To air out a blanket, hang it outdoors on a sunny, breezy day to leverage natural UV rays for germ killing and odor elimination, or utilize indoor methods like open windows and fans for circulation. This simple practice helps refresh fabric, reduce odors, and minimize allergens without immediate washing.
Why Air Out Your Blanket?
Airing out your blankets is a quick and effective way to maintain their freshness and hygiene between washes. This process offers several benefits:
- Eliminates Odors: It removes stale smells, pet odors, and everyday lingering scents from the fabric.
- Reduces Dust Mites & Allergens: Fresh air and sunlight can help deter dust mites and clear out common allergens trapped in the fibers.
- Kills Germs: Sunlight, specifically its UV rays, possesses natural antibacterial properties that can help sanitize fabrics.
- Freshens Fabric: It revitalizes the material, making your blanket feel lighter and smell cleaner.
- Extends Lifespan: Regular airing can reduce the frequency of machine washing, which can be harsh on fabrics over time.
Effective Methods for Airing Out Blankets
There are several ways to effectively air out your blankets, depending on weather conditions and available space.
1. Outdoor Airing (Sunlight & Fresh Air)
This is the most effective method, especially on a clear, sunny day. Natural sunlight and fresh air work wonders for cleaning and refreshing fabrics.
- Harness UV Rays: On a sunny day, take advantage of natural sunlight and fresh air by hanging your bedding outside to air out. UV rays from the sun have natural antibacterial properties that can help kill germs and eliminate odors.
- Optimal Conditions: Choose a day that is dry, sunny, and ideally breezy. Avoid humid or rainy days, as these can make the blanket damp and potentially encourage mildew.
- How to Do It:
- Shake out: Give your blanket a good shake to dislodge any loose dust or debris.
- Hang properly: Drape the blanket over a clothesline, a sturdy fence, or a large drying rack. Ensure it's spread out as much as possible to allow maximum air and sun exposure on both sides.
- Flip it: After a few hours, flip the blanket to expose the other side evenly to the sun and air.
- Duration: Leave it out for a few hours, typically 2-4 hours, depending on the blanket's thickness and the sun's intensity.
2. Indoor Air Circulation
If outdoor airing isn't possible due to weather or lack of space, you can still air out your blanket indoors.
- Open Windows: Choose a room with good airflow. Open windows wide to create a cross-breeze, allowing fresh air to circulate.
- Use Fans: Place a fan near the blanket to help circulate air more effectively.
- Strategic Hanging: Drape the blanket over a clean chair, a clothes horse, or a sturdy railing where it can hang freely and air can reach all sides. Avoid piling it on a bed or sofa, which limits airflow.
- Duration: Leave it to air for several hours, ideally overnight, for best results.
3. Dryer Air Fluff
For a quick refresh, especially for smaller blankets, your dryer's air fluff setting can be useful.
- No Heat: Select the "air fluff" or "no heat" setting on your dryer. This circulates room-temperature air through the blanket without applying heat that could damage certain fibers or set stains.
- Optional Scent: You can add a dryer sheet or a wool dryer ball with a few drops of essential oil (like lavender or tea tree) for an extra scent boost.
- Duration: Run for 10-20 minutes to tumble and air out the fabric.
Tips for Optimal Airing
- Pre-Shake: Always give your blanket a good shake before airing to remove loose dust and fibers.
- Consider Humidity: Avoid airing blankets outside on very humid days, as they might absorb moisture rather than release it, leading to a musty smell.
- Avoid Pollen: If you or family members have severe pollen allergies, outdoor airing might exacerbate symptoms. In such cases, opt for indoor methods.
- Spot Clean First: If there are any visible spots or stains, address them with a spot cleaner before airing to ensure the blanket is truly refreshed.
- Check Weather Forecast: Before hanging your blanket outside, always check the weather to ensure no unexpected rain showers.
How Often Should You Air Out Your Blanket?
The frequency depends on usage and personal preference, but generally, airing out your blanket once a week or every two weeks can significantly extend the time between full washes. For blankets used daily, more frequent airing is beneficial.
For more tips on freshening blankets without a full wash, you can explore resources like Hunker's guide to refreshing blankets.
