The Best Way to Look After Your Bed
Sarah HarrisGetting a new bed is an exciting process. You’ve spent time picking out the one you love, and chosen the mattress which best suits you and now you’re looking forward to curling up on it and getting a great night’s sleep.
You may not have thought much beyond that. But there is in fact a number of ways in which you can ensure that you and your new bed stay partnered for years to come. Furthermore, since beds are also the focal point of any bedroom, you’ll want to keep it looking pristine for as long as possible.
It’s easier to relax and fall asleep when you're both your bed and your bedding are fresh and clean. If you look after your bed while you’re awake, then your bed will take care of you while you’re asleep!
In this article, we share our top tips for cleaning your bed and making sure it lasts the test of time.
How long should a bed normally last?
Experts recommend that your mattress should be replaced every 7 years (1), but this can vary depending on several factors including the weight of the sleeper, and how well you care for your mattress in general. A bed can last much longer than a mattress, but again, this depends on the occupants and how well the bed has been maintained.
At Bensons for Beds, everyone receives a minimum five-year guarantee on all beds, sofa beds, bedroom furniture, and mattresses, which provides extra peace of mind when you’re making important decisions about what you buy for your bedroom.
Why do you need to clean your bed?
There are a couple of good reasons to make sure you clean your bed regularly. The first one is that you want it to last for as long as possible. After all, a bed is a big investment and you don’t want to find yourself having to shell out for another one long before you need to.
Dust mites, dead skins and dirt
Secondly, mattresses and beds are well known for harbouring dust mites, dead skin, dirt and other debris so it’s important to keep them clean, in order to get rid of these.
This is especially vital if you suffer from allergies, have pets which you like to invite into or onto your bed or you’re partial to a late night snack whilst you watch the TV (and who isn’t?!).
Dust mites are tiny creatures which can live on your mattress, pillows and bedding and they feed on the skin that you shed. In fact, it’s estimated that each day up to one million dust mites can be fed on the skin that you shed – and these are all hanging out in your bed! But don’t worry, keeping everything clean can help to keep these dust mites to a minimum. [1]
There’s nothing better than getting into a freshly cleaned bed for a great night’s sleep but before we get into cleaning your bed, we wanted to give you a quick heads up.
You should always make sure that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions when it comes to cleaning your bed, just in case there are any cleaning products which shouldn’t be used on the material that your bed is made from.
Also, be sure to open windows and doors whilst you clean, to ventilate the room and let in some fresh air.
It’s not just your bed frame that needs to be taken care of. Your mattress and your bedding need to be regularly cleaned too.
The best way to look after a wooden bed frame
Wooden bed frames can give a lovely, rustic look to your bedroom. They’re also versatile, coming in a variety of colours and finishes. If looked after properly, they can last a long time as they can be painted or varnished to update their look and match your changing décor.
Like all bed frames, wooden bed frames can collect dust, so you should be sure to dust them with a soft cloth every so often. Perhaps you could tie this in with when you change your sheets and rotate your mattress.
You don’t need to use any oil or wax on the bed frame as this can discolour the bed frame over time.
If there’s a stain on your wooden bed frame then you can use a solution of hot water and white vinegar to clean it. Use a cloth but wring it out thoroughly so that it’s just damp, as any excess moisture will ruin the wood. Rub the stain lightly and then use a dry cloth to rub over the area, removing any moisture.
How should I look after a metal bed frame?
A metal bed frame can give an industrial or contemporary look to your bedroom. They come in sleek designs and a range of colours and they’re incredibly versatile, going well with a variety of décor styles.
Metal bed frames can conceal dirt well but they still need to be looked after, to keep them looking tip top. The dust, dirt and grime that accumulates them can lead to discolouring of the frame if left for too long.
To refresh a metal bed frame, simply mix a solution of water and detergent and use a soft cloth to clean the frame. For hard-to-reach places, an old toothbrush is a good option as it is small enough to get into every nook and cranny.
Once you’re done, be sure to dry the bed frame thoroughly either with a clean, dry towel or a microfibre cloth.
How to look after an upholstered bed frame
Upholstered bed frames are a popular choice as they give a luxurious, opulent feel to your bedroom. Upholstered beds come in a range of materials, including velvet and faux leather amongst others.
An upholstered headboard can get more visibly marked through regular contact with hair and skin. Oil, skin, sweat, make-up, fake tan and even hair products can get into the fabric so you’ll need to regularly clean this.
Start by gently vacuuming the bed frame with the upholstery attachment on your vacuum cleaner. Use small, circular movements and be sure to be extra careful that you don’t snag or catch the fabric. If you’d prefer, you could use a soft brush instead. Do this on a weekly basis to keep the upholstery looking its best.
Next, let’s look at cleaning stains. Ideally, you’ll want to clean them as soon as they happen so that they don’t soak too far into the upholstery.
First of all, you should do a patch test with any cleaning solution you’re planning to use, ideally on an area of the bed frame which is out of sight. Apply a small amount of the cleaning fluid and come back to it in a few hours. If the bed frame isn’t stained or damaged then it should be safe to use on the rest of the bed.
For most beds, you can mix detergent with water and then use a clean cloth to gently blot the stain. Use a dry cloth to blot the area dry.
Why you shouldn’t use your bed as a trampoline!
Although beds are sturdy and they should be able to withstand some movement, there are some things you should avoid doing to make sure your bed lasts as long as possible.
Try to avoid standing on your bed, as this much pressure focused on one area can lead to damage to the bed frame.
And at the risk of sounding like killjoys, as tempting as it is for the kids (and the kids in us) bouncing on the bed is well and truly out! Jumping on the bed can damage the bed frame and it won’t then be able to support your mattress properly. This will lead to additional wear in certain places on the mattress and you’ll be left having to invest in both a new bed and a mattress.
Taking care of your bedding
Your bedding is the topping of your bed – think about it like the icing on the cake. Your bed would be nothing without it so it’s important that you keep your bedding clean and fresh.
We know it’s not very pleasant to think about but as we’ve previously mentioned, bedding can get quite dirty with a regular build-up of sweat and dead skin cells and it is therefore recommended that you wash your sheets weekly. You should increase your washes if you regularly invite your pets into your bed.
It’s also suggested that you wash your duvet every six months and your pillows every few months.
The best way to take care of your mattress
While you’re washing your bedding each week, take a few minutes to gently vacuum the mattress using the upholstery tool on your vacuum cleaner and working across it in small circles.
You should also thoroughly clean any stains which appear on your mattress as soon as you can after they happen. This can be done by using a damp cloth and a mild detergent.
You may also have heard that you need to flip your mattress to allow for even distribution of body weight, minimising wear and tear and helping it to last longer. You’ll only need to do this if it is a double-sided mattress.
Regardless of whether it is a single or double sided mattress, you should rotate it every couple of months to help even out wear.
New mattresses from Bensons for Beds
If the time has come for you to replace your mattress, let us help you choose the best one for you. Simply get in touch with us today to find out what mattress will suit you best or for more information about any of our mattresses.
REFERENCES
[1] https://bedadvice.co.uk/bed-talk/how-often-should-...
SOURCES
https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/tips/a19468/clean-bed-pillows/
https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/how-to-clean-a-mattress
https://blog.fantasticservices.com/how-to-clean-upholstered-headboard/