Our Guide for Maintaining a Clean and Healthy Bed
Posted by Casey Dubyk on 2020 Apr 17th
The bed is where you begin and end the day. We all know to change and wash our bedding, but in light of recent events, how often should we be doing it?
If Someone is Recovering from Being Sick
As recommended by the CDC, if you or a loved one are recovering from being ill, make sure to use gloves when handling the dirty laundry. If you don’t have gloves, be sure to thoroughly wash your hands afterward. Avoid shaking out the laundry so as not to disperse particles into the air, and make sure to clean and disinfect any hampers or surfaces that came in contact with the fabrics. Finally, the key is to wash your bedding items at the highest water temperature allowed for the particular item and dry it in the dryer (check the product’s care tag for details). This will kill any germs or bacteria that could be lingering.
Fortunately, most of us are social distancing and taking precautions by staying home. For good practice in maintaining a clean and hygienic bed, we've outlined some general rules on how to wash each part of your cozy sanctuary.
Cleaning your Sheets and Pillowcases
It’s a general rule to wash your sheets and pillowcases weekly to remove dirt and dust. To maintain the look of your fabrics, avoid skin products that contain oxidizing agents that can bleach sheets and remove cosmetics and heavy lotions to reduce oils that cause discolouration. Pro-tip: It’s always good to have an extra set of sheets handy for laundry day.
Cleaning your Pillows
Most down and synthetic pillows are machine-washable and should be cleaned every 6 months, so about twice a year. When washing pillows, a liquid detergent is less likely to leave residue as opposed to powder detergents. Run pillows through a second rinse cycle without detergent to ensure they are rinsed fully.
Use a low or no heat setting on your dryer when drying your pillow. This will help ensure all the moisture has been wicked away, so dampness doesn’t cause your pillow to mold. Afterward, keep plumping your pillows daily to maintain a full, bouncy look.
Cleaning your Duvet Cover
How often you should wash your duvet cover will depend on how you sleep. If you sleep with a top sheet, then washing once a month would be a general rule to follow. If you sleep without a top sheet, it is recommended to wash your duvet cover weekly with your sheets and pillowcases to eliminate dust and bacteria build-up.
Cleaning your Duvet
Duvets dressed with a duvet cover help protect against build-up of dust and dirt, requiring fewer washes. Duvets should be washed between 3 and 6 months, depending on the type of duvet you own (check for instructions on the product care tag for details.)
Cleaning your Mattress & Pillow Protector
A mattress or pillow protector is the best way to improve the protection and lifespan of your mattress or pillow by preventing stains like perspiration from absorbing through your bedding, which can cause discolouration. Protectors should be washed once a month.
Here at QE Home, we sleep better when you do. If you have any concerns or questions, we’re here to help. Even if our store locations are closed, you can get free advice from our friendly experts online by booking a virtual consultation here!
Stay healthy and safe!
