There’s a simple way to get your bedding clean and dry
Duvets and pillows are arguably the most challenging laundry items to wash, frequently deterring people from trying to squeeze them into the washing machine. Nevertheless, with spring cleaning season in full swing, now is the perfect moment to address the job – and there’s an alternative method for reviving your bedding.
Steven Szary, from My Luxury Sleep Shop, recommends that instead of wrestling with waterlogged duvets and pillows, you simply allow the sun to do the heavy lifting.
Steven advised: “Leave your duvet out for several hours (four to five is about right) and it’s best to do it in the late afternoon or early evening when the sun isn’t too harsh. A little bit of sun is good, though, as it helps to kill unwanted bacteria and germs.” Using sunlight’s natural disinfecting properties is a straightforward yet effective means of eliminating bacteria and dust mites from your quilt and pillows.
An accumulation of perspiration, body oils and dust can all become trapped in your bedding, making it crucial to air it out frequently to avoid potential mould development.
Hanging the duvet permits better airflow and warmth to pass through the fabric, removing stale smells and rejuvenating its filling, ultimately enhancing your sleeping comfort.
When it comes to airing your duvet properly, timing and conditions are crucial. Before giving your duvet a solar cleanse, select a sunny, breezy day following a dry spell, Steven urged. He noted: “If it’s cloudy or has rained recently, the air will be more humid and will not be as effective for airing out your bedding.”
Once you’ve identified the perfect conditions, take your duvet outside during the late afternoon. The milder sunshine at this time of day will help protect the fabric and prevent your duvet and pillows from becoming rigid, reports the Express.
Before hanging everything up, give your duvet and pillows a gentle shake. Once your duvet is securely in place, lightly beat the fabric. This will help loosen the duvet fibres and prevent the inner filling from clumping together.
Ideally, your duvet should be hung on a washing line. However, if one isn’t available, you can also drape it over a drying rack, fence or any clean surface, as long as it can be adequately secured.
As for your pillows, these can be positioned on an airer outside or on a clean, flat surface.
Simply leave both items out in the sunshine for four to five hours. After this period, your bedding will be thoroughly refreshed and sanitised, leaving you ready to enjoy a far more comfortable night’s sleep.
