Pillows tend to become a bit smelly and yellow at this time of year as we sweat more in our sleep due to the hot weather, but it is really easy to clean them so they look brand new. It is important to wash pillows regularly in summer as sweat stains are more common, but many people hate sticking them in the washing machine in case they lose their shape. 

However, if you actually need to do laundry, as the experts at Rest House Sleep have shared, you can easily clean pillows by sticking them outside in the sun for a few hours. They said: “The sun's ultraviolet rays kill dust mites, mildew, and allergens. In addition, odours and dampness from perspiration are absorbed by sunlight — it can even lighten stains.

“Just a few hours beneath the hot sun and your pillows will feel and smell as fresh as if they'd been laundered — all without the use of harsh chemicals.”

Most people do not realise that the sun can kill bacteria and also has a natural bleaching effect which can help whiten bulky items you would rather not put in the washing machine.

This easy cleaning method is called sunning and works best in the middle of summer when the heat helps break down the oils in sweat stains.

Not only does it help clean pillows, but it also removes any moisture buildup from sweat to help freshen them and prevent mould from getting into the fabric. 

It is obviously important to wash pillows, but if you just want to get rid of a few small stains, airing them out once or twice this summer will help keep them clean and brighten them up. 

What is the best way to air out a pillow?

All you need to do is wait for a hot, breezy day and then hang your pillows outside. It is best to wait until 11am so your pillows get the most direct sunlight from the afternoon sun. 

Leave your pillows outside all day, for a minimum of four hours, to make sure they are fully refreshed. 

If your pillows are quite big and chunky, you may want to flip them over on the line at some point to ensure both sides get enough sunlight. 

Once the time is up, bring your pillows inside but leave them on a flat surface for one hour before making your bed.

It can sometimes be a little humid outdoors, so leaving them alone helps make sure any moisture has evaporated to prevent mould. Pillows can also become weighed down while drying, so letting them sit also helps fluff them up.

This simple technique will help whiten pillows and lighten stains so you can enjoy sleeping this summer on fresh bedding.