Best Bets for Bed Maintenance

Q: Do you have any special suggestions for keeping my bed in good shape?

A: Good bed care is often forgotten in our regular cleaning - which is truly an oversight when you consider how much time you spend there! Use these tips to assure many a good night's rest.

Mattress Care

• It's important to turn your mattress, head to toe and side to side, to distribute wear evenly. Do it now - and then plan to repeat four times a year. Vacuum mattresses and box springs whenever you "flip" using the upholstery attachment.
• Protecting your mattress with a quality mattress pad is just good sense and your comfort level at night will be greatly improved as well. Laundering the pad is best done at least once a month.
• Bed skirts make a bed look finished and are a simple and smart decorating investment. They come in a variety of patterns, colors and textures. Soft neutrals are the most versatile. Having two bed skirts on hand to swap out seasonally is a great option.
• Great tip for summer months - strip your bed whenever you go on vacation to air it out.

Bed Pillow Care

• Fluff pillows daily when you make your bed. To guard against stains bed pillows should be covered in machine-washable, zippered pillow protectors which should be laundered once a month. (Place the zipper end of the cover inside the pillowcase first so it's not near your face.)
• Summer is a great time to wash and freshen those pillows. Whether made of natural fibers (such as down) or synthetic materials (often polyester), most bed pillows today can be washed in the machine to remove mold, bacteria, and odors. Read the care label for instructions. For pillows that can't be laundered, gently spot clean with a mild dishwashing liquid (be careful not to saturate the filling) and air in the sunshine.

Sweet dreams!