6 Better Ways To Wash Your Bedding (And What You’ve Been Doing Wrong)
We don’t know about you, but we love making a bed with clean sheets to create that oh-so inviting feel in the bedroom. But exactly how – and how often- should you really be laundering your sheets, pillowcases, and duvet covers to keep things feeling fresh? Today you’re about to find out -and the answers might surprise you.
Laundering your bedding is as easy as tossing it in the washer, right? Not quite. Since not all pieces get the same amount of use, how you take care of them (and how often) varies depending on their purpose. So before you do your next load, keep these tips in mind to keep all your bedding at its best.
Keep scrolling to see the dos and don’t for laundering your sheets, pillowcases, and duvet covers and how to keep your bedroom looking – and feeling – fresh.
Want even more ideas to freshen up your bedroom? Check out What Would Bobby Do In Your Bedroom and 15 Bedroom Furniture Pairings That Work.
1. Wash Your Sheets Every 2 Weeks
So often do you really need to launder sheets? It turns out, every week might be overkill (it’s true). A twice-monthly schedule is totally sufficient for keeping sheets clean – and that means less laundry for you! For other articles of bedding like shams and duvet covers (that don’t come in contact with your skin as much), you can even go up to 4 weeks between washings.
2. Ditch Fabric Softeners & Dryer Sheets
The hard truth is, the products you may be using to soften and scent your bedding may actually be leaving behind chemicals and harmful residue. (And that’s the last thing you want next to your skin.) A good eco alternative? Wool dryer balls are all-natural and can be used over and over. You can even add few drops of essential oil to them to add a subtle scent.
Check out easy ways to improve your laundry room HERE.
3. Match Your Wash Cycle To The Material
Depending on the material of your bedding, you’ll want to be sure to wash and dry in the most effective way (that also keeps your bedding lasting longer). Cotton is the easiest to care for can be washed in hot water and placed in a dryer on the regular cycle. For a more delicate fiber like linen, stick to washing in warm water and drying with medium heat. And to avoid excessive wrinkles (yes please), remove linens from the dryer when slightly damp and allow them to hang dry.
4. Make Sure You’re Also Washing Mattress Pads
Don’t forget about the layer underneath your sheets too! Sure, a mattress pad is there to protect, but it also ends up getting pretty dirty along the way. As a rule of thumb, toss it in the washer a couple of times a year for a refresher.
See the best under-bed organization tools HERE.
Photo: Alvhem
5. Easy Care With Fresh Air
Ever noticed a not-so-appealing odor or stuffy scent in the bedroom? There’s no easier way to eliminate it than with some simple fresh air. Open up the windows for the breeze to blow through or take a duvet insert and pillows outside to soak up some au-naturel care. And if winter weather prevents you from braving the outdoors, you can always use a linen spray as an easy alternative.
6. And Don’t Forget Your Mattress!
Clean sheets should go on a clean mattress. And even if your’s looks just like new, it could still be covered in some pretty unpleasant particles (like dust mites and dead skin – eww). Luckily all it takes to banish those bits is a good vacuuming every few months. You can also go one step further and freshen things up by sprinkling baking soda and letting it sit for 30 minutes to really soak up any unpleasantness.
See how we created a soothing neutral and natural bedroom HERE.
How often should I wash the copious amounts of lap blankets we have? When they smell? Or does it depend on use or materials? Thank you!
Yes, definitely depends on materials and use. If you’re using them every day, washing them twice a month is probably best. xx -B
Hey Bobby, how often do you recommending replacing sheets or duvets entirely? Thank you!
Megan
This article is an eye opener. I was quite surprised to learn that dryer sheets and fabric softeners may be doing more harm than good!! Have you considered starting a course for amateur interior design enthusiasts? I’m sure A LOT of us would sign up!
Thanks for your comment! That’s a really fun idea – Definitely something I’d love to do in the future. xx -B
Awesome! I’ll keep an eye out for it 😉
I have to say, Bobby I discovered queer eye late, but boy am I glad I discovered it! I have watched and re-watched the show (it’s brilliant), and it makes me want to be a better person everyday. Thank you for everything you do to make the world a better and happier place. Your designs, like you, are truly inspiring.
Cheers, queen!
Thanks so much for your love & support!! xx -B