Duvets will smell fresher without washing machine if you do one task now

Bulky duvets can be a nightmare to , and many people hesitate to shove them into the washing machine. But you don’t need to deal with to get that clean, fresh feeling.

Instead of wrestling with damp fabric and overstuffed drums, consider stepping outside. There’s a far simpler, mess-free method to get your duvet feeling like new. According to Steven Szary, from , fresh air and sunshine are surprisingly powerful. “Leave your duvet out for several hours (four to five is about right),” he explains.

“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.”

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Ultraviolet rays from the sun are a natural disinfectant, meaning they can help remove not just odours, but actual bacteria from the fabric of your bedding.

Throughout the winter months, duvets absorb body oils, sweat and dust, none of which are obvious to the eye, but all of which can cause a smell and encourage bacteria. If left unwashed for too long, these particles can lead to that stale, musty scent and even make your bedding less hygienic. That’s where regular airing becomes essential.

By hanging your duvet outdoors, you let fresh air circulate through the fibres and filling. Not only does this help eliminate odours, but it also restores the duvet’s fluffiness.

To do it properly, choose a dry day with some sunshine and a light breeze, ideally when it hasn’t rained for a few days. Humid weather makes airing less effective. Steven explains: “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 picked the perfect day, aim to put your duvet outside in the late afternoon. This avoids strong midday sun, which can be harsh on the fabric and cause fading.

Before hanging it up, give your duvet a gentle shake and pat it down to help redistribute the filling. This step is key to keeping it plump and evenly weighted.

, but a clean fence or drying rack will work too. Just make sure it’s secure and fully spread out to catch the breeze.

Let it sit for four to five hours, and then bring it in for a bed that smells fresher, feels lighter, and doesn’t involve a spin cycle or drying day indoors. This simple trick is a great low-effort option to refresh your bedroom this spring. Sometimes, all it takes is a little sunshine to make your duvet feel brand new.