More than the brand of our bedding and comforters, our cleaning habits—or rather, our cleaning methods—are what truly determine how comfy they are and how long they’ll last. You can have the most luxurious down comforter or a top-of-the-line silk duvet cover, but if you don’t clean it the correct way, you might end up with clumps, flattened filling, or even damaged fabric.
Above all else, let’s not forget the material—it’s the foundation of how your bedding should be cleaned and cared for. And because different bedding materials require specific care, this guide shows you how to tailor your cleaning methods to each type. Let’s discuss techniques, best practices, and some bonus tips!
Cotton Bedding
Cotton is one of the most popular materials for bedding, and for good reason—it’s soft, breathable, and durable. But to keep it feeling fresh and comfortable, you need to clean it regularly and correctly. Here’s how to care for different types of cotton bedding.
Cleaning Frequency: Weekly
Cotton is breathable and durable but easily collects dust, dirt, and sweat since it’s typically used for sheets and pillowcases.
The Correct Way to Clean Cotton Bedding
Wash in warm water with a mild detergent to kill bacteria without shrinking the fabric. Avoid fabric softeners, as they can coat the fibers and reduce breathability. Dry on low heat or air dry for the best results.
Silk Bedding
Silk bedding is the ultimate in luxury—it’s soft, smooth, and perfect for sensitive skin. But it’s also delicate, which means you can’t just load it into the washing machine and expect the best results. Caring for silk may take a little extra effort, but the result is truly worth it when your bedding stays beautiful and lasts for years.
Cleaning Frequency: Every 2–3 weeks (or spot clean as needed)
Silk is luxurious and gentle on the skin, but it’s a delicate fabric that can be damaged by harsh washing methods.
The Correct Way to Clean Silk Bedding
Hand wash with cool water and a silk-specific detergent for the safest results. If machine washing is allowed, use a delicate cycle with a mesh laundry bag. Always air dry in a shaded area to avoid discoloration.
Linen Bedding
Linen bedding is all about effortless comfort—it’s breathable, durable, and gets softer with every wash. But while it can handle a lot, linen still needs the proper care to keep it looking fresh and lasting for years. Here’s everything you need to know about cleaning and maintaining linen bedding.
Cleaning Frequency: Biweekly
Linen is durable and moisture-wicking, but it can feel stiff if not cared for properly.
The Correct Way to Clean Linen Bedding
Wash in cold or lukewarm water with a gentle detergent. Avoid bleach or harsh chemicals. For a softer feel, add half a cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle. Air drying is preferred, but if you must use a dryer, choose a low heat setting.
Down Comforters and Inserts
Down comforters and inserts are loved for their warm, soft, and signature cozy feel, but they need proper care to keep their fluff and structure intact. Here’s a simple guide to caring for your down-filled bedding.
Cleaning Frequency: Every 3–6 months
Down-filled items trap moisture and debris, making them prone to odors if not cleaned regularly.
The Correct Way to Clean Down Comforters
Wash in a large front-loading machine with a down-safe detergent. Use cold water and a gentle cycle. To maintain the loft, tumble dry on low heat with dryer balls or clean tennis balls to redistribute the filling.
Weighted Blankets
Weighted blankets have become a sleep essential for many people, offering comfort, calm, and even therapeutic benefits. But with their unique structure and added weight, they need special care to stay clean and effective without damaging the materials. Here’s how to keep your weighted blanket fresh and cozy without a fuss.
Cleaning Frequency: 3–4 times a year (or as needed for stains)
Their heavy construction can trap moisture, dirt, and skin oils over time.
The Correct Way to Clean Weighted Blankets
Check the care label. For washable blankets, use cold water on a gentle cycle. Spot clean stains with mild soap and air dry to prevent clumping of internal materials.
Microfiber Bedding
Microfiber bedding is popular for its lightweight feel, durability, and affordability. It’s easy to care for, but there are a few tricks to ensure it stays soft, smooth, and lint free. Here’s how to clean and maintain your microfiber bedding to maintain its pristine condition.
Cleaning Frequency: Weekly to biweekly
Microfiber is lightweight and quick drying but can attract lint and pet hair.
The Correct Way to Clean Microfiber Bedding
Wash in cool water with liquid detergent to avoid buildup on the fibers. Skip the fabric softener. Use a low heat setting in the dryer or air dry to prevent shrinkage.
Wool Blankets and Throws
Wool blankets and throws are a perfect mix of cozy and durable. Known for their natural warmth and breathability, they’re an instant choice for those colder months. But wool requires special care to maintain its texture, softness, and ability to wick away moisture. Here’s how to keep your wool blankets and throws clean without ruining their natural charm.
Cleaning Frequency: 1–2 times per season
Wool is naturally odor resistant and moisture-wicking but doesn’t need frequent washing.
The Correct Way to Clean Wool Blankets and Throws
Spot clean stains immediately. For full cleaning, hand wash in lukewarm water with wool-safe detergent or take it to a professional cleaner. Air dry flat to maintain its shape.
Pillows
Pillows can be a breeding ground for dust mites, bacteria, and sweat, all factors that can trigger allergies and other health problems. Keeping your pillows clean is crucial for both comfort and hygiene. With different materials and fills, it’s important to know how to care for them properly. Let’s break it down.
Cleaning Frequency: Every 3 months
Pillows accumulate sweat, bacteria, and dust mites, which can affect skin and respiratory health.
The Correct Way to Clean Pillows
Machine wash synthetic or feather pillows on a gentle cycle with cool water. Foam pillows should only be spot cleaned. Dry synthetic and feather pillows on low heat with dryer balls to fluff them back up.
Duvet Covers
Duvet covers create a barrier between you and your duvet insert. They’re easier to clean than the duvet itself and play a huge role in keeping your bed fresh and inviting. But to make the most of their lifespan, they need regular and proper care. Here’s how to handle them.
Cleaning Frequency: Weekly
These protectors trap dirt and sweat from reaching your duvet insert.
The Correct Way to Clean Duvet Covers
Wash with your sheets in warm water. Use a gentle detergent and dry on a low heat setting to prevent shrinking or fading.
Mattress Protectors
As the name suggests, mattress protectors shield your mattress from spills, sweat, allergens, and dust mites, helping to extend its life and keep it hygienic. But just like the rest of your bedding, mattress protectors need regular cleaning to do their job effectively. Here’s a simple guide to keep them fresh and functional.
Cleaning Frequency: Monthly
They act as a barrier between your mattress and allergens, spills, or sweat, making regular cleaning essential.
The Correct Way to Clean Mattress Protectors
Machine wash in hot water to kill bacteria and dust mites. Use a mild detergent and dry thoroughly on a low heat setting to avoid moisture buildup.
Refresh Your Bedding Essentials—Trust The Dry Cleaning Factory for Expert Bedding Care!
Your bedroom should be a sanctuary, and clean, fresh bedding plays a big role in that. At The Dry Cleaning Factory, we specialize in dry cleaning and laundering everything from delicate textiles to comforters, blankets, quilts, sheets, pillows, and more! We use non-toxic and eco-friendly dry cleaning solvents in our processes, effectively cleaning your clothing and bedding items without leaving behind any harmful chemical residues.
Contact us at 304-666-4353 or email us at info@thedrycleaningfactory.com to schedule a professional dry cleaning service in Miami, Florida and the surrounding areas.