Keep Your American-Made Comforters, Pillows, And Sheets Crisp And Fresh With These Tips
The average person spends over 9,000 hours asleep during their lifetime. So it makes sense to find high-quality American-made bedding made from 100% organic cotton in the USA and sold by hard-working Americans like you.
You’ve found the best American-made bedding set for every bed in your home. From the master to the guest room, you found high-quality blankets, comforters, and sheets that allow you to rest comfortably.
You chose to bed made in the USA because you know it’s a sound investment that will last years and years, unlike cheap sheets you get off the shelf at a big box store.
Bedding is tricky to keep clean. You must wash it regularly to get rid of body oils and dead skin cells that build up night after night.
However, it’s hard to make time in your busy schedule to strip all the beds, run multiple washing machine cycles at the right water temperature, and figure out the best heat setting to preserve your made-in-the-USA mattress and bedding.
While you should always consult the manufacturer’s care instructions, you may still be scratching your head regarding how to maintain your bedding.
Let’s look at some simple ways you can clean and care for your American-made bedding to keep it looking fresh and wash after wash.
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1. How To Care For Pillows
They give you a place to rest your head and double as decor for your bed. Many people don’t give their pillows a second thought aside from occasionally changing the pillowcase.
However, your pillows are the hardest working bedding pieces you own. This means they see the most wear and tear and need the most upkeep to maintain their shape and texture.
Pillows can act as factories for harmful dust mites and harbor bacteria that can lead to breakouts and rashes. So you must care for your pillows just like the rest of your American-made bedding.
Best Way To Clean:
Check the label to see if your pillow is machine washable. Some are dry clean only, so take those to the dry cleaner as needed. Spot clean as needed with a mild detergent to remove stains.
If they can be put in the washing machine, wash in warm or cool water with only half the typical amount of a mild detergent. The thick stuffing can cling to the detergent, leading to a residue that becomes a breeding ground for bacteria.
After the first cycle is complete, give it an extra rinse cycle to remove any traces of laundry soap altogether. Then, run an additional spin cycle to remove as much water as possible from your pillows. This will help reduce drying time and energy bills and get your pillows back in action faster.
Using your dryer, tumble on a low heat setting. Remember that smaller pillows could take hours to dry, while larger ones need as much as eight hours to dry completely. Never store or replace your pillows while damp. This could promote bacterial growth and funky smells.
Frequency:
Once every six months if used nightly or once a year for decorative pillows.
General Upkeep:
Consider investing in come American-made waterproof pillow protectors that are much easier to wash than an entire pillow. Fluff pillow daily to maintain their shape and comfort level.
2. How To Care For Comforters
Once you find the right comforter, you just know. Not only do these fluffy blankets keep you warm, but they come in a variety of colors and patterns that help anchor your room decor.
Made-in-the-USA comforters are a solid investment because they tend to last longer and are made with high-quality materials. If cared for properly, an excellent American-made comforter can last you decades, or at least until you decide to redo your room!
Best Way To Clean:
Avoid washing your comforter in a washing machine that has an agitator- these can be too rough on your bedding. You can wash your comforter at home if you have a high-capacity front load washing machine. If not, you’ll need to take a trip to the laundromat, where you can take advantage of an industrial-sized washer and dryer that will preserve the integrity of yoru American-made comforter.
Use a small amount of mild laundry detergent and choose a gentle cycle that uses warm or cool water. Tumble dry on low, adding tennis balls or dryer balls to speed up the drying cycle and keep your comforter nice and fluffy.
Frequency:
Once a month is fine as long as you use a top sheet.
General Upkeep:
Shake out your comforter once a week to dislodge allergens and debris. When possible, air your comforter on a clothesline to keep it fresh.
If You Have A Down Comforter (Or Down Alternative) With A Duvet Cover…
If you’ve invested in a high-quality American-made down comforter, you’ll need to take care to preserve your investment.
A down or down alternative comforter is typically paired with a duvet cover and top sheet. This means you can wash the coverlet monthly based on the manufacturer’s care instructions.
The comforter can be washed once every few years with the appropriate type of washer. If not, employ a professional laundry service to avoid permanent damage to your American-made bedding.
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3. How To Care For Sheets And Pillowcases
There’s nothing quite like sets of sheets made from 100% organic cotton that was grown in the USA. Cotton bed linens are good for your skin and good for the environment.
High-quality pillowcases are also a must. They are an essential part of any hair and skincare routine. Cotton pillowcases draw impurities away from your face, while a cotton-silk blend ensures your hair looks great from the moment you wake up.
Choosing pillowcases made in the USA means you’re only putting the highest quality fabrics near the sensitive skin of your face. And the best part is they get softer and softer with every wash, so they are a sound investment for people looking for the highest comfort level.
Best Way To Clean:
Opt for cold water over hot water to avoid shrinking your cotton sheets. For white sheets, use non-chlorine bleach and a mild detergent for colored sheets.
If sheets are heavily soiled, choose the heavy-duty setting with an extra rinse; otherwise, the regular wash cycle will do.
Use medium heat for tumbling dry with your favorite dryer sheets. Remove them when they are 80% dry to avoid wrinkling. Air dry in the laundry room or on a clothesline for a nice treat.
If you’re looking for true luxury, ironing on low heat will have your sheets looking and feeling heavenly.
Frequency:
Wash bed sheets once a week.
General Upkeep:
Allow your sheets some time to air out before you make your bed to allow body oils and sweat to evaporate. This will keep your sheets fresh all week long.
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4. How to Care For Quilts And Blankets
Even with the right comforter, you may need additional warm blankets on those cold winter nights. Or maybe you switch your comforter out for a lightweight American-made quilt when the temperature rises.
Either way, these lightweight blankets offer versatility and style. They are less dense than a comforter, meaning, if they are machine washable, you can toss them in your own washer rather than making a special trip to the local laundromat.
Best Way To Clean:
Use a mild detergent, cool or warm water, and dry on low for best results. It may take extra time for a thick blanket or quilt to dry.
If your quilt has hand stitching or lace appliques, it’s best to take it to dry cleaned or hand washes it based on the care instructions provided on the tag. This will preserve the delicate features and keep your quilt looking brand new. If you choose hand washing, lay it flat on a drying rack for best results.
Frequency:
Once a month for general use or once every six months if used for decorative purposes.
General Upkeep:
Shake the blankets weekly to keep them fluffy, fresh, and allergens-free.
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Buying American-Made Is The Secret To Long-Lasting, Luxurious Bedding
It’s always a good idea to have a regular cleaning and care schedule for the bedding in your home. This helps reduce allergens and makes your bed a true oasis.
When you buy bedding made in the USA, you’re investing in your home. That’s because American-made bedding is higher quality than comforters and sheets made in factories overseas. They use superior textiles and intricate stitching to ensure your bedding lasts for years.
So the next time you’re getting ready to wash your bedding, check the tags to ensure everything is made in the USA. If not, it’s time to invest in high-quality bedding from companies based in America and make all their products stateside. You won’t regret it and will wonder why you didn’t switch to American-made earlier.