The reason why people are freezing their blankets: “They air out bedding and clothes in the cold to refresh them naturally”

One of the useful hacks that has been doing the rounds on TikTok for the past couple of years is an old trick for freshening up bedding which is popular in Nordic countries.

In Sweden, Denmark and Norway, it’s common to hang bedding (duvets, blankets, bed covers and pillowcases... etc) outside in the open air - even in winter.

It’s a method that helps to freshen up bed linen, as well as removing odors, dead skin cells, bacteria and bed-lurking critters like dust mites.

Get rid of musty smells

Rather than hanging duvets and blanket up inside, it’s more hygienic to leave them outside where they can dry out in the breeze. The best time is on a cold, dry, sunny day. One of the reasons is that our bedding soaks up moisture while we are asleep. The average adult typically loses between 0.5 to 1 liter of water per night, sleeping a standard eight hours. That fluid seeps into your duvet and gets trapped there. Taking it outside allows the moisture to evaporate.

Even a light breeze will help to get rid of musty odors caused by a build up of dead skin, bacteria, sweat and the bodily oils that we emit during the night. Airing the duvet outside is easier and quicker than just sticking it in the washing machine - which also has the hassle of trying to get it dry.

It’s actually better to air your duvet outside when it’s cold, once or twice a week as long as conditions are dry (ie. not raining or snowing). Even freezing temperatures will leave blankets feeling fresher, smell much cleaner and help it to regain some of its natural loft. And the cold will help to reduce dust mites and bacteria, although unfortunately, not eliminate them entirely.

A few hours outside in the cold is enough. It won’t take too long for your bedding to warm back up once you bring it back inside. Tucking up inside cool, freshly laundered bed sheets feels great and helps you enjoy a decent night’s sleep.

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