Blankets and comforters often sit unused for days, gathering dust and odor. While many people prefer dry cleaning, you can easily refresh them at home with these simple yet effective tricks.

Start by exposing your blankets or quilts to sunlight for a day or two. Sunlight helps remove moisture and musty smells. Flip them occasionally so both sides get sun exposure. Afterward, lightly beat them with a stick to get rid of dust, and spray a mix of rose water and plain water for a pleasant fragrance.

If you spot food or vegetable stains, prepare a paste of lemon juice and a little salt. Apply it to the stain, leave for 10–15 minutes, then gently scrub with a brush and rinse with clean water. This natural method works well for mild stains.

To remove bacteria and dirt, sprinkle baking soda evenly over the blanket and let it sit for about 20–30 minutes. Once it dries, brush it off with a soft, dry brush. This helps keep the blanket fresh and prevents mold growth.

For lighter blankets, you can use a washing machine. Choose a mild liquid detergent and follow the care label instructions. Before washing, air-dry the blanket briefly in the sun to loosen dirt.

Avoid wringing the blanket after washing—just press it gently to remove water. Use cold water for woolen blankets, and for added freshness and protection, mix a few neem leaves or a few drops of neem oil in the rinse water.