The quick and easy trick that freshens pillows and duvets without washing

Stop struggling with washing machines and fresh your bedding with this simple hack

Duvets and pillows are among the most difficult household items to wash, with many people reluctant to wash them regularly because of their size and weight. While washing machines can handle bedding, larger items often require extra care and can take a long time to properly dry.

With spring cleaning season now underway, many households are looking for simple ways to freshen up their bedding without the hassle of a full wash, and experts say there may be an easier solution. Steven Szary, from My Luxury Sleep Shop, suggests rather than struggling with soaking wet duvets and pillows, you should simply let the sun do the work.

The expert recommends: “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 the sun’s natural disinfecting qualities is a simple yet effective approach to removing bacteria and dust mites from your duvet and pillows. A build-up of sweat, body oils and dust can become trapped in your bedding, making it essential to air it regularly to avoid potential mould growth.

Hanging out the duvet allows improved air circulation and warmth to get into the fabric, removing musty odours and reviving its filling, which ultimately improves your sleep quality. When it comes to airing your duvet properly, timing and weather conditions are absolutely vital.

Steven recommends selecting a sunny, breezy day following a spell of dry weather before giving your duvet an outdoor refresh. 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 worked out what the perfect day and weather is, take your duvet outside during the late afternoon, the Express reports. The softer sunlight at this time of day will help preserve the fabric and prevent your duvet and pillows from going stiff.

Before hanging everything out, give your duvet and pillows a good shake. Once your duvet is firmly in position, lightly beat the fabric to loosen the fibres and stop the inner filling from clumping.

Ideally, a clothesline is the best option for hanging your duvet. If that’s not available, draping it over a drying rack, fence or any clean surface will work just as well, as long as it’s properly secured.

Meanwhile, your pillows can be laid out on an airer or placed on a clean, flat surface outside.

Leave both items in the sunshine for four to five hours. By this point, your bedding will be thoroughly refreshed and sanitised, setting you up for a far more restful night’s sleep.