The type of bedding you choose and the way you look after it matters. That stands to reasons, given we spend much of our lives in our beds! A lot of us make mistakes which can cause us to lose money and lose sleep. Some mistakes could even be making you ill without you realising. Below are just a few common bedding blunders to avoid and tips on how to to choose the right bedding.
Buying second-hand bedding
Buying second-hand bedding can save you money, but be cautious as it’s not always worth it. Heavily used bedding is likely to be worn and could carry unwanted odours. While putting sheets in the wash can often get rid of germs and bedbugs, it may not always get the smell out.
One item of bedding that you should never buy used is a mattress. If it’s an old mattress, it could be very worn and may have lost a lot of its springiness, failing to offer your body the support it needs. It’s also possible that the mattress has never been cleaned and therefore it may be full of bacteria and bedbugs (and you can’t throw a mattress in the washing machine to clean it).
Using the wrong bedding for the wrong season
Certain types of bedding are better suited to certain seasons. For example, linen bedding as found at this home idea site is very breathable and stays cool, making it a great option for the summer. Flannel bed sheets are meanwhile much better for winter as they stay warm longer.
Also, consider what materials you’re using. You may also want to invest in two duvets: a thick winter duvet and a slimmer summer duvet.
Getting the size wrong
A common mistake many people make is buying the wrong size sheet for their mattress. There are many different sizes from Small Single to California King. It’s important that you know exactly what size mattress you have. After all, getting a Queen instead of an Olympic Queen could make it a struggle to keep the sheet on due to the reduced width.
Make sure that you also consider the depth of the mattress. Deeper mattress may need slightly bigger sheets to ensure that all corners are covered.
Obsessing over thread count
Contrary to popular belief, a bedsheet with a higher thread count doesn’t necessarily mean superior comfort. Bed sheets with higher thread counts are generally softer than bed sheets with lower thread counts. However, a higher thread count can also make bed sheets feel heavier and can also make them less breathable, causing them to get hotter more quickly.
So what is the ideal thread count? Anything between 180 and 300 is usually just right. Bed sheets with a thread count of 800 or even 1000 are generally not worth paying extra for.
Overdoing pillows
Having lots of pillows and cushions around your home can make each room feel cosier. However, they rarely serve a practical purpose, often just getting in the way when you need to use your bed or sofa.
There’s generally no reason to sleep with more than one pillow beneath your head. Extra pillows can be used to support the body, but even then you’re not likely to need twenty pillows. Consider whether it’s worth putting all those extra decorative pillows on your bed, or whether you’re better off staying minimal.
Making your bed first thing in the morning
This one is likely to be controversial for many people. After all, many of us are taught as kids to always make our bed in the morning. However, making your bed first thing in the morning is generally not a good idea. In fact, it’s better to pull back the duvet completely and let things air.
This is because germs and bedbugs are more likely to breed under the moist warmth of your duvet. Leaving off the duvet keeps the sheet cold and lets any sweat dry out, which reduces the growth of germs and bedbugs.
Does this mean that you shouldn’t make your bed? Not necessarily! It’s still much nicer to get into a bed that has already been made. Just consider making a few hours before bed rather than first thing in the morning.
Not cleaning your bedding regularly enough
How often do you clean your bedsheets? If it’s a bed that you sleep in every night, you should ideally be replacing your bedsheets at least once per week. If you sweat a lot, then you may want to up this to at least two times per week.
This can stop your bedsheets becoming a breeding ground for germs and bedbugs. It could prevent you from developing skin issues and could reduce the risk of you getting sick. It’s worth owning a few sheets that you can cycle between so that you have enough time to wash and dry each sheet.