Is Your Bed Up To Scratch?

Now that spring has finally sprung many of us our turning our minds to cleaning the home. Our bedrooms in particular need a good deep down clean at this time of year. From freshening up our bed linen to airing the mattress there are lots of ways to breathe new life into the bedroom.

Spring time is also a good time of the year to check whether your bed and mattress is still up to the grade. According to research by the Furniture Industry Research Association: a bed may have deteriorated by as much as 70% from its ‘as new’ state after 10 years. It also showed that beds as little as six years old could offer significantly less support and comfort than a new one, thanks to wear and tear not just from body weight and movement but also sweat and debris such as skin, scales, hair etc.

With the Sleep Council now recommending that we change our beds every seven years, it’s worth making time to take the Bed MOT (Mattress Obsolescence Test) to ensure that your bed meets your health and wellness needs.

Top Tips For Cleaning Your Bed

• Starting with the bed and mattress check for any general wear and tear, discolouration, lumps or protruding springs. Remember, people who complain that their old bed was uncomfortable slept nearly one hour less than those who were not unhappy with their old bed – a degree of sleep loss which could amount to a long-term health hazard. (Sleep Council and Dr Chris Idzikowski two-year research project 1999-2001)

• Turning to the mattress. If you have a non-turn model you’ll only need to rotate it from top to bottom that way the fillings will be able to settle back into their natural position. Regular rotation is recommended for mattresses that require turning as this will promote even wear, and prolong the life of your mattress. Weather permitting, you could even vacuum and sponge down the mattress surface, making sure you don’t soak through, and leave out to dry in the sun.

• A simple way of keeping our beds fresh is to throw back the bed clothes in the morning and leave the bed to air for 20 minutes to allow body moisture to evaporate. Vacuuming under and around the bed is a must for removing any dust or debris that has gathered during the winter months.

• If you have a divan base with drawers, it’s a great time to empty the contents and give the storage compartments a good clean out by simply vacuuming or dusting out the drawers. The base of the bed itself could also be sponged or dusted down if it is an upholstered design.

• For bed frames and headboards, depending on the design, a good wipe down with a damp cloth will remove any dust or grime that has built up over time. If your bed frame or headboard is an upholstered or leather model, take care to read any cleaning instructions as some detergents may be too strong and could damage the fabric or leather.

• With bed linen it is recommended that duvets are professionally cleaned, but if you choose to launder them yourself, always read and follow the specific care instructions on the product label for bedding. Ensure they are dried thoroughly to avoid ‘clumping’ of filling and shake regularly during the drying process to keep the filling loose. In between washes, hang your duvet on a clothesline on a dry, breezy day every few months. You can also fluff it in the dryer, just as you would a pillow.

• Investing in good quality mattress and pillow protectors is a good idea as they will keep your mattress and pillows fresher and cleaner for longer and extend their lifespan.

What to do next

With over 55 years of bedding expertise, Dalzell’s of Markethill is a leading bed retailer in Northern Ireland and as a certified member of the Sleep Council our expert staff are only too happy to advise on all your bedding care needs. With over 500 beds in stock we’re confident you’ll find a model to suit your individual needs. And with our rapid Free Delivery and Free Recycling Service throughout Northern Ireland and Counties Dublin, Louth & Monaghan, you’ll not have to wait long to enjoy a great night’s sleep every night. We’ll even Remove & Dispose of Packaging and assemble your new bed or mattress in a room of your choice and provide Free Pillows. Delivery is also available at competitive rates throughout the rest of Ireland. With additional discounts for Multibuy, and our Price Promise, you can be sure you’re getting a great deal because we appreciate your business! Call, Email or Visit Us In-store.