It might seem like a huge chore, but cleaning our beds can have a variety of different benefits including improving comfort and reducing the amount of allergens
Whether it’s a Sunday morning lie in or a mid-week early night, nothing quite beats the comfort of sleeping in your own bed. However, while we may all know the importance of cleaning our kitchens and bathrooms regularly, it can be easy to drop the ball when it comes to our bedrooms – especially the bed itself.
There are many reasons why it’s beneficial to clean your bed. From improving your own comfort with some crisp sheets to reducing the amount of pesky allergens lurking beneath the covers, freshening up your bed can really make a difference and with spring around the corner now’s the perfect time to give it a deep clean.
Cleaning your sheets
During the summer, bed expert and director at Time4Sleep (time4sleep.co.uk), Jonathan Warren, advises people to wash their sheets a minimum of once a week in the summer. “Leaving your unwashed bedding on for an extended period of time can lead to the accumulation of dust mites, bacteria, and oils from your hair and skin, so be sure to wash sheets frequently,” he says.
Cleaning your duvet
When was the last time you washed your duvet? If you’re struggling to remember, you’re not alone. Although duvets and pillows don’t need to be washed as regularly as pillowcases and bed sheets, that doesn’t mean you should ignore them altogether as they can become dirty over time.
“Wash your duvet and pillows about twice a year, using a warm, gentle wash (about 40 degrees) and a small amount of detergent. You should then use a cool tumble dry, along with a tennis ball placed in a sock to prevent clumping,” explains Jonathan.
“The result will be a clean, fluffy duvet and pillow cases which will like getting into a new bed. Make sure to check the drum load weight of your washing machine before attempting to wash at home.”
Cleaning your headboard
If you have a fabric headboard, spraying it with fabric spray when you change your bed sheets can instantly give it a fresher smell. Jonathan encourages people to give it a deep clean around once a month. “Grab your hoover and run it gently across your headboard. This will pick up any dust or dirt that is clinging to the fabric fibres,” he says.
If your headboard has become stained, mixing lukewarm water with a dash of detergent can help. Simply apply the mixture and allow it to dry. Alternatively, a dedicated fabric cleaner will do the trick too.
Cleaning your mattress
As with other parts of your bed, having a clean mattress can help tackle any potential allergens. “For stains, it’s best to use a mattress cleaning spray or a carpet cleaner and lightly spray over the affected area. Dab the stain from the outside in, so you don’t accidentally make the stain bigger, and leave the spray to work before wiping away with a wet cloth,” he says.
“Finally, run the hoover along the mattress, this will pick up any dust or dirt that is clinging to the fabric fibres. Make sure to wash your bedding frequently, use a mattress protector and vacuum around your bed to help protect your mattress from building up unnecessary dirt and dust.”