Ever wonder how often you wash your bedding? Since we all spend about a third of our lives in bed, this is no small matter. We put a lot of effort in doing other chores such as washing the dishes or taking out the trash, but just how often do you clean your sheets and pillows?
Your bed should be a relaxing place to be; a to get some rest. But a dirty bed full of dust, mold and mildew can get in the way of a great night’s sleep, not to mention expose you to unhealthy bacteria and more.
So, what is the best way to go about assuring the cleanest and healthiest environment possible?
Four Ways to Clean a Mattress and Bedding Accessories
1. Cleaning Your Mattress
Probably the best way to have a clean mattress is to start things out right. You’ve invested a lot of money in your mattress and efforts at keeping it clean start at the beginning. You need to get and use a mattress protector which helps shield the mattress from most things it meets. Not just from anything that gets spilled on it, a good mattress protector keeps your investment in good shape from pets.
In addition to using a good mattress protector, the mattress should be cleaned routinely. Many mattresses come with removable covers that can be machine washed. If yours doesn’t, vacuuming it thoroughly can go a long way. Do this at least four or five times a year. Of course, if you do spill something on your mattress and need to use cleaners, make sure you read your mattress’ manufacturer’s warranty before applying any chemicals on the surface.
2. Washing Seets
Your bed’s sheets are the first layer of contact between you (or your pets) and the mattress. Your sheets come into contact with all sorts of things, such as dead skin cells, fur, sweat, body oils, lotions, food and much more. Because of this direct contact, it is important to wash your sheets at least once a week.
Try to use hot water, if the sheet material allows for it, in order to disinfect them as much as possible. The same goes for your blankets.
3. Washing Your Comforter or Duvet
Most of us fail to wash a comforter or duvet as often as we should. Just like sheets, these should be washed at least once a week, unless some type of top cover is used. In that case, two to four weeks is okay between washings.
An important point to remember is that these covers are fairly thick, and they should not be over-loaded into the machine. The same goes for drying. An over-loaded machine can place too much strain on the machine and possibly damage the bedding. If in doubt, make the investment in time and money by taking them to a local laundromat. Their machines are industrial grade and often larger than the one at home.
4. Pillows
What about pillows? Are they safe to wash? Usually, yes. Of course, you should consult the tag (if it hasn’t fallen off yet) to make sure they are machine washable.
Remember, a pillow comes in nightly contact with sweat and body oils. They’re also perfect breeding grounds for dust mites and allergens which are within inches from your nose.
Follow the attached care instructions and opt to hang them to dry instead of machine drying them. And invest in a pillow protector. Like comforters or duvets, make sure you don’t over-load your washing machine, for the same reasons. And, like previously mentioned, hang your pillows to dry instead of using a drying machine.
Some Final Thoughts
Naturally, all the best care in the world will eventually wear out a typical mattress, pillow, sheet or comforter. When it does come time to treat yourself to new bedding, Vermont Bedrooms is the perfect place to shop. You can purchase through this website or stop in the physical store, located at 159 US Route 4 East, Rutland Town, Vermont 05701. Feel free to call us during business hours at 1-800-520-BEDS (2337). We’re pretty friendly around here and would love to help you any way we can.