When to change the elements of the rest equipment?
Many times we do not know when to change the elements of the rest equipment: mattress, pillows, mattress or base, cover. Its materials and mechanisms end up deteriorating over time and we must know when we have to renew them so that over time it does not harm our health or our rest.
In this post we clarify the doubts about when to change the elements of the rest equipment: mattress, base, pillows, bedding. In addition, we give you cleaning and maintenance tips so that they are in perfect condition during the years of useful life.
Mattress lifespan
How about we start with the primary element? We must change the mattress every ten years . One of the factors that will tell us the need to renew it is its firmness, when we notice that the mattress sinks, it does not support our weight as usual, our back suffers, it is time to change it.
MAINTENANCE AND CLEANING OF MATTRESSES
One of the aspects that can influence materials to wear out faster is misuse. So a good maintenance will give it more durability .
Turning and turning movements of the mattress
It is very important to keep the mattress in good condition, air it, turn it over and turn it to prevent it from deforming. These movements are convenient to do every three months. Mattresses made to be used exclusively on one side, such as some memory foam or foam and latex, will only be rotated, and will not need to be flipped. We leave you an explanatory video.
Cleaning and protection
Cleaning is very important because it is a product that lasts for many years and must be kept in the highest hygienic conditions . Every time we get up it is important to leave the bed unmade so that the mattress airs out, twenty minutes is enough before covering it with the sheets and quilts.
It is not convenient to wash the mattress with water so that dampness does not occur , or use dry cleaning because we could damage the fabrics with the products. If we want a deep cleaning, we can use a vacuum cleaner in a gentle way, to eliminate the dust that may settle in it; taking into account that when vacuuming on layers of padding composed of fibers or multicellular, these can break and, when separated, also be extracted together with the dust.
It is also very advisable to cover the mattresses with protectors . We will look for one that is breathable so that the air circulates naturally and does not deteriorate it. There are many models on the market depending on the type of mattress we want to protect.
Another element that we must renew are the mattress covers , since over time they may contain dead cells that do not benefit us at all. Also, by renewing them, we will be favoring the mattress itself.
The rest base
You also have to avoid wear on the mattress base . Over time this type of element deteriorates and we must change it for a new one. This element of the rest equipment is the one that has the most durability, although we cannot stop paying attention to it, since it is essential that our mattress be supported on a solid base. If it is not in good condition it will weaken the mattress and end up reducing its useful life.
Change pillows
With regard to pillows, we will easily notice when we need to change them . For example, if we notice that it is worn and our head does not rest in the same way, causing us to have neck pain. It is normally changed every two years.
The advice of Colchones.es is to change a pillow every two years if it is made of foams (memory foam, latex) and every five years if the pillow is made of fiber or microfiber. The reason for these disparate times is that the fiber pillows are fully washable and in the foam pillows we can only wash the cover.
TIPS FOR MAINTAINING PILLOWS
In order for our pillows to be perfect during their useful life (5 years for fiber pillows and 2 years for foaming pillows ) it is important to follow simple instructions for use and maintenance.
As not all pillows can be washed, at Colchones.es we always recommend that you protect the core of the pillow (the pillow itself) with a cover that keeps it protected from sweat, saliva, and dirt. This pillowcase is suitable to be made of breathable and waterproof fabrics. We wash it frequently once or twice a month, depending on how dirty it is. In addition, we renew the cover when we notice it damaged.
In addition to protecting the pillow with a waterproof and breathable cover . The moment we notice that our pillow has lost its properties (does not regain its original shape) or we feel uncomfortable, it causes neck pain. It is time to change a pillow.
HOW TO WASH YOUR BED PILLOWS
Here are some tips for washing pillows, depending on whether they are foam (memory foam or latex) or fiber or microfiber. Always follow the instructions for use and washing that appear on the label or have been provided by the manufacturer or distributor. At Colchones.es, in each product sheet we explain the maintenance instructions for that pillow.
Wash memory foam pillows
Memory foam pillows are pillows that fit perfectly and allow the head, shoulders and back to rest in a correct and healthy position. When the weight is lifted, the pillow returns to its original position. This memory effect property would disappear if the memory foam pillow was washed , therefore machine washing is not recommended.
In this type of memory foam, what we wash regularly will be the protective cover, but not the core . Viscoelastic if it gets wet in excess loses its thermoregulatory properties and its memory effect. In addition, it does not get to dry completely, so the moisture concentrated in it produces the appearance of mites, bacteria, microorganisms that damage it and reduce its useful life, which is 2 years.
Washing latex pillows
Latex is a type of high-quality foam. Like memory foam, it has a memory effect, but it is more breathable than memory foam . Therefore, latex pillows should not be machine washed either. We wash the protective cover.
Latex pillows are very comfortable and firm. They adapt perfectly and are very comfortable for the cervicals . They are also very resistant, they regain their shape and remain perfect over time.
There are some manufacturers that recommend washing latex pillows by hand . Using a cloth slightly dampened in a mixture of water and neutral soap. With the perfectly wrung cloth, we clean each area of the pillow without pressing, gently and with circular movements. Once clean, with a clean towel, dry the pillow to remove moisture. The next step is to let it air dry. We place it on a rigid surface, in a dry place and without direct sunlight. It should not be wrung out or twisted so that it does not lose its properties.
Washing fiber or microfiber pillows
The fiber or microfiber pillows can be washed so their useful life is longer. It is recommended to change them every 5 years . To wash them, we follow the manufacturer's instructions that tell us if they accept machine or hand washing.
The fiber or microfiber accepts washing because it is a totally natural material. In the case of machine washing, it is recommended on a short program and at a low temperature (maximum 30 degrees).
Clean sheets and bedding
Changing sheets is often a matter of hygiene. And we must all be clear that, for our own health, this little effort is something that will help us sleep and live better . Sleeping on clean sheets has no point of comparison than on sheets that have already been used, are dirty, damp or smell bad.
What not everyone is clear about is how often the sheets have to be changed . Every day? Every 3 or 4 days? Once a week? Once every 15 days? In this post we are going to try to shed some light on this issue so that you can have your sheets as clean as possible.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO CHANGE THE SHEETS
On average we spend 7-8 hours a day lying in bed. During those hours, our body loses skin cells (we peel), we lose hair, we perspire and sweat permeates the bedding. All these processes dirty the sheets, the mattress, the pillow ... Hence, it is important to clean and disinfect all the elements of the rest equipment. Changing sheets is often very important for several reasons:
- Although we try to avoid any stain as much as possible, the sheets can get dirty in many ways : sweat, humidity, hair, dead skin cells, bacteria, fungi, traces of cream and makeup, dust mites, oral fluids if you tend to snore and sleep with an open mouth, menstrual blood, sperm ... even the heat generated by the sun's rays can cause the sheets to smell bad.
- If we do not clean and disinfect the sheets correctly, with daily use their lack of hygiene can lead to health problems . We can get eczema on the skin, irritations that cause itching and prevent a pleasant sleep and affect us on a daily basis.
- The moisture and dirt that accumulates on the sheets with continued use and lack of hygiene produces the appearance of mites, fungi, mold, bacteria that can cause us allergies , respiratory problems and infectious diseases. In addition, lack of hygiene weakens the immune system.
- Therefore, there are many compelling reasons that justify cleaning and disinfecting sheets.
Seen from this point of view, changing the sheets should be something we do often. It should not depend so much on a fixed period of time, but on the state in which they are at that moment . For example, in summer, when you perspire more, it is more convenient to wash the sheets more than once a week.
HOW OFTEN DO YOU HAVE TO CHANGE THE SHEETS?
Some decide to do it once a week, or every 3-4 days, just enough to give you time to wash and dry the replacement sheets. Others prefer to change the sheets every day, especially during the summer , which is when it is hotter and more sweaty, so it is very easy for both the pillow and the sheets to smell bad.
There is no clearly established amount of time that is valid for anyone, at any time of year and in any situation. Look at your own sheets, if they smell good or bad, if they are dry or damp, if they have a new or worn look ... Based on these aspects, you should wash your sheets often enough so that they are as clean as possible and never abuse of its use.
Take special circumstances into account as well . For example, if you have been playing with your dog and then you go to bed, it is very likely that you transfer bacteria or animal hair to your bed, and it is dirtier than normal, so the next morning would be a good idea to change them instead of going back to sleep there.
MAINTAINING YOUR SHEETS: WASHING AND DRYING TIPS
To wash the sheets, the ideal is to do it in the washing machine with a water program of between 40 and 60º, which will allow us to eliminate dirt and remains of bacteria and mites . We must also take into account the labels they may carry and washing recommendations, being the general rule to do so with the cotton garment program of your washing machine.
If we wash with stronger programs, it is possible that in some cases the fibers will be damaged , since it is a somewhat more delicate fabric than conventional garments.
As for the drying of the sheets , we must wait until they are completely dry to avoid sleeping on wet sheets. Still wet sheets can also give off a bad smell, so it is not recommended to use them yet. Ideally, hang them in the sun so that they dry more quickly. Sunlight helps to remove moisture and mites and bacteria.
Another option is to dry your sheets in the dryer , if you have one. In this case, the same as with the washing machine. It is a delicate garment, so you should set your dryer to minimum to avoid that the fabrics can be damaged by excess heat.
Makeup stains
We have all found ourselves in the situation of arriving home after a dinner or a night that has taken longer than necessary and face the infinite laziness that removing make-up involves since at that moment all we want is to get into bed. We give you some tips to remove makeup stains.
Let's recognize that on more than one occasion that laziness has won the battle and the makeup has stayed on our face and, therefore, on our pillow . Going to bed without removing make-up is an attack on our skin, the pores end up being clogged by dirt and makeup and the most likely thing is that the next morning we will wake up, in addition to looking horrible, with the odd annoying and unsightly granite that will embitter our day.
THOSE HARD TO REMOVE STAINS
To that we must add the numerous stains and rubs that will remain on our pillow, the elements that we use to put on makeup are composed of substances that are very difficult to remove, waxes, oils and different dyes that make washing difficult, especially if the Our pillowcase is white.
REMOVE MAKEUP STAINS
If we act quickly we can avoid disaster and ensure that our makeup does not leave a trace on the pillow . We just need the following ingredients and follow these simple steps.
- A sponge
- Dry cleaning detergent
- Our regular laundry detergent
- Oxygen bleach
- Hot water
How to remove stains :
Dampen a sponge with a little dry cleaning detergent and apply it to the stain without rubbing, trying to remove as much makeup as possible, and then blot the stain.
change the elements of the rest equipment
Next, we pour a little of our usual detergent on the stain and this time we do rub the fabric of our pillow, making sure that the detergent penetrates the fabric well.
We wash the pillowcase in the washing machine using a hot water cycle. The best thing is that we do not use the dryer to dry the garment, but rather let it air dry.
If after this wash the stains have not completely disappeared, we will place the pillowcase in a container with ½ cup of oxygen bleach dissolved in a liter of hot water for one hour.
Finally we repeat the wash with a hot water cycle.
BEAT LAZINESS AND REMOVE MAKEUP
Makeup stains can become a real nightmare when trying to remove them, so if we want our eyeliner and makeup base not to leave an indelible memory on our bedding, we have to be aware that, by As much as it costs us, we must always remove make-up before going to sleep.
If, on the other hand, tiredness overcomes us or because of confusion we do not remove our makeup completely and end up leaving a stain on our pillowcase, it will only be enough to have the previous elements at hand and get down to work to eliminate stains.
Tips to prevent your sheets from getting too dirty
Even if it is summer, it is recommended that during the day you put a quilt on top to protect your sheets . Also avoid putting your feet with socks on the bed, as these can collect dirt from your shoes. And of course avoid putting your shoes on the bed.
To prevent the sheets from getting too wet from sweat, try to sleep at a suitable temperature as well . Open the window and use a fan, in case you can't use an air conditioner to keep the bedroom temperature between 23º and 25º. Sleeping in hot weather can cause us to sweat more, make pillowcases and sheets more damp with sweat, and have a bad odor.
Should I also wash the duvets and bedspreads?
We must also take into account that not all bed textiles stain with the same ease. Duvets and bedspreads usually last longer clean than sheets , since they are made of much rougher fabrics, so they do not tend to get so dirty.
For example, if we are careful and avoid putting shoes and socks on top of the duvet. The duvet can be kept in very good condition and does not need to be washed as often. Just shake it well and wash it every few months, or even a couple of times a year . We can pass a brush to remove traces of dirt. In this post we give you tips on How to wash duvets depending on whether they are fiber, feather, or down. Do not forget before washing it, consult the label with the manufacturer's washing instructions.
These tips refer to washing the duvet filling. If we protect this filling with a cover, then this cover should be washed just like we wash the sheets . Above all, the sleepers who dispense with the top sheet and sleep with their body in direct contact with the duvet. In this case, the cover is considered a sheet, and as such we must wash it with the same frequency as these.
Also, although they are not washed as often as the sheets. It is convenient that once a week, taking advantage when we wash the sheets, we put the bedspreads, duvet fillings, blankets to air . In this way, the humidity that is in them is eliminated and we reduce the presence of bacteria and mites.
Bedroom cleaning and disinfection
Just as we clean and disinfect bedding, it is also imperative to keep the bedroom dust-free . We recommend you every morning, as soon as we get up, air the room. We can take advantage while we have breakfast to leave the windows open, take advantage of it so that the air is renewed and the sunlight penetrates. In this way, the proliferation of mites and bacteria is avoided. When cleaning, vacuuming is better than sweeping, because we raise less dust.
As you can see, it is essential to change the elements of the rest equipment , considering that their aging and deterioration can cause back and neck pain. Which in the long run can lead to serious health problems and difficulty in having a good rest. At Colchones.es we can help you choose the new models so that your sleep is restful, call the free phone number 900.701.086, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and we will advise you.
