There’s little that’s better than crawling into sunkissed sheets after a shower. But while you may wash your bedsheets after every few days, you may still be making some bedding mistakes. Bedding can also revitalise your sleep routine. New pillowcases, fresh sheets, and a warmer duvet can make you feel like you’re sleeping for the first time. But renewing your bedding isn’t enough to ensure you have a healthy bed.
Bedding mistakes to avoid
1. Thread count
The higher the thread count of your bedsheets, the better, right? Thread count is the amount of yarn per square inch. The best thread count is 300-400 if you’re using cotton sheets. You don’t need to look for 1000-count thread sheets. They tend to be extremely expensive, but they’re not durable. If they’re 600-count thread sheets, they’re two-ply. The thicker threads are blended with weaker threads. They’re more likely to break apart during laundry than single-ply sheets. 1000-count sheets use microfibres, which are the thinnest and weakest fabric.
2. Used sheets
It may seem like a bargain to buy second-hand sheets. However, they could contain hairs, microbes, bedbugs, bleach stains, or fur. Your hygiene and health should buy new sheets from a shop. If you have to buy used sheets because of cash constraints, ensure you wash them repeatedly and dry them in the sun. Hang them on lines rather than playing them on grass or pavement. They can easily collect dirt or insects. If buying from an e-commerce website, ensure they’re labelled as new and clean them before use.
Read also: Factors To Consider When Buying Bed Sheets
3. Choosing looks over material
Some bedsheets are pretty and perfect for your aesthetic but aren’t perfect for your sleep pattern. Materials like bamboo are better for people who sweat a lot in their sleep. Hypoallergenic sheets made from eucalyptus are great for people with fabric allergies. Cotton is the fabric that suits nearly everyone. A poly-blend sheet is good for frugal people who need something that absorbs sweat. However, these may need more frequent washing and tear easily. Don’t choose sheets because they’re pretty if you haven’t inspected what fabric they’re made of.
4. Consider the season
For some, it’s possible to buy comforters or duvets for the hot or cold seasons. It seems reasonable to buy the heaviest comforter, but this may not always pan out. You could sweat excessively. Finding an all-weather duvet or comforter is the best bedcover.
Lifestyle: Considerations When Buying A Duvet
5. The wrong size
Finding bedding that fits your bed is essential. Many manufacturers label the bedding for sale based on their sizes. If bedding is too large for your bed, it can come undone while sleeping. Bedding that is too small also doesn’t cover the mattress, making sweat and other fluids get absorbed directly into the mattress. Mattress sizes are:
Twin: 38 x 75 inches
Twin XL: 38 x 80 inches
Full: 53 x 75 inches
Queen: 60 x 80 inches
King: 76 x 80 inches
Californian King: 72 x 84 inches
If you have a mattress that dips, you may need to size up your bedsheets.
6. Bedsheet quality
As mentioned earlier, a high thread count isn’t an indicator of quality. Check for the finishing of the fabric. A cotton bedsheet should have a percale finish. This is a type of weave made of 100% cotton. They can be blended with rayon or silk. Don’t listen to the hype of the salesman. You can inspect the fabric before purchasing. This shows you how to wash the sheets as well.
7. Designs
Some beddings come with fancy designs such as embroidery or sequins. It can be irritating to your sleep routine and can affect your skin. Embroidery threads also easily come apart and can make the rest of your sheets fall apart during laundry.
8. Washing sheets
It’s important to change your sheets at least once a week. You should have at least two or three pairs of sheets. Due to the frequent gathering of dirt, microbes, and sweat, you should change your sheets once every seven days. If you have more options or share your bed with more than one person, you should change them every two days.
You should change your pillowcases at least once a week, more often if you don’t sleep, with a cover for oily hair.
Blankets should change every 2-3 months. Follow the manufacturer’s directions when washing them.
9. Mattresses
When using memory foam for the first time, it can have a strange smell that can make you think the mattress was used by a smoker before. Air a new mattress in the sun for at least two days to eliminate the odour.
Taking care of your bedding is important to have great sleep health. You don’t need to compromise your comfort for a misguided idea.
Check out:
Factors To Consider When Buying Bed Sheets
How Long You Should Go Without Washing Your Pyjamas And Other Clothing, According To Experts
Lifestyle: How To Care For Your Mattress
6 Tips On How To Pick A Good Mattress
How To Inspect, Spot And Get Rid Of Bedbugs
Home Improvement: 8 Tips On Bedroom Organization
