At the end of a long day is there anything more inviting than slipping in to a fresh, clean bed? We spend a third of our lives in bed so it’s important that our bedrooms are comfortable and healthy spaces. And with spring just a few short weeks away what better time to give our beds the attention they deserve.
Bed Care
When we consider that sleeping in an uncomfortable bed could cost up to one hour’s sleep a night, it’s worth considering the quality, care and amount of use our beds get. 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. If you have a divan bed, vacuum or brush the base, and clean with a mild detergent and warm or cold water. Remember never soak the base and always check the manufacturers’ instructions.
Mattress Care
Most mattresses are made well enough that they don’t need rotating, however turning your mattress over from side and side and end to end every few months will help upholstery fillings settle down more evenly. If you have a new mattress, don’t leave polythene wrappings on it – dampness, mildew and rotting could all result from a build-up of condensation. Vacuum, or better still, use a soft brush on your mattress from time to time to remove fluff and dust.
It’s also worth considering investing in a good quality mattress protector. Designed to protect against soiling and general wear and tear, mattress protectors will keep your bedding and bed fresher and cleaner for longer. Using a protector and rotating regularly can extend your mattress’s life.
Bedding Care
When it comes to laundry care many of us will wash our sheets, pillow cases and duvets covers on a regular basis. How often you wash these essential bedding items is a personal preference. In general, it’s a good idea to wash them weekly and tumble dry according to label instructions. However, when we think about spring cleaning, bedding items such as duvets and pillows are frequently neglected or forgotten.
It is recommended that duvets are professionally cleaned, if you choose to launder them yourself, always read and follow the specific care instructions on the product label. 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.
Many pillows are fully washable although it is advisable to replace them every two years. Pillows that have become lumpy or discoloured will no longer provide proper support and could contain high levels of dust mites and skin; a nuisance for allergy sufferers. A simple way of extending the life of your pillow is to use a pillow protector. Easily slipping over the pillow, they retain the effect of a Pillow Feel and are available in a range of fabric types and textures. Highly absorbent and breathable, they can also help to prevent skin infections and irritations. Many pillow protectors are now machine washable and tumble dry safe for added convenience. In between washes, plump pillows daily when you make your bed, to keep the filling from becoming flattened.
What to do next
At Armagh Beds.com we retail an extensive collection of pillows, duvets, mattress and pillow protectors. With more than 55 years of bedding expertise you can count on Dalzell’s to deliver! Located in Markethill on the main A28, just 45 miles from Belfast, we’re just a short drive away from Lisburn and Newry. Of course you can always place your order online, over the phone on 028 3755 1260 or even by Email. However you decide to shop with us you can be assured of Expert Advice, A Great Deal and Free Delivery of your Bedding, Bed or Mattress throughout N. Ireland and Counties Monaghan, Louth and Dublin City, with highly competitive rates available across the rest of the UK and Ireland.
