Sunny days not only brighten our spirits but also provide the perfect opportunity to wash those items that we often ignore.
Leaving your laundry to air dry in sunlight not only leaves it smelling fresh but also lightens stains and disinfects them by killing any leftover bacteria. So, we are sharing our tips to take advantage of the sunshine and effectively wash your home essentials.
For these, you will need a clothesline or a drying rack you can place in the sunlight.
How to Wash Duvets
Sunny days are perfect for refreshing your bedding.
Step One: Stain Removal
If there are any visible dried stains from late night snacking (we've all been there) it is a good idea to pre-treat stains before washing. This may be a little more of a hands-on task than day-to-day stain removal because duvets are larger and thicker than other fabrics, but a little Tough Love Stain Removal goes a long way. Read our blog on how to use it here.
Step Two: Washing
While we love to advocate hand washing here at Clothes Doctor, but to wash a duvet by hand... that's pretty much impossible. It's best to machine wash a duvet, not just because of its size, but because it will be easier to distribute the detergent amongst all the layers and wash out all the product completely.
Be sure to remove the duvet cover and wash at a cool temperature, 30 degrees is recommended, you can add another rinse if you feel it is needed. Make sure you use a gentle detergent that is still effective on low temperatures - our Basil & Mandarin Leaf Detergent is perfect for this and stunningly scented! Plus, pop in a tennis ball, or a laundry egg if you have one, in the machine to prevent clumping in the fabric.
Step Three: Drying your Duvet
We recommend drying your duvet outside for a faster drying, and to make the most of the warmth!
Leave your duvet to air dry completely, or if the weather changes and your duvet is not yet dry, you can pop in on a gentle low-heat tumble dry option (and pop the tennis ball in again to prevent clumping!).
How to Wash Pillows
Most down and feather pillows can be machine washed, just make sure to use a cold, delicate wash and a delicate detergent. Our Basil & Mandarin Leaf Detergent gently but effectively clean delicate items, even at low temperatures.
Memory foam pillows are best to be hand washed as the agitation can break up the foam. For this, fill up a large sink or bathtub with lukewarm water. Then add a couple of capfuls of our Basil & Mandarin Leaf Detergent or our Signature Detergent and let the detergent and water mingle. Submerge the pillow in the water and lightly massage for about ten minutes to move the detergent through the foam. Then rinse the pillow until the water runs clear, gently squeezing the foam to remove any excess water.
Drying your pillows
Proper drying is essential to prevent mould, mildew, and odours. The best way to dry your pillow is by air-drying in sunlight. Once dry, give them a big fluff so they regain their shape.
How to Wash Rugs
Rugs trap dirt and dust, contributing to a less-than-pristine living environment. Beat the dust out of your rugs by hanging them over a clothesline or railing and giving them a good whack.
For the washing, if the label indicates your rug needs special care then we recommend spot-cleaning any dirty areas or taking your rug for professional cleaning. If they are machine washable, take advantage of the sun's heat to wash them!
After any excess dirt is removed, roll them into the machine using a delicate cold wash setting. Then, add our Basil and Mandarin Detergent, or our Signature Detergent and avoid any bleach or chemicals. After the cycle is complete, leave your rug to dry outside but avoid any direct sunlight as it may cause colour fading.
How to Brighten Whites
The sun’s ultraviolet rays actually brighten white laundry - that’s why it's the perfect time to do a load of your whites and bring some brightness to them.
Firstly, wash the whites with a couple of capfuls of our Tough Love Stain Removal to help the brightening. Just pop the powder into your machine drawer - if you’re not sure which drawer check out this video! Wash your whites on a cool wash (30 degrees) with a detergent that fights stains and works effectively at low temperatures.
After the wash is done, pop your whites outside directly into the sunlight. If you have any stains or murkier areas, then centre this into the sun. Leave them to dry and you will see them glowing!
So there you have it, four different ways to up your laundry game on a sunny day.
For more expert clothing care tips explore more of our blogs. For our whole range of detergents, mists, tools and accessories that are perfect for every type of fabric, explore our whole range.
