Have you ever machine-washed a pillow only for it to come out clumpy and oddly heavy?
Duvets and pillows trap everything from perspiration and body oils to dust and odours, yet they're notoriously difficult to clean at home. Machine washing can leave them lumpy, damp, and more prone to wear and tear.
But according to Steven Szary, bedding expert at My Luxury Sleep Shop, there's a simpler solution: sunlight and fresh air.
What sunlight and fresh air do to your bedding
Long before tumble dryers and quick-wash cycles, airing bedding outside was common in many households.
Over time, all that build-up trapped deep inside your duvet and pillows creates the perfect environment for bacteria, dust mites and even mould. According to Steven, sunlight naturally helps kill bacteria while fresh air removes trapped moisture and stale odours. The result: bedding that feels fresher, cleaner and properly revived.
And May is the perfect time for it. The sun is warm but not too harsh, the humidity is lower and there's usually enough breeze to keep air moving through the filling.
The best way to air your bedding this spring
Choose the right day
Look for a bright, dry day after a stretch of rain-free weather. Lingering moisture and humidity can stop bedding from airing properly and may even make odours worse.
Timing matters
You might assume the hottest part of the day is best, but Steven recommends late afternoon.
The sunlight is gentler then, which helps protect fabrics and stops duvets and pillows from becoming stiff or overly dry. Around four to five hours outside is usually enough to freshen everything up without causing damage.
Prepare before hanging
Before you take anything outside, give your duvet and pillows a good shake to loosen dust and separate the filling. Once they’re hanging, lightly patting the fabric can help stop clumping and keep everything evenly distributed inside.
Find a good spot
A washing line gives the best airflow, but a sturdy clothes horse works just as well. Pillows are best placed on a drying rack. Just make sure everything is secure and kept away from anything damp or dirty.
Leave it alone
Once your bedding is outside, there’s nothing else to do. The combination of sunlight, fresh air and airflow naturally freshens the fabric and restores its fluffiness. By the time you bring it back in, you’ll notice it feels cleaner and fresher.
Why does airing works better than machine washing?
Machine washing can leave duvets and pillows clumped, slow to dry and difficult to properly freshen. Airing bedding outdoors is gentler, removes stale odours naturally and reduces wear from repeated washing. Plus, it’s completely free.
Turns out some of the oldest household habits still work best.
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