If your bedding seems to be taking on a life of its own, perhaps it’s time for a little trip to the washing machine.
Why? There's always a very real chance that you could have some gross, unexpected things residing in your bed, like dead skin cells, dust mites, body oils, viruses, bacteria, fungi, food crumbs, stains, and, oh, yes, drool.
How often you launder bedding typically depends on how many sleep in your bed (including kids and pets), your recent health, bathing beforehand, eating in bed, owning extra sets of bedding, suffering night sweats, and more.
- Sheets. Wash sheets on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. Any less and you increase your chances of asthma, allergies or other health problems.. If you're sick or are sleeping with someone who is, washing your sheets daily is smart. Use warm, not hot, water to avoid shrinking. You can use oxygenated bleach on light and white colored sheets to kill bacteria. When drying sheets, pillows, and comforters, ensure that they are completely dry. Dampness can lead to mold and mildew.
- Pillows. Washing your pillows every few months is acceptable. Just know that your pillow can attract around 16 species of fungi and dust mites that cause allergies, so you may want to wash them more often.
- Down Comforter. Your comforter doesn't get exposed to as much of your body oils, scents or skin flakes as your sheets, so wash it a couple times a year, unless you spill something on it.
- Blankets. Blankets or throws you use frequently should be washed once a season. Wash cotton and fleece materials separately on a gentle cycle in cold water. To prevent shrinking, dry on a no-heat setting in the dryer, or line dry.
Visit a Verlo Mattress showroom in McHenry, Crystal Lake & Lake Geneva
800.224.VERLO : Verlo Mattress Factory