How much time do you spend in bed? 49 hours a week? 60 hours? More than that? That’s a lot of time spent transferring whatever is on your skin onto your sheets. If you think about all the dirt, oils, sweat, skin cells, and so on that you leave behind in your bed, you’ll understand why keeping it clean is so important.
Sheets and pillowcases should be washed frequently
A good rule of thumb is to wash sheets and pillowcases once a week. Wash them on the hottest setting possible but read the tags first. Some sheets won’t stand up to hot water and should be washed on warm, to kill germs. If you’re concerned about the colors fading, rinse them in cold water. Never overpack the washing machine or wrap the sheets around the agitator.
Are there situations in which once a week is too often?
Perhaps. If you always shower and wear pajamas before slipping between the sheets, you could probably push it back to every two weeks.
What about the comforter?
Duvet covers should be washed when you wash the sheets. If you have a traditional comforter, though, it gets a little trickier. Comforters should be washed two or three times each year, and the way you clean them will depend on their manufacturer’s instructions. Some will need dry cleaning, some will fit in your washer and dryer at home, and some will need to go to a laundromat.
The mattress pad protects your mattress.
If you want it to do its job properly, you’ll need to clean it every two to three months. Traditional cotton mattress pads can be laundered at home, and so can vinyl-backed mattress pads, as long as you follow manufacturer’s instructions. Foam or egg crate mattress pads can be spot-treated and vacuumed.
You should also be vacuuming your mattress.
Follow these steps a few times each year: spot treat it, vacuum, sprinkle with baking soda, allow it to sit a few minutes, and vacuum again.
Always dry bedding thoroughly.
Storing bedding that’s even a little bit damp can lead to mold and mildew growth. Follow the instructions on the care label, to avoid over-drying, which can weaken the fibers. If you prefer the fresh, clean scent of line-dried sheets, hanging them to dry outside can also save energy. However, sheets dried on the line can feel rougher, so toss them in the dryer for just a few minutes when you bring them back inside.
Need a new bed?
Mancini’s Sleepworld can help! We specialize in finding the perfect mattress and furniture for everyone, and with 50 years of experience, we think we’ve got it down. Visit us today, contact us or call 800-647-5337.