How to clean and whiten duvet and pillows without a washing machine with one simple move
As temperatures are forecasted to rise in the coming days, now is the time to give your duvet and pillows a freshen-up. However, it doesn't mean you have to put them in the washing machine to get them clean.
Bedding can be a pain to clean as most of it will not fit in washing machines and can take forever to dry.
With less rain on the way, it's a great time to try out a simple method that involves the outdoors to get your duvet and pillows clean.
But how can you wash a duvet at home? Queen of Clean Lynsey Crombie explained: “If you are lucky enough to have a large drum washing machine then most duvets can be washed this way using the duvet setting.
“If this isn’t the case, most dry cleaners offer a duvet-cleaning service. Or alternatively, on a beautiful bright sunny day get your duvet out on the washing line.”
However, households need to ensure they have a strong washing line before leaving the items out in the fresh air and sunshine.
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Households can pick up the Brabantia Lift-O-Matic 50 metre four-arm rotary airer with ground spike from Robert Dyas that’s on sale for £69.99 down from £134.99 or there’s the Everlasto Everstrong premium quality steel core PVC clothesline that retails for £8.15 from B&Q.
The sunlight works to clean pillows and duvets because it is “a natural disinfectant” so it will help to kill germs and bacteria and even whiten them.
Many people find sun bleaching is more effective when the clothes are wet rather than dry, so it may be worth giving the bedding a spritz first.
Hang them out as flat as possible. It’s important to make sure that every part of the fabric is receiving direct sunshine and not overlapping.
Don't miss...
Never clean patios with white vinegar and one other item, claims paving expert [WARNING]
Shower screens masked by hard limescale shine with best product cleaner uses [EXPERT]
Soften stiff and scratchy towels with baking soda and 1 item that’s not vinegar [COMMENT]
It is the sun’s rays that are doing the bleaching and cleansing so if the rays can’t get through, the item won’t get bleached.
To whiten them, usually two to three hours will do the job. If you want the item even whiter, try a few hours again another day.
However, keep in mind that leaving things out for days at a time could weaken and damage the fabric particularly if they are sensitive fabrics.
As well as sunlight, hydrogen peroxide can also work if you have any stains on your pillows or duvets. Apply neat to the stain, once the stain has been removed, rinse away.
As for how many times you should wash your duvet, it is advised twice a year.
It is recommended that pillows should be replaced every two to three years. At the same time, duvets should be replaced every five years to keep them fresh.