Do these 7 things, and your bed will always smell fresh
A pleasant smell from the bed scents the entire room (photo: Freepik.com)
The warmer the summer weather, the more we sweat at night. Your bedding absorbs sweat, which can lead to yellow stains and a musty smell. But what are the truly effective ways to tackle this problem without constantly washing your sheets?
RBC-Ukraine has gathered 7 essential tips to help keep your bed and bedding fresh and fragrant.
Breathable bedding
Firstly, consider investing in cooling bedding if you struggle to sleep in the heat. There are pillows with cooling technology, such as breathable pillowcases or fillings, that help regulate your temperature.
There are many other cooling options, from bedding to the mattress itself. Find what works for you to stay cool during the summer months, which will help reduce sweating.
Don’t make your bed immediately
If your bed retains the moisture you release during the night, it can create a favorable environment for bacteria, dust mites, and musty odors. That’s why you shouldn’t make your bed right after waking up, as you would be trapping any moisture from the previous night.
Instead, pull back the duvet (completely off the bed if possible), open a window, and let the bed air out for at least a few hours. Opening the window is crucial to dissipate any musty smells and residual moisture to prevent mold growth in your home. Also, fluff the pillows to allow the filling fibers to breathe and air out better.
Pillow, mattress, and duvet covers
We’ve mentioned the cooling properties of covers, but even if you’re not opting for this technology, regular pillowcases and duvet covers are still recommended for your bedding.
They prevent sweat from penetrating the duvet, pillows, and mattress, making them easier to clean and less odorous in the long run. It’s useful to have more than one cover or protector so you can switch them out as needed. Wash them at least every two months to prevent bacteria growth and staining.
Deodorizing and freshening
You can also deodorize and freshen your bed, with baking soda being an excellent deodorizer.
Simply remove the bedding to expose the mattress, sprinkle baking soda evenly over the surface (a sieve can help with even distribution), and leave it for a few hours before vacuuming with an upholstery attachment and low suction power. This helps remove odors and any dust mites.
There are also many fabric fresheners that can be sprayed on bedding to refresh it.
Limit the impact of pets
It’s nice to have pets sleep on the bed, but they can contribute to odors on your bedding. To minimize odors, consider giving your pet a separate blanket for sleeping. This way, you’ll only need to clean the blanket, not the entire bedding set.
Switch to a summer duvet
A single duvet for all seasons isn’t the best solution, as you don’t need the same level of warmth in the summer as in the winter.
Get into the habit of changing your duvet when transitioning between winter and summer seasons, and vice versa. Storing your duvet in a vacuum bag will help compress it compactly and protect it from moths.
Properly washing bedding
It’s crucial to wash bedding correctly and regularly to eliminate bacteria and prevent musty odors. Sheets should be washed at least every two weeks, but more frequently if you or any family members have allergies.
Wash bedding at 60 degrees Celsius if the care label allows, and use a biological detergent if possible for best stain removal. Don’t shorten the washing cycle or be tempted to wash at a lower temperature, as bedding needs a thorough cycle with enough heat to kill bacteria.
Don’t forget about duvets and pillows! They should be washed every six months.
Also read about what to do if your clothes don’t smell fresh after washing.
Sources: Homes and Gardens, Good Housekeeping, Apartment Therapy.
