They say familiarity breeds contempt, and nowhere is that more true than in how we treat our comforters and sheets. You see them every day, wash them regularly (hopefully!), and count on them for a good night’s sleep. But with all that routine, it’s easy to slip into some bad habits without even realizing it.
Of course, there’s always a learning curve when cleaning these home essentials and that begins with knowing what NOT to do. In this post, let’s uncover common mistakes, explain why they’re problematic, and offer easy tips to help you care for your bedding the proper way.
1 of 5 | DO NOT Ignore the Care Label
Care labels aren’t just there for decoration—they’re like a user manual for your bedding. Skipping them might save you time in the moment, but it can lead to shrinkage, discoloration, or even ruining your favorite comforter or sheets. Here’s why ignoring care labels is a big no-no:
- Individual fabrics have different needs. Cotton, silk, microfiber, and wool all require different water temperatures, cleaning agents, and drying methods. And so, using the wrong settings can weaken fibers, cause pilling, or shrink your bedding beyond repair.
- Some items require special care. Weighted blankets, down comforters, and foam mattress pads often have specific instructions, like spot cleaning or dry cleaning only. Tossing them in the washer without checking could clump the filling, damage foam, or strip protective coatings.
- So you can avoid costly mistakes. Care labels often include warnings like “no bleach” or “low heat only” to protect your bedding. Ignoring these warnings can lead to permanent damage, meaning you’ll have to replace your comforter or sheets sooner than you planned.
How to Follow Care Labels Properly
- Read Before You Wash: Take a few seconds to check the label for recommended washing and drying methods.
- Know the Symbols: If the symbols seem confusing, look up a quick guide—it’s easier than guessing.
- When in Doubt, Go Gentle: If the label isn’t clear or has faded over time, err on the side of caution by using mild detergents, cool water, and low heat.
2 of 5 | DO NOT Overload Your Washing Machine
Overloading your washing machine might seem like a great way to save time and energy, but it’s actually one of the worst things you can do when cleaning your comforters and sheets. Here’s why it’s a problem and what you should do instead:
- It leads to poor cleaning results. When your washer is packed to the brim, your comforters and sheets don’t have enough room to move around. Water and laundry detergent can’t circulate properly, so dirt, oils, and bacteria are left behind. The result? Your bedding looks clean, but it’s actually damp and still dirty in places.
- It damages your washer. Overloading puts extra strain on your machine’s motor, drum, and bearings. The extra weight from water-soaked bedding can throw the drum off balance, causing wear and tear over time. Repairs are costly, and in the worst cases, you might even need to replace your washer sooner than expected.
- It ruins the fabrics. Stuffing bedding into a tight washer space compresses fabrics, leading to wrinkles and weakened fibers. For comforters, this can clump the filling, ruining its even distribution and insulating ability. Over time, your sheets and comforters lose their softness and start to look worn out.
- It increases the risk of mold and mildew. Overloaded machines don’t rinse properly, leaving behind soap and excess moisture. That trapped moisture can lead to mildew or mold forming in your bedding. And let’s be honest—no one wants to deal with that.
How to Avoid Overloading
- Wash large items like comforters, mattress pads, or weighted blankets on their own to give them room to circulate.
- For king-size bedding, consider heading to a laundromat or using a commercial washer. These machines are designed for bulkier loads and can handle the weight better.
- Follow your washer’s capacity guidelines—check the manual or look for labels inside the drum that specify load limits.
3 of 5 | DO NOT Assume Any Water Temperature Will Do
Getting the water temperature correct when washing your comforters and sheets might seem minor, but it’s actually a big deal. The wrong temperature affects cleanliness, damages fabrics, and even shortens the life of your bedding. Some important things to remember are:
- Hot water isn’t always the best choice. While hot water is great for killing bacteria and dust mites, it can shrink or damage delicate fabrics like silk, microfiber, or wool. Using hot water on colors can lead to fading, and on certain materials, it can weaken fibers over time. If your bedding isn’t heavily soiled, warm or cool water is often more than enough for a proper clean.
- Cold water doesn’t work as well for removing oils, dirt, and bacteria. If you’re dealing with stains or allergens like dust mites, cold water may leave your sheets less clean than they should be. To make cold water more effective, pair it with a detergent specifically designed for lower temperatures.
How to Choose the Correct Water Temperature
- Check the Care Label: The easiest way to know what temperature is best is to follow the washing instructions on your bedding label.
- Match the Fabric Type:
- Hot Water (130°F or above): Great for cotton sheets or heavily soiled items when disinfecting is a priority.
- Warm Water (90°F–110°F): The go-to for most comforters, duvet covers, and mixed-fabric bedding.
- Cold Water (Below 80°F): Best for delicate fabrics or bedding that doesn’t need a deep clean.
- Spot Treat Stains First: Using a cleaning agent or pretreatment on tough spots can reduce the need for higher water temperatures.
4 of 5 | DO NOT Depend Too Heavily on Fabric Softeners
Fabric softeners might seem like the secret weapon to keep your bedding soft and cozy, but they don’t do your comforters and sheets any favors. In fact, they can cause more harm than good. Let’s dig in to why relying on fabric softeners isn’t the best idea:
- They leave a waxy residue. Fabric softeners coat your bedding with a thin, wax-like layer that can build up over time. This residue reduces the breathability of materials like cotton or microfiber, which means your bedding won’t feel as fresh or comfortable. The coating also traps moisture, creating the perfect environment for bacteria, mildew, and even odors.
- They can damage delicate fabrics. Materials like silk, wool, and down-filled comforters are particularly sensitive to the chemicals in fabric softeners. Over time, the coating weakens fabric fibers, making them prone to tearing or losing their natural softness.
- They don’t play well with certain detergents. The chemicals in fabric softeners can interfere with the cleaning agents in your detergent, making the wash less effective. This means your bedding might come out of the wash looking clean but still holding on to dirt, oils, and dust mites.
What to Use Instead of Fabric Softeners
- Vinegar: A natural alternative that softens fabrics without leaving a residue. Add half a cup to your rinse cycle to keep your bedding fresh and clean.
- Dryer Balls: Toss in clean wool or silicone dryer balls to fluff your bedding while it dries. They help maintain softness and reduce static without chemicals.
- Specialized Detergents: Some detergents are designed to clean and soften at the same time, giving you the best of both worlds.
5 of 5 | DO NOT Rush Through the Drying Process
Rushing through the drying process or not drying your comforters and sheets completely can lead to major problems. Trapped moisture doesn’t just ruin your bedding—it creates a breeding ground for issues you definitely don’t want to deal with. Here’s why you should never skip a thorough drying process:
- Promotes mold and mildew growth. Even a small amount of moisture left in your comforter or sheets can quickly lead to mold or mildew. This doesn’t just ruin your bedding—it can cause musty odors and trigger allergies and skin irritations.
- Shortens the life of your bedding. Moisture weakens fibers over time, causing fabrics to break down more quickly. Dampness can also cause filling materials in comforters to clump, reducing their fluff and warmth.
- Encourages bacteria and dust mites. Damp bedding provides the perfect environment for bacteria and dust mites to thrive. A proper drying process eliminates excess moisture, making it harder for these unwanted guests to stick around.
How to Ensure Your Bedding Is Fully Dry
- Use Low Heat and Patience: High heat can damage delicate fabrics, so opt for a lower setting and allow enough time for complete drying.
- Toss in Dryer Balls: They help fluff comforters and promote even airflow for thorough drying.
- Check for Damp Spots: Remove your bedding and feel for any damp areas—if they’re not completely dry, pop them back in the dryer or let them air dry.
- Air Dry for Extra Assurance: If possible, hang your comforters and sheets in a sunny, well-ventilated area after machine drying for added freshness.
Sleep Better with Cleaner Comforters and Sheets—Schedule Professional Cleaning with Faulkner’s Fine Dry Cleaning!
If you want fresh, long-lasting bedding, it’s time to rethink how you clean your comforters and sheets! At Faulkner’s Fine Dry Cleaning, we specialize in professional cleaning for all types of bedding items, from plush duvets to delicate sheets, linens, and other home textiles.
Don’t have time to drop off your bedding? No problem! We offer convenient FREE pickups and deliveries in Dallas and the nearby areas. Visit us at 4225 Oak Lawn Avenue, Dallas, Texas, 75219, or get in touch at info@faulknerscleaners.com. You may also call us at 213-325-6397.