Pillows and duvets are two of the most neglected laundry items to wash, but just like bed sheets, these comfy essentials also need a good clean.
Despite being rather large, they accumulate dust, dead skin cells, sweat, and oily residues which could make them less snuggly over time.
To keep things fresh and avoid the onset of unpleasant odours or an invasion of dust mites, it’s advised that these bulky bedding items be washed every three months, even with protective covers in place. However, fitting them into a standard washing machine can pose a challenge.
Lynsey Crombie dubbed the Queen of Clean across Britain, has shared her savvy tips for maintaining cleanliness without breaking a sweat when it comes to these hefty bedroom staples.
If you’re wondering how to spruce up a duvet sans washing machine, most synthetic options are machine-washable following the label’s guidance. But for those too plump for the spin cycle, there is another option.
The cleaning guru recommended: “Airing your duvet outside is a much easier, quicker and more natural way to clean it rather than putting it in the washing machine.”
She added a comforting note about the benefits of putting bedding outside: “Putting your duvet outside can revitalise it in many ways. It can help restore the bounce and fluffiness of your duvet, which can gradually fade over time.”
Though it may sound deceptively simple, the ultraviolet rays outside act as a powerful, natural disinfectant, great at fading stains and brightening your duvet and pillows.
If you spot any yellow stains on a pillow or duvet, it’s likely a build-up of sweat, body oils, moisturisers and hair products that have soaked into the fabric.
According to Lynsey, these stains are “easy to remove” as all you need is a bottle of hydrogen peroxide, which is composed of hydrogen and oxygen.
The great thing about hydrogen peroxide is its potent anti-bacterial properties which can break down most dirt, grease and tough organic stains.
Lynsey instructed: “Simply grab a bottle of hydrogen peroxide which is a natural disinfectant liberally spray the stains, and let the product work so leave a minimum of 15 minutes.
“Grab a hard brush and water scrub the stains away and then pop into your tumble dryer to dry, fluff up, bring the bounce back and kill germs. If you decide to air dry lay flat and turn regularly.”
Both your pillows and duvets will be completely clean using natural products so you can enjoy a comfortable night’s sleep without any hassle.
