How to Wash a Robe Without Damaging It
By NUNE Apparel | Published: 2026-10-17
Category: Tips & Care
Learn the right way to wash your robe at home, including care for insulated styles like the Doona Robe. Avoid shrinkage, pilling, and fabric damage with these simple steps.
Quick answer
Check the care label first, then machine wash your robe on a cold, gentle cycle with mild detergent. For insulated robes like the Doona Robe, use a front-loader or a top-loader without an agitator, and tumble dry on low heat with dryer balls to keep the filling fluffy. Never use bleach or fabric softener.
Why robe care matters
A robe is an investment in comfort, and how you wash it directly affects its softness, shape, and warmth. Insulated robes, like the Doona Robe, have a padded doona finish that needs extra care to prevent clumping or flattening. Even lightweight cotton robes can shrink or pill if washed too aggressively.
What you need to know before starting
Always start by reading the care tag. Most robes are machine washable, but the water temperature, cycle type, and drying method vary by fabric. For the Doona Robe (both Short and Long versions), the outer fabric is a hemp-cotton blend with a quilted, insulated interior. This means you should avoid high heat and harsh agitation.
Step-by-step robe washing process
- 1. Prepare the robe: Remove the waist tie and any detachable belts. Close all buttons or snaps to prevent snagging. Turn the robe inside out to protect the outer fabric. Common mistake: washing with the tie still attached can cause it to tangle or stretch out of shape.
- 2. Choose the right cycle and detergent: Set your machine to a cold, gentle or delicate cycle. Use a mild liquid detergent—avoid bleach, fabric softener, and stain removers with enzymes. For the Doona Robe, a front-loader is ideal because it has no agitator. Checkpoint: if your top-loader has a center agitator, place the robe in a mesh laundry bag to reduce friction.
- 3. Dry with care: Tumble dry on low heat. Add two or three clean tennis balls or wool dryer balls to help fluff the insulation and prevent clumping. Remove the robe while it is still slightly damp and hang it to finish air drying. Common mistake: high heat can shrink the hemp-cotton blend and damage the doona finish. Never wring or twist the robe.
Product care notes
- Doona Robe - Short: The Short Doona Robe is designed in a softly structured Macel (Hemp and Cotton blend) fabric with an insulated, cocooning feel. Fully insulated with doona or duvet finish. Because the insulation is quilted into the fabric, washing on a gentle cycle and drying with low heat helps maintain the even distribution of the filling and prevents the outer fabric from pilling.
- Doona Robe - Long: The Long Doona Robe is fully padded for exceptional comfort, features a removable waist tie, and is designed in a softly structured outerwear fabric with an insulated, cocooning feel. The removable waist tie should be taken off before washing to avoid tangling. The generous length means it may take longer to dry, so check for damp spots before storing.
