One simple task will leave your duvets feeling cleaner without a washing machine (2025)

Here is an easy way to kill bacteria and germs in your duvet without having to put it into the washing machine.

Washing your duvet can be a frustrating task as the size and bulkiness of the fabric can make it difficult to put in the washing machine. On top of this, even when you do work up the motivation to stick it into the machine for a wash, you are left with the duvet dripping water all over your home as it dries.

If you are contemplating washing your duvet sometime soon, it turns out there is another way to clean them that requires no energy usage at all. But what exactly do we need to do this spring to rid our cosy duvets of bacteria and germs?

Well Steven Szary, from My Luxury Sleep Shop, recommends leaving your duvet outside in the sun. As easy as this idea may seem, simply putting your duvet outside in the sun for a couple of hours can work wonders.

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Steven says: "Leave your duvet out for several hours (four to five is about right) and 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."

This is a great alternative to stuffing your duvet in the washing machine as the ultraviolet rays in the sunlight are a natural disinfectant, reports the Express. The rays have the power to remove bacteria and even dust mites from the fabric.

It is important to air out your duvets, especially after the long winter months. During this time sweat, body oils and dust can be trapped in your duvet, and this can eventually turn into mould if not aired out.

By hanging out your duvet, you are allowing more air and heat to move through the fabric which will get rid of musty smells. You will also be fluffing up the filling of your duvet, making it feel more comfortable to sleep in during the night.

What is the best way to air out a duvet?

Before you even bring your duvet outside, you first need to make a plan. You need to make sure that the day you pick to hang our duvet outside is a sunny and breezy day where there hasn't been any rain for a few days.

Steven said: "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 have found the perfect day, it is advised that you should wait until the late afternoon to take your duvet outside. Waiting until later in the day means the sun will be gentler, which will protect the fabric and stop the duvet from becoming stiff.

The next step is to lightly shake your duvet before hanging it up, and from there you should gently beat down the fabric once it is secured. Beating the fabric will help loosen up the duvet fibres and stop the fluff inside from clumping up together.

While the best choice is to hang your duvet from a clothes line, if you don't have one readily available, a drying rack, fence or any clean surface will do as long as you can secure the duvet properly.

Now all you need to do is leave your duvet outside for four to five hours in the sun. And by the time you have had your dinner and watched a couple of episodes of your latest binge watch, you can take your refreshed and sanitised duvet back inside for a peaceful night's sleep.