As the weather changes, duvets tend to pick up a musty scent despite being covered. While it is possible to wash bedding in the bathtub, one duvet was not in bad condition but did need a refresh. Since it had been a couple of months since its last refresh, the duvet was looking dull and not smelling the cleanest. Thankfully, there is an easier way to freshen up duvets without the hassle of laundry: airing them outside.
By hanging your duvet outside, you can effectively remove bacteria and germs from the fabric. Bedding can accumulate bacteria during winter, even if they are not visible, and sun-drying harnesses the sun's power to naturally eliminate germs. Simply hang your duvet outside for a few hours, and it will feel much fresher without requiring much effort.
Why Air Out Duvets?
During winter, duvets can accumulate a lot of moisture since radiators are often kept on in the evenings, leading to humid bedrooms and increased sweating while sleeping. As the colder months progress, this excess moisture can seep into the fabric, and even if the duvet seems dry, residual sweat can promote bacterial growth. This can result in unpleasant odours, foster mould spores, and even make the bed itchy as it becomes a breeding ground for dust mites.
Sunlight's ultraviolet rays are effective at breaking down bacteria, fungi, and dust mites, helping to clean the duvet without needing to use the washing machine. Additionally, sunlight evaporates any excess moisture, eliminating bad smells, while the wind helps to fluff up compressed filling, leaving the duvet feeling much fresher afterwards.
How to Air Out Duvets Outside
To start, ensure you have the right conditions. It is ideal to do this during a dry spell, making now the perfect time as the UK is experiencing bright, sunny weather. A combination of sun and shade works best, and a gentle breeze is also a plus. A bright, sunny, dry, and breezy day is just perfect for this. It is recommended to carry out this task closer to the evening when there is less humidity in the air.
Next, find a suitable area to gently hang or spread the duvet. One method is to hang it on a clothesline. If you do not have a clothesline, placing a drying rack outside will work as well, as long as it is big enough. First, shake the duvet thoroughly to get rid of any dust that might be stuck, then hang it on the line. Leave the duvet out in the sun for four hours before taking it back inside. Afterwards, it will smell incredibly fresh and feel much cleaner, despite not having been through the washing machine.
The difference is noticeable right away. Since it is not recommended to wash duvets very often, it is important to freshen them up every summer. Not only does the duvet smell clean and fresh, but it also appears a brighter shade of white. The UV light freshens up whites by breaking down stains in the bonds until they can no longer hold, therefore transforming them.
