The big mistakes you make when washing the sheets

 The big mistakes you make when washing the sheets

Few sensations are as comforting as lying in a bed with fresh, clean sheets . But, without a doubt, it is a pleasure that requires some effort on our part. Washing sheets and bedding in general implies certain discomforts since they are large garments that need extra space in the washing machine and clothesline (or, where appropriate, the dryer). They also require certain washing conditions since we must take into account the number of hours we spend in contact with our sheets. This makes frequent disinfection necessary.

Night after night, germs, sweat, body oils and dead skin accumulate between our sheets. That is why we recommend washing them at least every two weeks, although the ideal is to be able to change them approximately every 7 days . Pay special attention to pillow cases, which can have makeup stains and greasy cosmetic product residues, as well as blood stains. In these cases, you should treat the covers before putting them in the washing machine. Check this post to know whether to use hot or cold water for stains .

- The big mistakes you make when washing the sheets and Bed Sheets Product

On the other hand, to leave your sheets clean you will not need to use intensive cycles, since due to their characteristics they do not require too much agitation in the drum. This will also prevent too many wrinkles from coming out. What you should do is increase the temperature of the water to kill the germs . And remember that, if you lay them out carefully , once they have dried you can avoid the iron and fold them to store them.

Try to avoid these six big mistakes almost all of us make when washing sheets:

1- Do not check for stains : when removing the sheets from the washing machine, we can find stains that we had not seen and have not come out or have even been fixed by using a program with hot water. Go over the sheets well before putting them in the drum to avoid double working afterwards.

2- Use the wrong program : unless they are especially dirty or have significant stains (something that usually happens in the case of children's sheets), we can wash the sheets in the washing machine with normal cycles. Those for colored clothes and warm water are ideal for regular cleaning of sheets, since they wear less fabrics, produce fewer wrinkles and are shorter.

3- Overloading the washing machine : if you are one of those who puts all the bedding in a single load, even if this means having to put a little pressure on the drum so that everything enters, you are wrong. Sheets need some headroom in the washing machine drum in order to be fully cleaned. We recommend mixing sheets with other garments of different sizes compatible with the wash cycle.

4- Dry them too long : if we spread them correctly outdoors, the sheets will dry quickly, more if the sun shines. Keep this in mind to avoid fading or roughing . Similarly, leaving them in the dryer longer than necessary can cause sheets to shrink. It is best to choose a shorter program to check if they dry and, if not, put the sheets back in the dryer. In short, trial and error to find the ideal duration.

5- Mixing sheets and towels in the dryer : sometimes to save time we make mistakes like this. Sheets dry faster than towels, so they will likely be scratchy. If you want to take advantage of the cycle , introduce fabrics similar to sheets such as thin tablecloths or light cotton clothing.

If you want your sheets to give off a pleasant aroma for longer, we recommend using the liquid detergent Flota Active Plus Esencia para Soñar in your washes  . If you prefer the more traditional aromas, we recommend  Flota Active Plus Pure Soap or  Flota Traditional Marsella Perfume.

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.