How to wash your bed linen, duvet and pillows
Proper washing and a little fresh air are all it takes to give your bed linen, duvets and pillows a new lease of life. With a few simple steps, you can create a bed that both smells and feels like new.
When it comes to Christmas cleaning, it’s easy to focus on kitchen cabinets, windows and floors. But what about the place where you spend a third of your life? Your bed also deserves a refresh. With the right washing and maintenance, your bed linen, duvets and pillows can not only feel new, but also last longer - and who could say no to that?
Here’s everything you need to know about giving your bed some extra love this season.
Give your bed linen a good wash
Bed linen should be washed regularly, and the Christmas wash is a perfect time to start fresh. Most bed linen sets can withstand 60 degrees, but always check the care label first. Feel free to wash your bed linen separately to avoid tangles, and use a detergent that is gentle on the fabric.
Drying outside on a chilly winter’s day isn’t just nostalgic - it’s also very effective. The cold air refreshes the laundry in a way that the tumble dryer never can, and it also saves electricity.
How to wash duvets and pillows
Duvets and pillows need a wash from time to time, and the Christmas wash is a great opportunity. If you have a down duvet or pillow, you can use a wool detergent such as Milo or Milo Perfume Free. It protects the natural fibres and takes extra good care of the feather filling.
Wash one duvet or two pillows at a time at a maximum of 40 degrees on a gentle programme. Dry thoroughly in a tumble dryer with a couple of tennis balls to recover the delicious air in the filling. If you don’t have a tumble dryer, you need to let them air out completely dry, otherwise you risk both odour and moisture.
Sometimes airing bed linen is enough
If your duvets and pillows don’t need a full wash, a day in the fresh winter air can be more than enough. The cold kills dust mites, reduces odours and gives the fabrics a natural refreshment. Hang them in the shade on a dry day - direct sunlight can break down the fibres - and let nature do the work for you.
It’s also more environmentally friendly not to wash duvets and pillows too often. Fewer rounds in the washing machine means less wear and tear, less soapy water down the drain, and your bed linen will last even longer.
(Did you know that you can also make your laundry last longer by dosing soap correctly? We’ve created a little guide).
Take care of what you have
Proper care of bed linen and duvets is not just about hygiene. It’s also about extending the life of the things you own. A duvet that lasts ten years is a smarter choice for both the environment and your wallet. The same goes for good quality bed linen: a little extra care now means you can enjoy it for much longer.
På(fyll) makes it easier
If you want to make your laundry even more sustainable, you can get Milo and Milo Perfume Free in reusable containers from På(fyll). No unnecessary plastic, just clean laundry and a slightly cleaner conscience - straight to your home.
So while the Christmas music is playing and the coffee cup is hot, set aside some time for bed. It may not be the most glamorous part of Christmas preparations, but the feeling of freshly laundered bed linen and crisp duvets is worth the effort.
