Where does the smell of the sun come from when drying quilts? Mites scorched? Here comes the scienti

Mondo Science Updated on 2024-02-01

The sun's drying of the quilt does give it a peculiar smell that people often attribute to the scorched mites. However, scientific explanations show that this idea is not accurate. During the drying process of the quilt, the action of sunlight and heat will produce certain chemical changes in the quilt, and these changes will cause the special smell emitted by the quilt. This article will detail the influence of the sun on quilts and the formation process of quilt taste, and reveal the scientific principles behind it.

First, the effect of the sun on the quiltSunlight and heat are the two key factors for the quilt to dry. Ultraviolet rays in sunlight have a bactericidal effect and can inhibit the reproduction of mites. In addition, the heat of the sun's rays accelerates the evaporation of moisture, which causes the quilt to dry out quickly. Therefore, basking in the sun can effectively remove moisture and mites and keep the quilt clean and dry.

Second, the formation of quilt taste.

The special smell emitted by the quilt after drying is mainly due to the chemical changes inside the quilt. In the fibers and fillings of quilts, there are various organic substances such as bacterial metabolites, human dander and sweat. When a quilt is exposed to the sun, the ultraviolet rays in the sunlight react chemically with these organic substances, triggering a series of complex changes.

1.Photolysis reaction.

Ultraviolet light is capable of photolyzing organic matter to break down into simpler compounds. These decomposition products may contain odor substances such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and sulfides.

2.Oxidation reactions.

Ultraviolet rays in sunlight are also capable of initiating oxidation reactions, which allow organic matter to oxidize into more stable compounds. These oxidation products have a special odor to a certain extent, such as aldehydes and ketones.

3.Bactericidal effect.

The presence of mites is one of the important factors that cause the odor of quilts. Ultraviolet rays in sunlight have a bactericidal effect and can inhibit the reproduction of mites. When mites are dried or killed, their decomposition products and remains can also have an impact on the taste of the quilt.

3. Changes in the taste of quilts.

The longer the quilt is exposed to the sun, the more noticeable the change in the taste of the quilt becomes. This is because sunlight and heat continuously chemically change the quilt and release the flavor gradually. At the same time, the difference in the material and filling of the quilt will also lead to differences in taste.

It's important to note that the taste of a quilt after drying is not necessarily what people like. Some people may think that the taste of a quilt after drying is pungent or uncomfortable. This is because the odor substances released after the quilt is dried may be related to the individual's olfactory preference. Some people may like the fresh smell of the comforter, while others may find the smell uncomfortable enough.

In addition, the persistence of the comforter flavor is also worth paying attention to. Although the smell of the comforter will gradually dissipate after it is dried, the smell of the comforter may persist if it is not used properly or stored improperly. For example, if the comforter is exposed to moisture or prolonged exposure to the sun, it may cause the quilt to become moldy or odorless.

In real life, there are ways to deal with the problem of comforter taste. First of all, make sure that the quilt is fully exposed to the sun during the drying process, which can maximize the sterilization effect of sunlight and accelerate the drying of the quilt. Secondly, choosing a detergent and washing method can reduce the residue of organic matter inside the quilt, thereby reducing the production of flavor. Finally, store the quilt reasonably and avoid moisture, direct sunlight, etc.

Fourth, some misunderstandings about drying quilts.

There are also some misunderstandings among people's doubts about the smell of the sun in the quilt. These misconceptions may stem from personal subjective feelings or hearsay and lack scientific basis. Here are some common misconceptions and scientific explanations.

1.The comforter flavor comes from the mites being burnt.

This is one of the most common misconceptions, and it is widely believed that the sun smell of quilts is due to sunlight killing mites. However, in reality, mites are very numerous in the quilt and can be difficult to completely scorch or kill. The sun's ultraviolet rays inhibit the growth of mites, but it does not completely eliminate them.

2.Sun-dried quilts kill bacteria and viruses.

Ultraviolet rays in sunlight do have a certain germicidal effect and can inhibit the proliferation of bacteria and viruses. However, it is very difficult to completely kill all bacteria and viruses. Some of these microorganisms may not survive the drying process of the quilt. Therefore, drying quilts is simply a way to reduce the number of bacteria and viruses, not to completely eliminate them.

3.The smell of the sun means that the quilt is not clean.

The special smell of the quilt after drying does not mean that the quilt is not clean. After the quilt has been properly washed and dried, most of the bacteria and organic matter have been removed. The taste of the quilt is mainly due to the chemical changes that occur during the drying process, rather than from dirt or bacterial residues.

4.Exposure to sunlight for too long can damage the material of the quilt.

Exposure to sunlight for a long time may cause some damage to the material of the quilt, especially for some fibrous materials that are easily damaged. Therefore, when drying quilts, the drying time should be properly controlled to avoid excessive sun exposure and resulting in the degradation of the material.

In summary, one should not simply attribute the special smell of sun-dried quilts to scorched mites. On the contrary, the chemical changes that occur during the drying of comforters are the main cause of the taste. At the same time, it is important to understand that prolonged exposure to sunlight may cause damage to the material of the quilt, and it is important to have a reasonable grasp of the drying time.

Summary: During the process of the quilt being exposed to the sun, the sunlight and heat produce a series of chemical changes on the quilt, which causes the quilt to exude a special smell. The formation of this taste is mainly due to the photolysis and oxidation reactions of the organic matter inside the quilt, as well as the bactericidal effect of sunlight. The smell of a sun-dried quilt may vary depending on personal olfactory preference and will gradually dissipate. In order to alleviate the smell of the quilt and keep the quilt clean and dry, reasonable drying, selection of detergent and storage methods all play an important role. Hopefully, this article will enlighten you about the effect of sunlight on quilts and the process of forming the taste of quilts.

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