How Often Should I Wash My Blankets?
When you get new bedding, you want to wash it immediately. But should you wash it every week or every month?
The answer depends on several factors, such as the type of fabric, whether you live in a hot climate, and even the size of your bed.
Bedsheets and blankets are typically overlooked when buying new items.
They’re usually washed once a year or less, and they don’t require much care.
But washing them too frequently can damage their quality and cause them to fade over time.
How Often To Wash Bedding
Washing your bedding regularly is important for maintaining its quality and appearance.
It also helps prevent dust mites from settling into the fibers. The best way to keep your bedding clean is by washing it weekly.
If you have children at home, this will help reduce the risk of spreading bacteria and viruses.
If you live in an area with high humidity, you may need to wash your bedding more frequently.
This is because dampness causes mildew growth that could stain fabrics and ruin your bedding.
If you live in an area where there’s not enough air circulation, you might need to wash your bed linens more than once a week.
This prevents mold growth and other household odors from building up inside your bedroom.
How Often To Wash Your Bed Linen
When choosing what frequency to wash your bed linen, consider all these factors:
- Size. A queen-size bed requires more frequent laundering than a twin-size one since it has more space.
- Fabric. Cotton, polyester, and silk are good choices for bed linens. These materials resist stains better than cotton blends.
- Climate. You may need to wash your linens more frequently if you live in a humid environment.
- Odor. Mold and mildew grow faster in warm, moist environments. So if you notice musty smells coming from your bed linens, try washing them more frequently.
- Color. Dark colors like black and navy blue absorb dirt and stains easier than light colors like white and cream.
How Often To Wash Your Blankets
You should wash your blankets at least monthly, but ideally every two weeks. This will ensure that they stay soft and clean.
Blanket manufacturers recommend washing your blankets at least twice a year. However, some people prefer to do so more frequently.
Many factors can change how often you will need to wash your blankets.
Pets
If you have pets that shed hair, you may need to launder your blankets more frequently.
This will help remove any of their hairs and keep the blanket clean.
Pets also tend to have dirty feet from being outside, which will also contribute to dirtying your blankets.
So, if your pets are frequently on your blankets, be sure to wash them much more frequently to keep them fresh and clean!
Age
As your child grows older, he or she will likely use your blankets more typically.
Children are notorious for getting underfoot, and they love to crawl around on the floor.
This means that your blankets will most likely become stained and dirty.
Seasonality
Depending on the season, you may want to wash your blankets more frequently.
For example, during the winter months, you will probably need to wash your blankets more frequently since they will be used more in the colder months.
Temperature
The temperature in your room will affect how regularly you need to wash your blankets, especially if you live in areas with extreme temperatures.
In hot climates, you will need to wash them less typically as compared to cold climates.
Cleanliness
The more that you use your blankets, the more often you will need to wash them.
This is because they accumulate dust, pet hair, and other debris over time.
What Kind Of Cleaner Do I Need?
To properly clean your bedding, use a gentle detergent formulated specifically for cleaning textiles.
Never use any kind of laundry soap or dishwashing liquid. Use a sponge or cloth instead of a machine to remove dirt and stains.
Never put bleach or ammonia on your bedding. Both substances can be harmful to your health.
Use only cold water to wash your bedding. Hot water can dry out your clothes and leave your bedding feeling stiff.
Do Not Overwash Your Bedding
Overly harsh chemicals can make your bedding feel scratchy, shrink, and discolor. To avoid this, follow these tips:
- Use a mild detergent that doesn’t contain bleaches or fabric softeners.
- Don’t use hot water to wash your bed linen. Instead, use cool water (about 60 degrees Fahrenheit).
- Avoid using fabric softener or dryer sheets. The chemicals used in these products can damage your bedding.
Wash Your Bed Linen Properly
Always hang your washed bed linens outside to dry.
Doing so allows air to circulate the material, preventing mildew from forming.
If you don’t have access to outdoor space, you can place your bed linens in the sun.
Just remember to rotate them regularly, so they don’t fade in the sunlight.
Final Thoughts
Your bedding should always smell like new. But, it’s important to know what causes odors to form in your bedding.
You can prevent these smells by following our tips above.
Remember, washing your bedding too often can cause it to lose its shape and texture.
Washing your bedding too infrequently can result in mildew growth. It’s best to wash your bedding when needed.
While it’s essential to care for your bedding, you shouldn’t worry too much about washing it every day.
It’s not necessary to do so all the time. You should just take good care of it when needed.
Remember, there are many ways to wash your bedding without having to spend hours doing it.
Try one of our top-rated methods today and see how easy it is to get rid of those unwanted odors and stains.
Whether you choose to buy new or re-use an old one, it’s important to know how to care for your blankets.
Follow our tips above to ensure that your bedding remains comfortable and healthy.