WHAT ARE THE ANNOYING LITTLE BALLS THAT APPEAR ON SHEETS AND COVERS ABOUT

 WHAT ARE THE ANNOYING LITTLE BALLS THAT APPEAR ON SHEETS AND COVERS ABOUT

To whom it has not ever happened that after buying new sheets, the annoying little balls soon appear. Also called peeling, it is very uncomfortable to sleep on sheets that have this formation.

Quite the contrary of what most think, there is no special treatment or wash that can be done at home to remove the peeling. If it is true that as with pullovers, they can be shaved with a razor for these purposes, but the solution is most likely temporary and not permanent, since the annoying little balls will reappear.

- WHAT ARE THE ANNOYING LITTLE BALLS THAT APPEAR ON SHEETS AND COVERS ABOUT and Bed Sheets Product

The real reason for the appearance of pellets in sheets and duvet covers is poor quality or defective workmanship.

What happens is that these sheets are made with a blend of cotton and polyester. Cotton is a soft, comfortable and soft fiber that wrinkles very easily. In contrast, polyester is a stiffer and harder fiber, does not wrinkle as easily as cotton, and adds durability to the fabric. As it passes through the loom, the polyester unravels, and being a rigid material these threads do not come off. The same thing happens to cotton when it passes through the loom, but as it is a soft fiber, the fluff comes off. The hairs of thread that come out or appear when rubbing against the loom are those that will later form the famous little balls when used in bed.

Therefore, when buying sheets that have a cotton-polyester blend, it is important, first of all, that the amount of polyester is not more than 50%. And secondly, that the sheets have an anti-peeling treatment. This treatment increases the price of the product, so it is important to make sure before making the purchase.

The treatment that is performed on these sheets consists of passing the fabric through a large lighter that has a flame and controlled temperature, and burns, so to speak, the polyester hairs that come off. As this treatment increases the final price of the sheets, those that have said finish will necessarily be more expensive than those that do not, but it will be vital to know and inquire about these issues before making the purchase of the sheets so as not to have to deal with the future with the annoying little balls.

Allergy to dust mites

 Allergy to dust mites

Mites, tiny insects that live in dust, exist in most homes. They do not sting, but some people are allergic to them. Read this fact sheet to learn how to remove them from your home.

My 8-year-old daughter Olga had a very cozy bedroom, with wall-to-wall carpets, curtains, and lots of stuffed animals on the bed. But the sneezing and coughing kept her awake much of the night. The doctor * diagnosed her with a dust mite allergy and asked about her bedroom. He also suggested that we buy an anti-allergy mattress and bedding and wash the sheets and blankets every week in hot water and also wash the stuffed animals in hot water every week to keep some of them. A few weeks later Olga's allergy symptoms had improved.

- Allergy to dust mites and Bed Sheets Product

What is a dust mite allergy?

Dust mite debris causes allergy symptoms in people who are allergic to these insects. An allergy occurs when a person reacts to things that do not affect most people, such as pollen and these types of mites. If you come into contact with something you are allergic to (an allergen), you may have symptoms. This is an allergic reaction.

What are the symptoms of a dust mite allergy?

Symptoms are: sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, itchy throat or ears, hives, swollen eyelids, itchy eyes and coughing, wheezing (whistling-like sounds that occur when breathing), and shortness of breath. You can have a single symptom or several.

How is a dust mite allergy diagnosed?

The doctor will ask you questions about the symptoms and what will make the symptoms worse at home. He may also recommend that you see an allergy expert (an allergist) for skin tests or a blood test. In these tests the doctor introduces a small amount of possible allergens into the skin through a puncture or scratch. If you are sensitive to an allergen, a small red bump appears on your skin.

How is a dust mite allergy treated?

• Take steps to prevent or eliminate dust. See "How can I get rid of dust mites in my home?" in this fact sheet.
• Take medicine to relieve symptoms. Your doctor may prescribe antihistamines, decongestants, nasal sprays, or eye drops.
• Get vaccinated against allergies, if your doctor recommends it. Some people need them when they cannot avoid an allergen. Vaccines contain a small amount (gradually increasing) of the allergen to which you are sensitive. Over time, the body gets used to the allergen and no longer reacts to it.

* The words “doctor” or “female doctor” are used in this fact sheet, but can refer to anyone who provides medical care, such as a nurse or medical assistant.

Where are dust mites common?

Dust mites are so small that they cannot be seen with the naked eye. They live in warm places with high humidity levels and in things made of fabric, for example:

• mattresses and pillows
• Upholstered furniture
• carpets and rugs
• curtains
• stuffed toys

Did you know? More dust mites live in your bedroom than in any other part of your home.

How can I remove dust mites from my home?

It is impossible to eliminate all dust mites, but there are steps you can take to reduce the amount in your home.

• Remove and protect things that collect dust
• If possible, remove rugs and rugs. Dust mites do not live on vinyl or wood surfaces.
• Limit the amount of upholstered furniture, curtains, and stuffed toys. (Make sure any stuffed toys you keep are washable.)
• Use anti-allergy bedding on pillows and mattresses.
• Avoid dehydrated flowers and other things that collect dust.

Clean everything that collects dust

• Wash bedding (sheets, blankets, bedspreads, duvets, and down comforters) in hot water once a week. Dry it completely.
• If you can't get rid of rugs, use washable rugs and wash them frequently.
• Wash curtains, blinds, and ceiling fans frequently.
• Vacuum furniture and rugs at least once a week.
• Limit the number of animals and other stuffed toys and, if possible, wash them in hot water once a week.

Clean with care

Wear a mask when cleaning the house or find someone who is not allergic to dust mites to do so. Masks are available at many drug stores and hardware stores.

• Use a damp cloth to remove the dust.
• Use a high-efficiency particulate filter (HEPA) vacuum to trap dust mites.

Reduce humidity in the home

Use a dehumidifier and use the air conditioner when the weather is warm so that the humidity inside the home (or at least in the bedroom) does not exceed 50%.

Who should treat my allergy to dust mites?

Your doctor can treat any allergies. If your symptoms do not improve within 3 to 6 months, if they are severe, or you have needed emergency treatment, your doctor will probably recommend an allergy specialist. Allergists are specialists in treating allergies.

Does my insurance cover dust mite allergy treatment?

Most health insurance plans cover allergy treatment. Consult your insurance company:

• Do I need an authorization from my doctor to consult an allergy expert?
• Does my insurance cover patient education or special services or products (like mattress covers and pillows) for allergies?
• Does my insurance company cover a pre-existing problem? This generally means any health problems you had before enrolling in your current health plan.
• What drug and allergy tests does my plan cover?

How to fight mites on my mattress?

 How to fight mites on my mattress?

Mites are insects of the arachnid family that are not visible to the naked eye and that live in dust and are commonly found in all types of fabrics, such as bedding, mattresses and pillows, carpets, etc. But the most relevant thing about these microscopic insects is that they act as allergens and cause allergies in an important part of the population, which defines the need to eliminate them from the home by carrying out a thorough cleaning that seeks to eliminate them.

- How to fight mites on my mattress and Bed Sheets Product

Prevent the spread of mites on mattresses

One of the most frequent mistakes people make is to make the bed as soon as they get up, providing the ideal means of reproduction and feeding of the mites.

When you make the bed, the mites will be trapped between the sheets and will feed on the dead skin cells and sweat. Therefore it is important to leave the bed uncovered when getting up so that the mites are exposed to fresh air and light, causing them to become dehydrated and reduce their probability of survival.

The real problem is not the presence of the mites, but their excretions that can cause allergies, irritate the airways and trigger asthma attacks.

Tips to eradicate mites from mattresses

The first tip to eliminate mites in the mattress quickly is not to fix the bed when you get up, leave the bed uncovered so that the mites do not have a growing medium. Wait a period of time, which can be used for breakfast and then fix the bed, although experts recommend leaving it without sheets all day and making it only to go to bed at night.

Change the sheets once a week and the pillowcases up to twice a week, particularly if you have breathing problems.

Remember that mites survive thanks to the ingestion of water from the atmosphere, that is, sweat feeds them, just like dead skin.

Cleaning and disinfecting mattresses with mites

There are many methods to disinfect and clean the mattress. One of them is disinfection by using sodium bicarbonate and essential oils such as thyme, tea tree, lavender, among others.

You just have to mix a little baking soda with a few drops of the essential oil of your choice, it is recommended that the essences have disinfectant properties. Use a strainer and spread the mixture over the mattress, allowing it to act for a couple of hours. Later, remove the residues with a vacuum cleaner, also eliminating the mites from the mattress.

Homemade anti mite spray

An effective solution to eliminate mites from mattresses is preparing a homemade anti-mite spray. This requires:

• Half a cup of alcohol
• Half a cup of distilled water
• 30 drops of essential oils with disinfectant properties such as lemon, eucalyptus, cinnamon, cypress or lavender.

Mix all the ingredients in the bottle and sprinkle the mixture on the mattress, pillows, sheets, duvets, and anywhere that dust collects, such as armchairs and sofas in the room.

Wait for the liquid to evaporate before using the objects that were sprayed with the mixture. Avoid applying the spray in the presence of children under three years of age, pregnant women or people with respiratory problems.
This spray will considerably reduce the mite population from its first application and for up to two months. To keep the area free of mites, repeat the application every two months.

Bed Sheet: 100% cotton or blend

 Bed Sheet: 100% cotton or blend

We all seek that the protagonists at bedtime are comfort, warmth and softness, therefore, the sheets we use are very important.

Also at this time (summer) is when we wear them the most, since the rest of the year they are covered by bedspreads, blankets or quilts.

- Bed Sheet: 100% cotton or blend and Bed Sheets Product

In this post we are going to talk about 100% cotton sheets and the so-called blend sheets (50% cotton, 50% polyester) and provide you with some tips when purchasing sheets.

The 100% cotton sheets are best acquired in the market, this is because that endure over time, they are softer to the touch and seek a dream pleasant for its delicate texture.

They are cool in summer and warm in winter, since they take the temperature of our body, the layers of air are caught and trapped between the cotton fibers themselves and, being made of natural fibers, offer more absorption, so the air passes much better through them and they do not retain moisture.

Their construction, yarns and reinforced finish are proportional to the softness, quality and durability of the sheets.

They differ because they are not made with mixtures, they are aesthetically free and they do not produce fluff. In addition, they do not irritate the skin.

The 50% cotton and 50% polyester sheets , by wearing cotton, last a long time and the main advantage is that they are easy to iron and also do not wrinkle so much.

Our sheets are treated through an anti-pilling process and the main attraction of these is the price, which positively influences the purchase.

Which of the two to acquire?

Cotton makes the garment soft, while polyester gives it resistance and durability, therefore, the right sheet integrates both materials.

But in certain cases, such as people with allergies, the appropriate sheets are 100% cotton.

Features to consider before purchasing a sheet

Measurement:

The first thing we have to do is measure the mattress, to make sure that the fitted sheets will cover it.

We must also know the number of pillows and decide if we want to buy a set of sheets or loose pieces to our liking.

Threads:

It is the number of threads per square inch of fabric, both horizontally and vertically. For durability and smoothness, 200 threads or more is ideal. Less than 200 threads the sheets give a feeling of freshness, ideal for hot people.

Tissue

If we prefer 100% cotton or blend

Manufacturing

The combed fabrication creates soft and durable sheets, while the compact ones are resistant to pilling and wrinkling.

Model

There are designs of all kinds, with white, beige, colored, flowery, striped, plain backgrounds ..

How to take care of your home clothes: tricks to wash, iron and store them

 How to take care of your home clothes: tricks to wash, iron and store them

From the sheets to the tablecloths, each of the home textiles requires special care when washing and storing them. It is important to give each garment the treatment it needs to keep it in perfect condition. Discover how to take care of all the clothes in the house.

Perfect bedding

One of the fundamental elements when it comes to enjoying the best night's rest is, without a doubt, the bedding. Specifically the sheets, which welcome us every night and whose touch we abandon ourselves. That is why it is important to choose quality, natural fabrics such as cotton or linen, so that going to sleep is a pleasure. And so that they always remain like the first day, we have to take care of them with care.

If they are made of cotton (which is recommended) they can be machine washed at a high temperature (at 60º C you will end up with mites and other microorganisms). When storing them, group them by games by placing the bottom sheet, the top sheet and the pillowcases together. If possible, don't stack them in the closet; Better fix some metal baskets with guides to place them.

Spotless quilts and bedspreads

Now in summer you won't need them, so it's a good idea to prepare and store them until next fall. If they do not have stains, it will be enough to air the quilts in a well ventilated place, but if they are dirty it will be necessary to clean them. Take the bigger ones to the dry cleaner and wash the little ones at home. For synthetics, program a short cycle in the washing machine, at 60º C and with neutral soap. The feather ones need a wool program (for delicate clothes). Put some tennis balls in the drum and you will prevent them from caking.

Safe

Storing blankets and duvets can be a problem when space is at a premium, although there are always solutions that help. You can use storage bags that make the vacuum. The air is extracted with the help of the vacuum cleaner and the volume is reduced by up to 75%.

If you prefer, you can roll up the quilts and square the quilts. Everything must be well protected in plastic or fabric covers.

Wash the small blankets at home, with a wool program and without using fabric softener so that the fibers do not weigh down. Then dry them horizontally, in the bathtub, for example.

On the tablecloth

We are going to organize a celebration at home (observing, of course, all the security measures that the coronavirus leads us to when receiving our guests ) and, when we take out the tablecloths for special occasions, we realize that it has yellowed. This situation is the most common and there are solutions to solve it.

You can soak the tablecloth and napkins in warm water with bicarbonate (three tablespoons per liter of water is enough) and then wash in the usual way.

Another alternative that works is to add three or four tablespoons of perborate to the detergent box when washing the linens.

When you go to store it, after use, make sure it does not have any stains , and put it in a closet or closed drawer wrapped in a blue cloth to protect it from light.

The most delicate embroidery

Do you have any special embroidered tablecloths or an antique set of sheets decorated with lace? If so, it is advisable to be careful so that they do not spoil. You can machine wash these items in cold water on a delicates program.

Spray the embroidery with salt water before putting it in the washing machine and it will not lose color. When ironing them, always at a low temperature, turn the motifs upside down by placing them between two towels.

Textiles in the kitchen

It is one of the spaces where more hygiene and care is needed. Cloths, for example, have to be changed daily. It is important to wash them in hot water to remove not only stains, but also germs and bacteria. And now, in the post-covid-19 era, not only cleaning, but also disinfection becomes even more important .

Since they will have to endure continuous washing, it is best to choose good quality 100% cotton cloths .

As for the aprons, you will also have to wash them frequently, as they will get quite stained. Don't forget to pre - treat stains to remove them completely.

A bath of softness

There's nothing more pleasant than stepping out of the shower and wrapping yourself in a soft, fluffy, cool towel , right? So that they are always like this, in addition to choosing quality towels that last a long time, you will have to take care of them.

Do not wash them in very hot water, do it with a little detergent and little fabric softener, so that the fibers do not clump, and never put it in the first wash.

To store them, you can roll up the small towels and place them in a basket, and the rest organize them by sets: bath, shower and sink.

A trick to get an extra softness? Replace the fabric softener with a good jet of white vinegar and you will be surprised by the result.

Temperatures rise

Even if you are used to washing most of your clothes in cold water, you should not be afraid of high temperatures. In some cases it is more than advisable to select them when doing the laundry.

You can find an example in the way you take care of your table linen. If they are 100% cotton, you can wash them at 60º C since they will fit you much better; However, if its composition contains a mixture of polyester or other synthetic fibers, it is advisable not to exceed 30 ºC.

The same thing happens with the sheets and the rest of the bedding. Not only are they not damaged by washing them in hot water, but they will be perfect, without a trace of stains or dirt.

Where do I keep it?

We do not always have a specific closet to organize household clothes, most of the time because there is no room for it. Then you have to look for new spaces in which to place sheets, tablecloths and towels. Here are some ideas that can help you, if you need them.

- On the bed trundle: it is a perfect place to store your least used bedding, from party linens to quilts and blankets, spare pillows, etc. An idea to keep everything in order is to make some dividers out of boards.

- In a chest of drawers in the bedroom: you can use it to store the most used textiles, from sets of sheets to daily tablecloths, towels, etc.

- In the trunk of the closet: you can use it to store the things that occupy the most, such as winter duvets, large blankets, etc.

- Trunks: they are practical for cushions and plaids.

- Shelves or shelves: on the wall of the bathroom or under the sink, they are a good place to place towels and keep them close at hand.

Cleaning tips for laundry and for the environment.

 Cleaning tips for laundry and for the environment.

Sorting and pretreatment of laundry

Sorting the laundry

Type of fabric: Washable fiber sheets can not only be washed without problems together with more robust fabrics, such as towels, but must also be washed with them. This will prevent knots from forming in the sheets.

Washing temperature: you can wash fiber washable sheets up to 95 ° C. For the rest of the laundry, it is best to orient yourself through the care symbols that you can find on the garment labels. They indicate at what temperature the fabrics can be washed.

Tip: the lower the washing temperature, the lower the current consumption: do not wash at an excessive temperature! Laundry washed in hot water at 95 ° C remains just as clean at 60 ° C and you save approx. 50% energy.

Degree of soiling: do not wash slightly soiled garments together with heavily soiled fabrics.

Color intensity (only for colored fabrics): Treat our fiber washable sheets like colored clothes, i.e. wash them with similar colors whenever possible. For the rest of the laundry, follow the directions on the labels.

Pretreatment of laundry

For non-stained colored laundry, set the washing program "Colored laundry 40 ° C" instead of "Colored laundry 60 ° C". This will save energy.

Heavily soiled fabrics should be washed immediately. Fresh stains can be removed more easily than those that have already dried.

Stains can be pre-treated with a conventional stain remover or bile soap. Pretreatment of stains allows washing at a lower temperature.

Load the washing machine

Properly loading the washer can save costs and energy. If the washing machine is loaded too much, the laundry cannot rotate properly in the drum and therefore does not clean well either. If you put too little in the washing machine, it will consume energy unnecessarily.

The "rule of the hand" in normal washing processes: a raised open hand should always fit in the drum above the laundry.

Also take into account the recommendations of the manufacturer of your washing machine for the different wash programs.

Detergent dosage

So what is the ideal amount? This depends on the degree of contamination of the laundry, the load in the washing machine and the hardness of the water.

The right amount of detergent also gives you the right cleaning. Using too much detergent does not improve the washing result and affects the environment much more. At the same time, it should not be used too little either, since stubborn stains do not come out this way. You can find the exact dosing instructions on each detergent package.

The correct amount of detergent depends on the local water hardness and how dirty the laundry is, and can be easily consulted on the dosage table on the detergent packets.

You can check the water hardness directly from your water supply company. You will find the corresponding contact information on the invoices or on the Internet.
If you have a washing machine with a capacity of more than 5 kg, you will find special information on the detergent packages for additional dosing in large washing machines.

Selecting the washing program

Prewash: prewash is only necessary for heavily soiled items.

Main wash process : select the wash process and wash temperature depending on the type of fabric and the degree of soiling.

Spin: the different wash programs control spinning automatically.

After lava

After the wash is finished, take the clothes out of the washing machine as quickly as possible and dry them. This prevents the unpleasant smell of wet clothes that forms. Plus, washable fiber sheets won't crease unnecessarily.

Air dry

Our advice! It is best to lay out washable fiber sheets immediately after washing. This will prevent unnecessary moisture spots and wrinkles. Tender not only saves energy, but damp fiber washable sheets also smooth out during drying.

Tumble Dry

Washable fiber sheets are tumble dry . Due to their quality, however, these should only be put in the cold dryer briefly, at the "gentle care" level.

When to change the elements of the rest equipment?

 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.