Do you have this feeling about cleaning your bedding the wrong way, but you chose to brush it off, thinking it is fine? Well, it is time to care because there are a lot of downsides if you do not keep your pillows, sheets, and other bedding fragrant and fresh. To give you a head start in this cleaning adventure, here are some useful tips you can use to clean bedding like a pro.
So, What’s the Right Way to Start Washing Bedding?
The first step is to separate your bedding from the rest of your laundry. Why? Because you need to turn your washing machine to a low setting before washing them. If you wash your bedding with hot water, the material fibers will shrink and weaken. Next, you should consider purchasing quality laundry detergent as they work well at lower temperatures. Your reward for adhering to this advice is the assurance of a great cleaning outcome.
Don’t Just Throw Your Bedding into the Washing Machine
Just like how you scrunch up a badly written essay before tossing it into the bin, remember to turn your pillow and bed sheets inside out, and carefully have them rolled into a shape of a ball. But instead of tossing, gently place them inside the machine. By doing this, you ensure color integrity and help your sheets keep their shape (works best for fitted ones). If you own bedding that is made from special fabrics, be sure to check what its care label says and follow the recommended guidelines for best washing results.
Remember to Add Fabric Softener and Wait for the Cycle to Finish
When you wash with quality laundry detergent, don’t forget to add in a suitable fabric softener. The softener will add extra fragrance and comfort. All you have to do now is to wait until the cycle finishes. If you have a tumble dryer, make sure you use a cool setting! Once your washing machine gives you the signal, take your bedding out and hang them up to air-dry. If you want to keep your white sheets shining bright, make sure they are exposed to sunshine. If any part of your bedding is stained, make sure you treat them individually prior to a general wash.
How Often Should Your Bedding be Cleaned?
As a general rule, it is a sound practice to clean your bedding once a week or every two weeks. However, deciding exactly how often to wash bedding is really a matter of personal preference. In addition, you just need to know that you are not alone in your bed. What this means is that, every night, you are settling down with microscopic dust mites and other things the naked eye can’t see. Now, don’t blame yourself for letting those microscopic “friends” join you in your sleep. It is natural for everyone to shed skin cells as well as your pores releasing oil and sweat. So if you tend to perspire easily, you can consider washing your bedding regularly.
Another good indicator to change your bedding is when you, your partner, or your child is unwell. The bedding they or you are using must be washed daily. If that’s not possible, the next best alternative is to at least change the pillowcase daily until they recover. Keep in mind that unwashed bedding causes health problems and can trigger conditions like asthma. In other words, take care of your bedding and they will take care of your health.