This weekend is set to see a lot of sun, and that might be just the answer to cleaner, better-smelling towels. There are a number of ways you can spruce up your towels at home to ensure they’re looking, feeling and smelling their best.

Caring for towels can begin in your washing machine, right up until you fold them for their next use, and it’s important not to make any mistakes so they stay soft and fluffy. Turns out, there’s one particular drying method that could be your laundry's saving grace. When it comes to drying your towels, many people will use their tumble dryer or an indoor clothes airer, but this overlooked method has many benefits. When the sun is shining, make the most of it by hanging your towels outside for that perfect, warm drying method. According to luxury linen brand Christy, natural sunlight and fresh air help to kill bacteria while also eliminating “musty smells”.

Similarly, Mira Shower suggests that tumble drying simply won’t cut it. If you’re wanting the most germ-free towels, outdoors is your best bet. It states: “Air-drying your towels outside on a mild, dry day is the best method.

“The sun will bleach white towels to keep them bright while the UV rays kill any remaining bacteria. If you don’t have any outdoor space, open the windows or use a dehumidifier to prevent moisture from building up in the air.

Air-drying your towels outside on a mild, dry day is the best method - particularly on Saturday, with the Met Office forecasting "prolonged periods of sunshine" in eastern areas of the country.

The sun will bleach white towels to keep them bright while the UV rays kill any remaining bacteria. If you don’t have any outdoor space, open the windows or use a dehumidifier to prevent moisture from building up in the air.

The shower brand also advises against using your radiators, as towels can become “stiff” and ”scratchy”. When it comes to how regularly you should be washing your towels, Mira suggests once a week or every three to five uses.

In order to remove any lingering smells from your laundry and spruce up your towels, there are a few other easy, natural methods. This includes adding half a cup of bicarbonate soda to your detergent before washing as normal.

Another easy cleaning hack is using multi-use tea tree oil. By adding a few drops into your wash, the natural oil’s antibacterial properties help to kill any products caused by the lingering germs.

Christy also recommends lavender for fresh-smelling towels. Adding a sachet of lavender or other natural fragrant herbs to your linen or your drawers will help to kill any unwanted scents.