Bedding Cleaning Tips
WASH YOUR SHEETS, PILLOWCASES, AND COMFORTERS FREQUENTLY
Your sheets and pillowcases get the most direct contact with your body when you sleep, so it makes sense that they should be cleaned the most frequently.
"The longest you should wait before changing out your sheets is two weeks," says Carolyn Forte, director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab. "Weekly is even better."
How often you wash your bedding will depend on whether or not you have a duvet or comforter. Comforters and duvet covers should be washed every week or two. If you consistently use a top sheet or blanket underneath your comforter, you may be able to stretch the time between washings to once a month.
Duvet covers protect the comforter insert from most dirt and oil, so the insert will only need to be washed a few times a year unless you’ve spilled something that has seeped through the cover.
Note: You should never try to cram your bedding into your washing machine. If your bedding is too large for your washer, you may need to visit a laundromat.
OCCASIONALLY WASH BLANKETS AND THROW PILLOWS
Blankets and throw pillows should be washed according to how frequently they’re actually used, so blankets and pillows used strictly for decorative purposes only need to be washed a few times a year. You should still air them out every few weeks to prevent dust from accumulating, especially if you’re allergy-prone.
AVOID COMMON WASHING MISTAKES
Be aware of these common mistakes when washing your bedding — unless you want to end up with a shrunken, wrinkled mess!
- Never overload the washer. You shouldn’t cram your sheets or comforter into your washing machine, especially if your washer has an agitator in the middle. Your bedding won’t be able to move and get an even cleaning. Worst of all, there’s an increased chance of wrinkling and even tearing.
- Don’t use the wrong setting. It's fine to wash your bedding on a regular cycle. Unless there’s a serious mess to clean, you don’t need to wash on a heavy-duty setting — it’s just a waste of water.
- Avoid drying bedding for too long or on high heat. For the best results, you should tumble dry on a low heat setting for the shortest amount of time possible. It may be tempting to crank up the heat to minimize dry time, but you risk shrinking and wrinkling your sheets.
Keeping your linens clean is vital, but futile if your mattress is filthy. If you’re considering getting a new mattress or if you’re looking for beds, Cape Town to Johannesburg, visit Bed King’s online bed store here.
