Sun-drying quilts is an art, and there are specific requirements for sun-drying quilts of different materials. Different seasons also have their own characteristics for sun-drying quilts. Developing the habit of regularly sun-drying quilts can reduce bacteria and mites in the quilts. Today, I will introduce the best time for sun-drying quilts.
Best Time for Sun-Drying Quilts
The most suitable time for sun-drying quilts is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the morning when the air is dry. In winter, it is best to sun-dry quilts until 1 p.m. because quilts are prone to absorb moisture and should be packed up as soon as possible. In addition, when sun-drying quilts, try to avoid direct sunlight. You can cover them with bed sheets, but remember to flip the quilts midway so that both sides can be evenly exposed to the sun.
Different Materials Require Different Times
The time and frequency of sun-drying quilts vary depending on the fabric.
Cotton quilts: Once a week, sun-dry for 3-4 hours.
Synthetic cotton quilts: Once a week, sun-dry for 2-3 hours is ideal.
Wool quilts: Sun-dry twice a month, for 2 hours in a cool place.
Down quilts: Sun-dry once a month, 30 minutes in summer and 1 hour in winter. You can place down quilts indoors on a chair to maintain ventilation.
Quilts Not Suitable for Long-Term Sun-Drying
Cotton quilts: After 3 hours of sun exposure, cotton quilts will expand to a certain extent. Prolonged sun-drying and frequent exposure can cause cotton fibers to shrink and fall off, reducing the warmth of the quilts.
Wool quilts and down quilts: These types of quilts contain oil. Exposure to sunlight can cause chemical changes in these substances, and prolonged sun-drying can reduce the quality of the quilts.
Silk quilts: After long-term sun exposure, the protein components in silk quilts will be damaged, resulting in discoloration and easy cracking. Therefore, these quilts only need to be sun-dried for two hours in a dry and ventilated place.
Best Season for Sun-Drying Quilts
Suitable Season for Sun-Drying Quilts
Experts suggest that if you need to sun-dry stored quilts, the best time is in July and August when the sun's ultraviolet rays are particularly strong, which can kill parasites hiding in the quilts.
Unsuitable Season for Sun-Drying Quilts
May is not suitable for sun-drying quilts. May is a season of caterpillar reproduction with sunny weather and floating willow catkins. Winter egg larvae are easily blown into the quilts by the wind. Winter quilts generally contain keratin, which is an ideal food for insect eggs to reproduce. If quilts are sun-dried too frequently, it will accelerate the reproduction of pests.
Precautions for Sun-Drying Quilts
1. When sun-drying quilts, it is best to have the inside of the quilt facing the sun. This can protect the back material and allow the inside of the quilt to directly contact the sunlight, achieving better drying results.
2. After sun-drying, avoid vigorously beating the quilts. Beating can easily cause the fillings, fibers, and down inside the quilts to break, affecting the warmth. Use a brush to remove any dust on the quilts.
