Airing your bedding: The forgotten winter wellness ritual
In the UK, it's common to notice bed linens hanging on balconies. Even our grandmothers appreciated the benefits of this practice. However, it's important to remember some key principles when airing pillowcases and duvets - even in winter.
A good night's sleep is the foundation of our health and well-being. Proper sleep hygiene begins with regularly changing and washing bed linens under suitable conditions. Every so often, to improve hygiene, it's good to expose the bedding to fresh air. This old custom is justified because it helps remove contaminants such as dust, remnants of cosmetics, dead skin, and bacteria that can threaten health.
Remember this while airing your bedding
Besides regular washing, it's worth putting duvets and pillows on the balcony on a sunny day. Even an hour in the fresh air is enough to get rid of dust mites, leaving the bedding fresh and pleasantly scented.
However, during airing, one should remember not to expose the bedding to intense sunlight, which can cause colours to fade. It's also crucial not to forget to turn the bedding to ensure it's aired evenly.
We also avoid exposing the bedding during rain since humidity encourages the growth of moulds and fungi. Therefore, bringing in the bedding before sunset is important, as evening moisture can settle on it.
Should you air bedding in winter?
Although not everyone knows this, airing bedding is essential in winter when indoor humidity significantly increases due to heating.
Airing bedding in winter can be done even when the temperature outside is low. Fresh air and sunlight have natural antibacterial properties, which help eliminate various types of contaminants. Even a short exposure to fresh air can improve sleep quality by reducing allergens and moisture in the bedding. This will bring relief to those suffering from allergies and skin problems.
