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How To Renew And Wash Your Bedding: Caring For Your Mattress And Bed Linen
We all want to wake up feeling well-rested and ready for the day. It's truly one of the worst feelings waking up knowing you didn't receive the rest you need. You may feel sluggish, fatigued and unprepared for the day ahead of you. A good sleep ensures we're happier and healthier people, and our beds should always make us feel safe and comfortable at the end of a long day.
Choosing the right bedding and bed linen is only the first step. Caring for your bedding is an essential practice for creating a restful and healthy sleep environment. We need to maintain a clean bedding arrangement for both sleep quality and hygienic purposes. There are many elements that make up a hygienic and comfortable bedding arrangement. We'll take you through our top tips for rejuvenating your bedding to create the perfect bedding refresh!
Quick Links
- The Foundation Of A Good Night's Sleep: A Comfy And Clean Mattress
- Cleanliness, Cosiness and Comfort: Quality Quilts
- Sleep Soundly: Pillows And Pillow Protectors
- Bed Linen For Both Bedroom Styling And A Comfortable Night's Sleep
The Foundation Of A Good Night's Sleep: A Comfy And Clean Mattress
A good night's sleep lies in the comfort you find in your mattress. Because of this, you need to make sure you're taking care of your mattress. There are a few steps you can take in maintaining both the comfort and hygiene of your mattress. Check out our helpful article for more information about how mattress protectors and toppers can rejuvenate your mattress. Or, read through our helpful buying guide to assist you in your purchases.
Mattress Protectors And Mattress Toppers
Mattress protectors and toppers are an additional layer added to your mattress, however, they are vastly different in their purposes. Where mattress toppers act as an additional layer of cushioning to help improve the comfort of your mattress, mattress protectors aim to protect your mattress from spills and stains. When it comes to rejuvenating your bedding, if you're focusing on refreshing the comfort of your bed, then a mattress topper is a great choice for your bed. On the other hand, if you're wanting to safeguard the hygiene of your mattress, then a mattress protector is essential. Read through our buying guide for more information on mattress toppers and mattress protectors.
Types of Mattress Protectors
There a few different types of mattress protectors tasked with varying purposes:
- Waterproof Mattress Protector: Designed to absorb liquids to prevent damage to your mattress. These mattress protectors help to protect against spills and stains, extending mattress lifespan.
- Hypoallergenic Mattress Protector: Ideal for allergy sufferers, hypoallergenic mattress protectors deter dust mites and dirt that may cause allergy flair-ups.
- Fitted Mattress Protector: Designed to effortlessly fit your mattress, these protectors are easy to use and stay securely in place.
- Quilted Mattress Protector: Combining the comfort of mattress toppers with the protection of a mattress protector, this layer adds extra comfort and cushioning.
How To Clean A Mattress
A mattress protector ultimately prevents dirt and dust from damaging your mattress, meaning your mattress will likely only require a spot clean when needed. Instead, make sure you are regularly washing your mattress protector as they do acquire a build-up of bacteria and dust. If you do find you're wanting to clean your mattress for a refresh, you can vacuum your mattress to remove dust or use a stain remover on smaller spot stains.
Cleanliness, Cosiness And Comfort: Quality Quilts
Snuggling up with a cosy quilt after a long day will instantly leave you feeling ready to slip into a peaceful night's sleep. Upgrading your quilt can completely transform the cosiness of your bedding. Think about shopping for a plush, fluffy quilt for a serene dreamscape in your bedroom.
Your quilt is protected by your quilt cover so does not require regular cleaning like other bedding elements. It should instead be washed at least twice a year. Make sure to follow any provided cleaning instructions first. A general cleaning process for quilts involves using cold water and a mild detergent and running the quilt on a gentle cycle with minimal soapsuds. Avoid harsh chemicals, perfumes and bleach - and any substances that may cause sensitivities or allergies for your family.
If your quilt is large, it may not fit in your machine. You'll need to find an industrial-sized machine at a laundromat or a professional dry-cleaning service to clean it for you. Ask them about the chemicals they use and opt for the safest, gentlest option where possible.
Drying And Airing Your Quilt
The ideal way to dry your quilt is on the clothesline, where you can spread it out to dry naturally. Alternatively, you may be able to lay it out flat in your home in the laundry or on a clothes horse (but the latter will only work if your quilt is small and not too heavy).
If line-drying isn't an option, you may choose to pop your quilt in the dryer at home, if it will fit. Just make sure you check your care label first. If drying at home, run the dryer on low and a gentle setting. Otherwise, take it to a dry-cleaner and get them to manage the cleaning and drying professionally. To help keep your quilt clean, air it outside once a month. Try to hang it in direct sunlight because the sun helps kills germs and keep your quilt fresh and hygienic. Airing also helps remove unpleasant smells.
Storing Your Quilt
When your quilts aren't in use, store them folded in a cool, dry place, away from moisture and light. Avoid storing them in plastic bags, as this prevents air circulation. Instead, use linen or canvas storage bags because these materials allow your quilts and doonas to breathe.
Sleep Soundly: Pillows and Pillow Protectors
Where a mattress forms the base for your body in your sleep, a pillow forms the base for your head. After countless nights of sleep, even the best pillows will inevitably lose their shape and loft, which reduces the amount of support your head and neck receive overnight. So, it's important to take care in updating and cleaning your pillows.
How To Wash Pillows
As your pillow accumulates dirt, dust and stains over time, it risks becoming unhygienic. Pillows should be washed at least twice a year, more if they get a lot of use. You can usually wash them in your own machine but check the instructions label to be sure.
Wash your pillows in warmer water to help kill bacteria and reduce build-up of allergens. Check the care label on your pillows first. If you can use your home dryer, run on a low and gentle setting. There's a trick that will help with drying pillows in the dryer - add some tennis balls in with your pillows while they spin. This helps speed up the drying time while also stopping the fibres from clumping. In between washes, you can even pop your pillows in the dryer to give them extra fluff and remove any dead skin or grime.
Storing Pillows After Washing
As with other bedding and linens, store your pillows in a cool, dry spot with a stable temperature. This helps avoid harmful build-up of mould, mildew and bacteria. Store pillowcases flat and separately from pillows. If you need to store pillows in a container, avoid squeezing them into the container because they will lose their shape and quality.
Pillow Protectors
To extend the life of your pillows, consider using pillow protectors. These handy items form a barrier between your pillowcase and the pillow, preventing make-up, sweat and other stains from penetrating the pillow.
Pillow protectors can also help those who struggle with allergies or asthma by guarding against bacteria, dust mites and harmful moisture. There are special anti-bacterial and waterproof pillow protectors that can offer extra assurance, while still giving you a comfortable night's sleep.
How Often Should You Replace Pillows?
Washing, drying, airing, fluffing and smart storage will help your pillows last longer. But, even if you take good care of them, eventually they'll tire out and need replacing. How can you tell when yours needs an upgrade?
Our experts recommend replacing your pillow every 18 months to two years to ensure they remain safe and sufficiently comfortable. The most telling sign you need a new pillow is waking up with pain. If your pillow is creating neck or back pain despite regular care, it's time for a replacement. Other signs to look for are:
- Misshapenness - A pillow that won't return to its proper shape, even after fluffing
- Discolouration - Obvious dirt or stains that won't wash out and, therefore, invite bacteria
- Aggravated allergies - Waking up congested or having trouble breathing
Regular replacement every 18 months will help avoid these issues but, if they arise sooner, you may need to choose a different type of pillow. Can't remember when you purchased your pillows? It may be time for an update. Shop Spotlight's range of pillows, in store or online for the perfect refresh to your sleep.
Bed Linen For Both Bedroom Styling And A Comfortable Night's Sleep
Arguably a key element in your bedding arrangement, your bed linen enhances the overall feel and styling of the bed. Available in various colours and styles, bed linen is an umbrella term used to describe items such as bed sheets, pillowcases and quilt covers.
For more information on finding the right bed sheets and quilt covers for you, check out our helpful bed linen buying guide.
Bed Sheets: Fitted and Flat Sheets
Bed sheets contribute to the overall comfort and protection of your bed. Fitted sheets help to protect your mattress while flat sheets act as a barrier between you and your quilt cover. Bed sheets are often lightweight in their designs and offer a light covering on those nights where a quilt is too heavy for your sleep.
Bed sheets are available in a variety of materials and thread counts for comfort. For instance, bamboo sheets are great for those who may run hot in their sleep while flannelette bed sheets are particularly better for sleepers in colder climates.
Washing Your Sheets
You should generally wash your sheets once a week as a minimum. If you sweat a lot during the night, if your pets like to share the bed with you and if you ever eat in bed, you should wash your bed linen more often. Run your wash in warm or cold water to help them retain their colour and strength and avoid shrinkage. When cleaning your flat and fitted sheets, make sure to follow any provided washing instructions, however most can be machine washed on a gentle cycle and hung out on the line to dry.
Once dry, fold your sheets and keep them in a cool, dry place. Have some spares so you can change them regularly (ideally once a week). This helps them all last longer and will make your slumber feel that much sweeter.
Perfect Pillowcases
Often sheet sets also include coordinating pillowcases for an additional layer of protection for your pillows. Bringing both style and practicality to your bedding, pillowcases allow for a comfortable covering for your pillow. These can be easily cleaned and can offer incredible benefits when it comes to taking care of your hair and skin. Because your face and hair come in regular contact with your pillowcase, it's important to have a regular washing routine for this bed linen. You should typically wash your pillowcase once every week or every two weeks to prevent a build-up of bacteria and dust mites.
Aesthetics and Quilt Protection With Quilt Covers
An essential addition to your bedding, quilt covers set the scene for your bedroom styling while protecting your quilt. Refreshing your quilt cover can completely transform the home styling of your room while leaving you feeling cleaner in your sleep.
Quilt covers help to protect your quilt from dead skin cells, dust mites and natural body oils. Ideally, it's best to wash your quilt covers once every two weeks or at least once a month. If you use a top sheet, monthly washing of your quilt cover should be sufficient. If you do not use a top sheet, then you would need to wash your quilt cover more regularly. Most quilt covers can be machine washed on a gentle setting for a nice bedding refresh. Check out our helpful article on how to wash your quilt cover for more tips and tricks when it comes to caring for your quilt covers.
Find Your Perfect Bedding For A Hygienic Sleep
Ready for a bedding refresh? Shop Spotlight's Manchester range today and replace your bedding for a peaceful night's sleep. Developing a regular care routine for your bedding will have you resting easier knowing you're resting among clean and cosy bedding and bed linen.
Visit your local Spotlight store or shop online for a comfortable and healthy sleep.
