How to clean your duvet and banish germs and bacteria WITHOUT using a washing machine – and it’s perfect for Spring day

WHILE changing the sheets is a weekly process for many people - how often do you wash your duvet?

The task is often put off by people who don't have a washing machine large enough to fit a whole duvet in.

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You can hang your duvet outside to get rid of germs and bacteria - the sun works wondersCredit: Getty

But you actually don't need a washing machine to get rid of the germs and bacteria that are most probably lingering on your duvet.

Instead, you can take advantage of the upcoming sunnier weather, and simply hang your duvet outside.

The self-described Queen of Clean, aka Lynsey Crombie, explained that sunshine is the best way to get your duvet clean.

"On a beautiful bright sunny day get your duvet out on the washing line," she said.

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“Leave the duvet out in the fresh air and sunshine, the sun is a natural disinfectant so will help to kill germs and bacteria."

The method was also approved by Bensons for Beds' brand manager Rachel Marshall.

"If you opt for a sunny day to air your duvet, the sunlight is a fantastic natural deodoriser that can help to remove unpleasant smells caused by things like sweat and oils released from the body," she told Express.co.uk.

“This means you can put down those artificial air fresheners or cleaning chemicals to keep your bedding smelling fresh.”

"The warmth of the sunshine can even help to restore the loft of your duvet whih helps to give it that fluffy, bouncy feeling that gradually fades over time."

Leaving the duvet in the sunshine for a few hours can also help with moisture removal - with the fresh air aiding the evaporation of excess moisture in the duvet fibres.

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As for how often you should do this - you can try to do it every few months, or when the sun is out.

But you will also need to do a more thorough wash twice a year.

"We’d always recommend giving your duvet a thorough clean every six months, but this quick and easy tip is the perfect way to keep your bedding fresh in those in-between months," Rachel added.

If your duvet has stains on it, Lynsey advises using neat hydrogen peroxide to apply directly to the mark.

Once the stain has gone, rinse away the hydrogen peroxide.

If you have any stains on the duvet, you can apply hydrogen peroxide to get rid of it
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If you have any stains on the duvet, you can apply hydrogen peroxide to get rid of itCredit: Getty