Three ways to freshen bedding without washing

While there’s nothing quite like going to sleep on fresh, clean sheets, it can be hard to keep on top of washing them every week or two. Then there’s the quilt and quilt cover, which need washing less often but are still tricky to clean when it’s winter, raining, or you’re just plain busy.

There are a few things you can do to keep your bedding fresh between washes that don’t involve tossing them in the machine. These tips don’t mean you can completely avoid washing your bedding, rather they help extend the time before they need laundering, which can really help when you’re in a pinch.

Air them out

As much as we love the idea of making the bed first thing in the morning to start the day with a quick win, waiting gives your sheets a chance to air out. 

Open the curtains, blinds and windows so sunlight and fresh air can flow over them, helping to absorb any moisture they may have picked up during the night. After at least an hour, you can then make the bed as usual.

I also like to pop my pillow up vertically and at a slight angle against my bedhead so the areas where my neck and face were resting can also get a little air out too.

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The power of the sun

Pillows and quilts can benefit from spending some time outside on a sunny day. The antibacterial properties of the sun mean bedding can deodorise up in between washing, while a nice breeze will air them out.

Quilts can be placed on your clothesline as you would if they were wet, or on a clothes airer if you don’t have one. 

This is considered a Scandinavian practice, made popular by Cecilia Blomdahl, who shared the hack on social media.

Not only does it remove lingering moisture, dust and odour causing bacteria, she claims it also fluffs up the quilt making it softer and warmer. 

Pillows can be placed on a clothes airer outside, just remember to flip them at some point, so both sides get a dose of sunshine.

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Swap frequently

Having more than one set of bedsheets means you can change them without having to wash that same day. 

But what keeps the fresh feeling even longer is changing your pillowcases every few nights. Since your face is in direct contact with the pillowcase you can really feel if it’s a little greasy from skincare, sweat and/or drool. It can even trick you into feeling that clean sheet sensation without the hard work.

Pillowcases are the most affordable item of bedding and the easiest to wash and change over, so it just makes life easier if this is the one item you make sure is always clean.