How Do I Properly Wash and Dry Bedding?
Knowing how to wash your linens and bedding is important to ensure that they feel wonderful and last for many years to come. But not all bedding is created equal. Because different bedding serves different functions and is made of different materials, different kinds of bedding need to be washed and dried differently.
Also, not all bedding needs to be washed as frequently as other bedding. In this guide, we’ll tell you how to properly clean and dry your bedding so you can enjoy your comfortable bedding for many years.
How Do I Keep my Cotton and Flannel Sheets Clean?
Cotton sheets are thankfully very easy to care for. Nothing feels as amazing as crawling into a fresh set of bed sheets for a good night’s sleep. While sheets are easy to care for, it’s good to keep a few tips in mind when washing and drying. Because cotton sheets absorb your body’s oil, sweat, and germs, it is good to wash your sheets and pillowcases at least every two weeks. We recommend washing your sheets once a week for maximum comfort and cleanliness. As always, check the care instructions on your sheets before washing.
It may seem logical to wash your cotton and flannel sheets on very high heat but you should only do this for very soiled sheets. For your standard wash, it’s best to use warm water to avoid shrinking and fading your sheets over time. Hot water can also damage high-quality cotton fibers and cause them to deteriorate. Always check for stains and apply stain remover before washing.
Similarly, you will want to avoid using harsh detergents when washing your sheets to prevent deterioration. Instead, use a mild or all-natural detergent for cleaning your cotton sheets. Harsh detergents will damage high-quality cotton fibers. Fabric softeners can also help to extend your sheets’ lifespan and keep them soft and durable.
Wash your sheets separately to prevent deterioration of your sheets. Washing your sheets with heavier materials, such as jeans, bath towels, can cause a lot of friction in the washing machine and reduce the quality and durability of your sheets.
While it’s always ideal for lining dry your sheets, sometimes we don’t have that option. Cotton and flannel sheets will shrink over time if exposed to too much high heat, so opt to set your dryer to medium or low heat. If your sheets are still damp, put them in for another low heat cycle or hang them to dry. Let’s be honest: nothing is better than the smell of crisp sheets that were dried in the wind.
Are Linen Sheets Hard to Wash?
Linen bedding is luxurious but can be a bit more delicate to wash. Linen sheet sets are perfect for warm summer nights. To wash your linen sheets to keep them in good shape, be sure to use only gentle or delicate detergent. Do not use washing powder or put detergent directly on the sheets as it can cause discoloration and weaken fibers over time. Avoid using fabric softener on linen, as this can also weaken fibers. Wash linen bedding with cold water and either line dry or dry on a low or delicate setting in the dryer.
What is a Duvet Cover?
Duvet covers are what you put on your comforters or duvets to keep them protected when using. Typically made from similar materials like sheets, they are practical as well as decorative. As for washing and drying duvet covers, it’s important to treat them more carefully. Many duvet covers have either buttons or zippers to enclose them around a duvet. To ensure these don’t get damaged or damage the fabric, it’s important to wash your duvet covers on gentle cycles with warm or cold water. Then line dry or dry on a low heat cycle. Wash your duvet covers almost as often as you change your sheets.
How Do I Clean Down Comforters and Pillows?
Washing down pillows and comforters can be a little bit of a challenge, but not impossible! Some people think these feather-filled items shouldn’t be washed at all, but most manufacturers’ instructions suggest cleaning down items every three to five years. To wash a down comforter, use a large front-loading washer and wash on a delicate or gentle cycle with mild laundry detergent. You want to be sure you wash it with nothing else that may cause the fabric to rip and feathers to leak. Wash with lukewarm water, as hot or cold water can be harsh on down.
Don’t worry about your damp-down comforter smelling funny. The smell will go away once it’s dried. Dry on a low-heat delicate cycle with tennis balls in the drier to disperse the down feathers evenly. The same instructions also apply to down pillows or sleeping bags.
Wool blankets aren’t only some of the warmest blankets around, but they come with many other perks that make them some of the coziest and most comfortable blankets you can find.