The ideal sleeping temperature, according to science, is between 15ºC and 19ºC, which is all well and good if you have the means by which to create a perfectly dark, cool, cocoon-like sleeping environment. (Thanks, aircon.)
But what if you’re a hot sleeper? Luckily, there are ways to cool down if you’re sweaty in bed, and many of them are pretty simple to DIY at home and build into your bedtime routine.
Here are our top ten tips for cooling down in bed if you're a hot sleeper.
Giving your cotton bedding the care it requires not only means it will continue looking great — but it will also help your bed feel better. Keeping your bedding fresh minimises buildup and allergens and maintains your bedding so that you can achieve that wonderful, crisp-bedding feeling — like you’d experience at a fancy hotel — every single night. Better bedding care also means a healthier sleep environment, and studies even show that most people get higher-quality sleep when their sheets are fresh.
Washing and drying cotton bedding the right way is crucial for keeping it in good shape. And when it comes to frequency, cotton bedding should ideally be washed every one to two weeks.
Don’t rush into it though. Before washing cotton sheets, pillowcases and blankets, always check the care instructions. Different types of cotton fabrics have different washing needs.
Here are some general tips for washing and drying your cotton bedding the right way:
When it comes to drying, both air drying and tumble drying can be suitable, but there are a few things to consider:
Cotton bedding can be washed by hand and in a laundry machine.
Regardless of which method you choose, make sure you follow your bedding’s care instructions and pay attention to water temperature.
It’s generally best to avoid harsh chemicals like those found in fabric softeners, bleach and colour-brightening solutions, as they can degrade cotton fibres over time.
If you do opt to wash your bedding in a machine, always put it in a separate load from clothing. Zippers, buttons and clothing can easily get tangled in large items like bed sheets, resulting in damage and even tears.
Removing stains from cotton bedding is easy, and stains can often be addressed with spot-cleaning or pre-treatment before washing.
Treat small stains as soon as you notice them by first blotting the affected area with a clean, wet cloth. You can then dab the affected area with a mixture of mild dish soap and water. After treating the stain, you can then throw your bedding in the washing machine and wash it as usual.
To help remove large stains or yellowing, add a half cup of white vinegar to the washing machine before running a normal cycle. This has the combined benefit of removing stains and softening sheets without using fabric softener.
Storing cotton bedding properly will keep it fresh, clean and ready to use whenever you need.
The first step to proper storage is proper washing and — importantly — thorough drying.
Before storing cotton bedding, ensure it's 100% clean and completely dry. Putting away slightly dirty or damp bedding can lead to mould or mildew. Not only can this cause a musty smell, but it can actually create an unhealthy sleep environment, especially for those with sensitive skin or allergies.
Basics aside, cotton bedding should be folded neatly before storage. Ensuring your cotton is folded smoothly, even in the cupboard, will help maintain its clean, crisp look.
For long-term storage, consider using fabric bags to keep the bedding dust-free while allowing it to breathe.
