A sleep expert has shared a simple yet effective method to freshen up your duvet and pillows this spring cleaning season, and it does not involve a washing machine. Duvets and pillows are notoriously tricky laundry items to tackle, putting many people off cleaning them altogether. With spring cleaning season now in full swing, however, there has never been a better time to freshen up your bedding, and there is a surprisingly easy alternative method to bunging them in the wash.
Steven Szary, of My Luxury Sleep Shop, suggests letting the sun do the hard work rather than wrestling with waterlogged duvets and pillows. He advised: "Leave your duvet out for several hours (four to five is about right), and it is best to do it in the late afternoon or early evening when the sun is not too harsh. A little bit of sun is good, though, as it helps to kill unwanted bacteria and germs." Harnessing the natural disinfecting power of sunlight is a simple yet highly effective way to rid your quilt and pillows of bacteria and dust mites.
A build-up of sweat, body oils, and dust can all become embedded within your bedding, making regular airing essential to prevent the onset of mould. Hanging out your duvet allows air and warmth to circulate through the fabric, banishing stale smells and breathing new life into the filling, ultimately improving your quality of sleep, reports the Express.
Getting the Timing and Conditions Right
Getting the timing and conditions right is crucial for properly airing your duvet. Steven stressed that before treating your bedding to a solar freshen-up, you should wait for a sunny, airy day following a dry spell. He explained: "If it is cloudy or has rained recently, the air will be more humid and will not be as effective for airing out your bedding." After you have identified ideal conditions, bring your duvet outdoors during the late afternoon. The gentler sunlight at this time will help safeguard the material and stop your duvet and pillows from becoming stiff.
Steps to Freshen Your Bedding
- Prior to hanging, give your duvet and pillows a light shake.
- When your duvet is firmly secured, gently pat the material. This helps loosen the duvet fibres and prevents the internal filling from clumping.
- Preferably, you should suspend your duvet on a washing line. If you have not got one available, you can rest it on a clothes horse, garden fence, or any hygienic surface, provided it can be adequately fastened.
- Regarding your pillows, these can be positioned on an outdoor drying rack or on a spotless surface.
- Subsequently, leave both of them outdoors in the sunshine for four to five hours.
After this period, your bedding will be revitalised and cleaned, ready for you to experience a better night's rest. This method not only saves the hassle of using a washing machine but also leverages the natural power of sunlight to kill unwanted germs and bacteria, making it an eco-friendly and effective spring cleaning hack.
