11 Ways To Bleach, Deodorise And Clean With Sunshine – Including Fixing Tomato-Stained Tupperware

Before the days of powerful cleaning sprays and cupboards full of products, homes were cared for with simple, natural solutions and one of the most effective is shining above us.

Sunshine has long been used as a gentle way to brighten fabrics, freshen household items and breathe new life into everyday essentials. From crisp white linens drying on the washing line to rugs airing in the garden, a little time outdoors can work wonders around the home.

As well as bringing a fresh, country-style charm to cleaning routines, sunlight can help tackle some of those stubborn household problems we often reach for harsh chemicals to solve. Whether you’re hoping to revive tired textiles, banish lingering smells or make the most of a sunny afternoon, these clever sunshine-powered tricks offer an easy, affordable and wonderfully traditional way to refresh your home.

close up of real life laundry in the afternoon sun

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Natural bleaching and stain removal

Brightening white linens: Dampen yellowed cottons or linens and lay them flat on clean grass in direct sunlight to naturally bleach them white.
The same applies for fixing duvets "Sunlight is great for naturally disinfecting and removing any lingering moisture or stale air," explains Mark Tremlett the co-founder and Business Director of Naturalmat, a sustainable, organic bed and mattress brand.
Erasing tomato stains: Place plastic Tupperware or clothes stained with tomato sauce in the sun for a few hours to completely fade the red pigment.

a set of different eco friendly dishes and tools on a modern kitchen marble countertop. front view. user friendly. kitchen background

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Disinfecting and deodorising

Sanitising mattresses and pillows: Strip your bedding and place mattresses, pillows and heavy duvets outside in direct sun to kill dust mites as well as bacteria.
Deodorising smelly shoes: Leave damp or stinky trainers and boots in full sunlight to destroy the bacteria that causes unpleasant odours.
Refreshing wooden cutting boards: Washed cutting boards can dry in the sun to naturally disinfect the wood grain. "Wooden cutting boards can be washed, rubbed with lemon juice, and left to dry in the sun. Just make sure they dry thoroughly, or they may develop mildew or an unpleasant smell" advises Carly Campbell a recipe developer, food content creator and founder of Bite Sized Bash.
Purifying musty rugs: Hang heavy wool rugs or floor mats over a railing in the sun to bake out trapped moisture and musty cellar smells.

natural honey in various jars on a wooden shelf, souvenir village market.

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Food and kitchen tips

Dehydrating garden produce: Slice tomatoes, apples, or herbs thinly and place them on mesh screens in the sun to create homemade dried snacks.
Softening crystallised honey: Place a glass jar of hardened, crystallised honey on a sunny windowsill to gently warm it back into a smooth liquid.

Cleaning and maintenance

Drying out damp books: Open water-damaged or musty vintage books and stand them upright on a sunny table to dry the pages and stop mould growth.
Curing cast iron ironware: After washing and lightly oiling a cast iron skillet, let it bake in the hot sun to help bond the initial protective oil layer.
Baking out rubbish bins: Wash your outdoor wheelie bins with soapy water, rinse and leave them upside down in the sun to completely dry and neutralise odours.

So, next time the forecast promises a bright day, take the opportunity to open the windows, step outside and let the sunshine do some of the hard work. It’s an easy way to create a fresher, cleaner home while embracing a slower, more sustainable way of life.