Duvets and pillows can be tough to clean because they are often cannot fit into a regular washing machine without overloading it. It is often better to be cautious about washing bulky bedding items, as too much strain on your washing machine will cause it to leak or even cause it to break down completely.
However, duvets or pillows can become a bit smelly in summer as we sweat more in our sleep, so they do need to be washed if you want to prevent bacteria festering in your bed. Heather Walker, an expert from Canadian Down and Feather has shared there is a really easy way to keep your bed hygienic as you simply need to let the sun clean them.
She said: “Hang your duvets, pillows, cushions, and mattress toppers outside for several hours to clear out any odours or staleness and helps the down maintain good loft and insulation.”
It may seem simple, but bedding can become very moist in summer, even if it feels dry, due to how much we sweat at night.
This moisture can encourage mould, pollen and dust mites in your bed which will make it much more uncomfortable as well as make your bedroom smell unpleasant.
However, now is the perfect time to hang duvets or pillows outside as it helps remove any excess moisture inside the stuffing to freshen it up and remove any allergens.
The ultraviolet rays in sunlight is also a natural disinfectant that will kill any germs in the fabric and also creates a natural bleaching affect to lighten any stains cause by sweat.
Airing out bedding is a Scandinavian cleaning method to help naturally remove bacteria and odours without having to spend money going to a laundromat.
How to air dry duvets and pillows properly in summer
To begin, make sure to pick a dry, sunny and ideally windy day to air dry you bedding. Do not hang it outside if it is cloudy as the humidity will simply trap more moisture in the fabric.
Heather said: “Check the weather prior to putting your bedding outside to ensure it won’t get caught in the rain or exposed to a significant amount of humidity. Moisture can cause mold and mildew to develop on down and feather.”
Make sure to give your bedding a good shake to loosen any dust or pollen on the fabric and then drape them on a clothesline. Make sure to use multiple pegs to spread the weight to prevent them sagging.
Let your bedding sit outside for three to five hours, then bring it inside. Do not leave your duvets or pillows any longer outside as too much sun exposure can weaken the fabric.
However, trying out this simple laundry trick this summer will help keep your duvets and pillows much fresher, so your bed stays cleaner with little effort on your part.
