Airing out matress cover outside-how long?

[Hamada]

I remember in europe especially in the alps people would hang there down comforters out the window to air out. Recently I learned that when the air is below freezing it also helps to kill any bacteria or germs. (forget which one) Since right now it is in the 20's outside I decided to put some chairs outside and put the down alternative mattress cover outside to air out.

How long do you think I need to keep it outside? I know I can also wash the matress cover, but right now I just want to air it out.

[miss_thrifty]

the colder the better to freeze the dust mites we all have.
if u can for a couple of hours it would help.

[old_lady_in_the_shoe]

Freezing and sunlight kills mites but does not remove their residue.

In addition to freezing temperatures and washing items in temperatures greater than 130 degrees F, extended exposure to sunlight, and low levels of humidity also destroy the mites.

Removing them requires washing, or vacuuming (depending on what the items are). The residue is what causes the allergy type of symptoms.

[imagine]

My son is allergic to dust. The doc told us to freeze his stuffed animals in the freezer for 24 hours to kill the dust mites.

Does that help?

[mombottoo]

I'd leave it out there for at least a couple of hours...I just love the smell of after it's been outside.

[Siebrie]

Airing 15 minutes a day should be enough. Before you put them into storage for the new season, I would wash and air them thoroughly.

[Hamada]

Thanks everyone, I left the mattress cover out for about 3 hours to freshen up a bit.