Many people do not realise that duvets need to be washed regularly, like any other item on their bed, but they are often too big and hefty to put in the washing machine. People sweat more in their sleep which seeps into the fabric and will begin to build up, especially with summer just around the corner.
Luckily, Sarah Jubb, an expert from Happy Beds, has shared that the simple Scandinavian method of airing out bedding helps clean out your duvet and get rid of germs. She said: “The cold, dry air effectively removes moisture, preventing the accumulation of this bacteria build-up and any yellow stains, musty smells, or even the growth of mould and mildew. Moreover, sunlight also has natural antibacterial properties and can help remove stains.”
In many Nordic countries, airing out a duvet outside is a low-effort cleaning practice to help make it more hygienic.
Every night, sweat, body oils, and other moisture are released into your bedding, which makes it more likely for germs, dust mites, and even mould to fester in the fabric.
Hanging up a duvet helps any trapped moisture evaporate, and any cool air will kill dust mites, which are one of the biggest causes of allergies.
With the weather heating up in June, now is the best time to air out a duvet as the ultraviolet rays in sunlight act as a natural disinfectant to help remove bacteria.
Airing the duvet helps keep it clean, fresh, and dry without having to put it in the washing machine and worry about breaking the appliance.
Sarah added: “Moreover, airing your duvet with the bedsheet still on can also help restore the loft – essentially, the fluffiness of a down duvet — in your duvet, making for a more comfortable night’s sleep.”
How to air out a duvet using the Scandinavian method
All you need to do is remove the duvet cover and then give your duvet a good shake before hanging it up.
It is best to hang it up on a clothesline, but a balcony railing or drying rack is fine as well if you have limited space.
However, make sure to only hang a duvet outside for less than five hours, ideally around two to four hours.
Sunlight can help clean a duvet, but prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light can weaken the fabric and make it thin or even brittle over time.
The best time to air out a duvet is in the morning. There will be less outdoor pollution and humidity, so less moisture can soak into the fabric.
Taking the time to air out a duvet properly on a sunny day will naturally disinfect it so it feels much cleaner and fresher, so you get a better night’s sleep this summer.