Cleaning a duvet can be a challenge, especially for those without a large drum washing machine. However, cleaning expert Lynsey Crombie, known as the Queen of Clean, has shared a natural alternative that requires no washing machine.
She recommends hanging the duvet outside on a sunny day. “The sun is a natural disinfectant so will help to kill germs and bacteria,” she said. Rachel Marshall, brand manager at Bensons for Beds, agrees, noting that sunlight acts as a natural deodoriser, removing unpleasant smells from sweat and oils.
In addition to freshening, the warmth of the sun can restore the duvet’s loft, giving it a fluffy, bouncy feel. Airing the duvet also helps evaporate excess moisture, preventing mildew, mould and allergens, particularly in spring when humidity builds up in bedrooms.
For stains, Crombie advises applying hydrogen peroxide directly to the stain, then rinsing. While this method is effective for between-washes freshness, Marshall recommends giving duvets a thorough clean every six months.
