Are you airing your bedding? Here’s why you should start now
In countries like Scandinavia, bedding is often spread out on balconies or window sills. This is not only an aesthetic tradition but also a practice passed down from our grandmothers. Fresh bedding is undoubtedly one of the key factors affecting the quality of our sleep. The question remains: Does airing bedding outside really bring benefits?
5:34 PM EDT, October 4, 2024
For those who haven't tried it yet, it might be worth considering the advantages that airing bedding can bring to our sleep. The "Livingect" portal decided to ask sleep trainer Carla Gasie from the Sleepopolis brand for her opinion. According to her, airing bedding is essential for health. She provided factual reasons to support her opinion.
The important factors here are the exposure of bedding to sunlight and a fresh breeze, which help eliminate moisture and unpleasant odors caused by sweat during sleep. Regular airing also removes dust, mites, and remnants of skin and hair. This, in turn, translates to better sleep quality and can help combat skin problems, such as acne. If you suffer from skin conditions, regular airing of bedding is necessary.
Spreading the bedding on a chair or drying rack placed on the balcony is recommended. The part of the bedding that contacts the body should be on top. If no balcony is available, a window sill is an alternative. The timing of airing is also important. It's best to do it in the evening or at dawn—cool air speeds up the airing process. Practicing this daily for up to half an hour shows effects while airing once a week requires several hours.
What to do when the air outside is not fresh? Here's a way
The problem arises when we live close to a busy street or during renovations in the neighborhood. In such cases, exposing bedding outside must be well-considered. Then it's better to expose bedding to the sun by only opening the upper window slightly. You can also use a nearby rug beater, remembering to wipe it beforehand.
If there are no other options, washing should be the primary form of bedding care. However, this process must also follow appropriate guidelines.
Regular washing of bedding is highly recommended
Experts at Sleepopolis recommend washing bedding weekly to prevent the proliferation of bacteria and fungi and to avoid allergens. However, this interval may be too short for many people.
If frequent washing is not possible, it's important to remember to shower before bed, remove makeup, and avoid letting pets into the bed. Leftover fur can cause allergic reactions. Regular washing of pillowcases also helps prevent hair greasiness and clogged pores.
When washing bedding, it is also important to pay attention to the information on the label. Failure to follow the manufacturer's recommendations may damage the material or change its properties.
