Caring for Cotton Bedding
Looking for the best methods of caring for cotton bedding? Here's how to properly look after your bedding to keep it comfortable, soft and durable for longer.
There's nothing like hopping into a comfy, cosy bed.
At the end of a long day when you’ve completed your nighttime routine and are ready to curl up with a good book before dozing off, an inviting bed is the ultimate sanctuary.
But keeping your cotton bedding soft and comfortable doesn’t just happen – it requires proper care. From washing to stain removal and safe storage, here’s how to keep your cotton bedding in great shape for longer.
About the material
Cotton has many benefits, as it’s naturally soft, durable and flexible.
As a bedding material, cotton provides excellent comfort and temperature regulation, making it a great option for bed sheets, pillowcases and blankets across the seasons and in a range of climates.
Additionally, it’s also often a more affordable option — with high-quality cotton ringing in for slightly less than you’d expect from other bedding of a similar standard.
Like with any bedding, however, cotton requires proper care to stay in tip-top shape. Washing, drying and storage isn’t one-size-fits-all, so make sure you know how to look after your cotton bedding. Getting it right will help your bedding look better longer, and who wouldn’t want that?
Why look after your cotton bedding
Giving your cotton bedding the care it requires not only means it will continue looking great — but it will also help your bed feel better. Keeping your bedding fresh minimises buildup and allergens and maintains your bedding so that you can achieve that wonderful, crisp-bedding feeling — like you’d experience at a nice hotel — every single night.
Better bedding care also means a healthier sleep environment, and studies even show that most people get higher-quality sleep when their sheets are fresh.
Washing and drying
Washing and drying cotton bedding the right way is crucial for keeping it in good shape. And when it comes to frequency, cotton bedding should ideally be washed every one to two weeks.
Don’t rush into it though. Before washing cotton sheets, pillowcases and blankets, always check the care instructions. Different types of cotton fabrics have different washing needs.
Here are some general tips for washing and drying your cotton bedding the right way:
- Wash in cold or warm water
- Use mild detergent
- Avoid fabric softeners
When it comes to drying, both air drying and tumble drying can be suitable, but there are a few things to consider:
- If air drying, ensure sunny, calm and dry conditions
- Avoid line drying during high winds and rain (even light), as this weather can make your bedding dirty and dusty on the line
- If tumble-drying, opt for a low-heat setting
- To avoid over-drying, start cotton bedding in the tumble dryer and remove it while still damp to air dry the rest of the way
By hand vs. machine wash/dry
Cotton bedding can be washed by hand and in a laundry machine.
Regardless of which method you choose, make sure you follow your bedding’s care instructions and pay attention to water temperature.
It’s generally best to avoid harsh chemicals like those found in fabric softeners, bleach and colour-brightening solutions, as they can degrade cotton fibres over time.
If you do opt to wash your bedding in a machine, always put it in a separate load from clothing. Zippers, buttons and clothing can easily get tangled in large items like bed sheets, resulting in damage and even tears.
Stain removal
Removing stains from cotton bedding is easy, and stains can often be addressed with spot-cleaning or pre-treatment before washing.
Treat small stains as soon as you notice them by first blotting the affected area with a clean, wet cloth. You can then dab the affected area with a mixture of mild dish soap and water. After treating the stain, you can then throw your bedding in the washing machine and wash it as usual.
To help remove large stains or yellowing, add a half cup of white vinegar to the washing machine before running a normal cycle. This has the combined benefit of removing stains and softening sheets without using fabric softener.
How to store cotton
Storing cotton bedding properly will keep it fresh, clean and ready to use whenever you need.
The first step to proper storage is proper washing and — importantly — thorough drying.
Before storing cotton bedding, ensure it's 100% clean and completely dry. Putting away slightly dirty or damp bedding can lead to mould or mildew. Not only can this cause a musty smell, but it can actually create an unhealthy sleep environment, especially for those with sensitive skin or allergies.
Basics aside, cotton bedding should be folded neatly before storage. Ensuring your cotton is folded smoothly, even in the cupboard, will help maintain its clean, crisp look.
For long-term storage, consider using fabric bags to keep the bedding dust-free while allowing it to breathe.
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