How to properly care for bed linens: simple tips for maintaining freshness and longevity.
Bedding is not just a comfort element; it is also a crucial part of healthy sleep. Regular and proper care will help maintain its cleanliness, softness, and longevity.
UNN has gathered the main rules for caring for bedding.
How often should you wash bedding?
You should change and wash your bedding at least once a week. In the summer or during illness, it's better to do this more frequently—about every 5 days. You should also change your bedding more often if you have pets that sleep on the bed or if you tend to eat in bed.
Wash sheets, pillowcases, and duvet covers at a temperature of 60°C for most fabrics. This is because lower temperatures may not effectively kill all bacteria or remove sweat.
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Cotton, linen, satin: 40-60°C. These materials can withstand high temperatures, which effectively helps eliminate bacteria.
Silk, viscose: 30°C. For delicate fabrics, it's important to use a gentle washing cycle.
Terry bedding: 60°C, to maintain softness and fluffiness.
Always check the manufacturer's label before washing, as different materials may have specific requirements.
Regular washing of bedding also helps prevent the appearance of bedbugs. Changing sheets regularly will help you detect them, and washing and drying in a washing machine at high temperatures can help eliminate them.
Items like mattress protectors or mattress covers can be washed less frequently: once every 2-3 months is sufficient.
Most mattress protectors can be washed in the washing machine with other bedding items at a temperature of 40-60 °C.
How to properly wash pillows and blankets?
Many feather, down, and microfiber pillows can be washed in a washing machine. They should be washed every 4-6 months.
If you plan to wash them in a machine, choose a delicate cycle. Washing two pillows at the same time can help keep them in place in the washing machine.
Memory foam pillows should not be washed in a washing machine, but their covers can usually be removed and washed. Covers should be washed twice a year.
Blankets should be washed about 1-2 times a year to keep them fresh. Many blankets can be washed at home, but the best washing method will depend on the filling and the size of the washing machine.
If you're worried about damaging your blanket, you can take it to a dry cleaner.
Wash the blanket in the washing machine only if there is enough space inside the drum. The blanket should not completely fill the drum, as this will prevent water and detergent from circulating properly.
For blankets with hollow fiber, synthetic, or microfiber filling: 30-40 °C. It is necessary to wash in the washing machine on a delicate cycle. Then, run an extra rinse cycle to remove all soap suds.
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For wool blankets: no higher than 30°C. It is better to wash on a gentle cycle in the washing machine.
For feather, down, or silk blankets: it is better to take them to a dry cleaner for professional washing.
How to care for a mattress?
There are no special care rules for a mattress, but it is recommended to clean it every 6 months. Additionally, it should be periodically flipped, as often indicated in the instructions.
Some mattresses do not require this, so follow the manufacturer's recommendations.
People with allergies should pay attention to signs of allergic reactions (runny nose, itchy eyes, dry throat), as these may indicate that it is time to clean the mattress.
How to properly dry bedding?
There are several options for drying bedding: outdoors, indoors, and in a dryer.
Drying outdoors
The ideal way to dry bedding is to do it in the open air. Drying bedding under ultraviolet light (sunlight) helps kill all microorganisms living on the sheets.
Drying indoors
If you cannot dry your laundry outside, another option is to dry it indoors.
Try to hang the laundry in a well-ventilated area, ideally with open windows and good air circulation.
If you need to hang bedding over a door, try not to use the closet or wardrobe door, as this may lead to mold growth in the closet (which will be difficult to clean).
Some experts recommend drying sheets on a radiator, but do not do this—it can lead to fire, mold growth, and increased heating bills.
Drying in a dryer
A dryer is a good option, but this method may not be suitable for all types of fabrics.
Sheets can likely be dried in a dryer, but first, check the care label to ensure that this is acceptable.
Blankets made of synthetic, hollow fiber, or microfiber can be dried in a dryer (if they are suitable), but be sure to use the cool dry or air dry setting.
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Avoid drying wool, silk, feather, or down blankets in a dryer, as this can cause lumps or damage the filling.
A great way to keep bedding fluffy is to buy dryer balls and add them to the machine before drying.