Your bed is a welcome sanctuary, especially at the end of a long day. But there’s more to taking care of your bedding than simply washing and replacing the sheets on a regular basis.
How you wash the sheets, blankets, bedding, pillows, how often, at what temperature all matters in terms of maintaining their longevity. Not to mention it can make a difference in your health and wellness.
Have concerns about your current bedding care routine? Take a look at this definitive guide and start making changes now to make a difference!
Wash Sheets Once Per Week
Sheets, pillowcases and covers that come in contact with your skin should be washed regularly, at least once per week. That helps prevent buildup of dead skin, body oils, sweat and germs. Consider having several sets of sheets you can rotate through, as frequent washing can fade color, weaken elasticity and wear out bedding prematurely.
Mind the Machine Temperature
Be mindful of the temperature when you toss the sheets in the wash. Read the labels for care instructions, but be aware that hot water fades colored sheets faster. Warm to cold cycle washes are preferred for patterned or dark sets. But if you’re trying to get rid of stains or perhaps you’ve been sick, use the hottest cycle to help kill germs.
Wash Sheets Separately
Avoid mixing loads of other clothes or items with your sheets. It can prevent all items from being properly cleaned, and clothing with zippers, for example, can damage sheets, causing tears and holes. The occasional T-shirt won’t cause a problem, but it isn’t advised to wash towels with your sheets. Be sure to spot-treat any stains before you wash.
Dry Bedding on Medium to Low Heat
High drying temperatures can lead to wrinkling, shrinking and over-drying, which can weaken bedding fabric. (Skip fabric softeners for the same reason.) Select the “less dry” or “damp alert” setting, which will allow you to untangle the sheets before they are fully dry. For even drying, add wool or rubber dryer balls in the cycle.
Wash Pillows, Duvets and Mattress Pads Too
Maintaining your bedding is more than washing sheets. Launder pillows once a season in the gentle cycle using detergent for delicates, then finish on a light heat drying setting. Pillow covers can also help extend the life of your pillows. Wash mattress pads and duvets every three to six months, and take larger bedding items, like spreads and quilts, to a cleaners every season.
The Detergent You Use Matters
The type of detergent you use makes a difference in maintaining the longevity of your bedding. Using a gentle, liquid detergent is recommended and a non-chlorine bleach for spot treatments only. You can get away with a little less detergent as too much can lead to buildup that will eventually weaken the natural fibers of the sheets. Vinegar and baking soda can be used when you want to brighten your bedding without damaging it.
When more than your bedding needs attention, contact the professionals at Sweet Home Cleaning Service! We make homes on the Eastern Shore of Mobile Bay, including Fairhope, Point Clear, Montrose, Daphne and Spanish Fort, as well as Foley, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach sparkle! We’re also available to clean commercial and rental properties in the same service area. Contact us today to discuss your cleaning needs!
