Bedding is an essential household item that comes into regular touch with your skin. It will eventually acquire dust and produce yellow stains. If left unchecked or washed infrequently, it can become a breeding ground for foul odors and dangerous bacteria.
Why Does Bedding Turn Yellow, Get Dirty, and Smell?
The human body naturally produces oil and sweat, particularly in men, where hormonal changes drive sebaceous and sweat glands to become more active.
When you lie or sit on your mattress, these fluids accumulate, creating discolouration and dirt buildup. Furthermore, germs might flourish, producing unpleasant odors.
The Dangers of Not Washing Your Bedding
As bacteria and odors grow on unwashed bedding, they can transfer back onto your skin while you sleep, causing allergies, itching, and red spots.
In some cases, dirty bedding provides the perfect environment for mites to reproduce. Mites are considered the “enemy” of healthy skin, causing infections, rashes, and prolonged irritation upon contact.
How to Deep Clean Your Bedding
Since bedding is heavy, large, and thick, I wash it in the washing machine. If you do too, here’s how you can apply this method:
Step 1: Prepare the “Magic Water”
The ingredients are simple:
- 1 tablespoon of salt
- 1 tablespoon of baking soda
- 2 tablespoons of white vinegar
- Half a bowl of water
- A suitable amount of laundry detergent
Mix everything in a bowl until fully dissolved. This is your “magic water.”
Step 2: Wash the Bedding
- Place the bedding in the washing machine and pour the “magic water” into it.
- Let it soak briefly to enhance the cleaning effect.
- After soaking, run a regular washing cycle.
- You won’t need to add additional detergent since it’s already included in the mixture.
Salt: Naturally disinfects and kills bacteria on bedding. It prevents color fading and enhances cleaning by increasing friction.
Baking Soda: Known as a “natural cleaner,” it offers powerful yet safe cleaning properties, perfect for removing tough stains, particularly grease.
White Vinegar: The key ingredient for disinfecting and deodorizing. It cleans thoroughly while softening the fabric, leaving your bedding as smooth as ever without feeling stiff against your skin.
After following this method, you’ll enjoy fresh, soft, and clean bedding—perfect for a restful night’s sleep!
