How to care for your Mattress and Pillow Protectors
Our new Bed Basics Mattress Protector and Pillow Protectors are basically your bed’s BFF. They keep bedding cleaner, longer, and save it from ending up in landfill too soon. They’re also easy to wash (unlike your mattress). We’re answering every question you ever had about cleaning your mattress protector and pillow protector, and then some. Bookmark this tab and save for wash day.
Q: Can you wash a mattress or pillow protector?
A: Totally. In fact, we insist upon it.
Our Bed Basics act as a shield between your mattress or pillow and your bedding (and your body). They help prevent discolouration, protect from everyday use and generally improve sleep hygiene. We wrote a whole blog about it.
They’re also made from 100% cotton. A natural fibre that is great at absorbing moisture like sweat, stains or dirt. None of which are invited to your slumber party. Plus if you’re using our new Waterproof Mattress Protector which comes with a TPU backing, you’ll be protected against any liquid spills that might happen in your bed (no judgement).
Just like looking after your linen in the right way can make it last longer, washing your protectors can do the same. We know that thinking about protection might not sound sexy, but it’s actually a great way to make sure your favourite fitted sheets, quilt covers and other bedding live a long, happy life in the place they love most: your bedroom.
Q: How often do you wash a mattress or pillow protector?
A: Once a month (or every eight weeks at least).
Our Bed Basics are pre-washed and ready to throw straight onto your bed. After you’ve given your bed a chance to get acquainted with its new bestie, set some healthy boundaries by washing the two separately.
Your Pillow Protector can be washed as often as you wash your sheets, but no less than once a month. A monthly clean for your Mattress Protector should do the trick. While our Waterproof Mattress Protector will keep your mattress clean of any liquids, if you do have a spill (it happens) make sure you wash your protector right away.
Q: But how do you wash a mattress or pillow protector, exactly?
A: In the washing machine.
We designed our Bed Basics to be easy to clean (unlike your mattress). When it’s time, remove your mattress and pillow protectors and throw them in the wash - give them the room they need for a proper clean, wash them in their own separate cycle, on a gentle, cool setting.
As they’re made to be robust enough to protect your precious bedding, they can take a while to dry. Give them ample time to dry by removing them from the washing machine as soon as the cycle is done. Avoid shrinkage (AKA, dryers) by giving them a shake them hanging outside, in the shade - ideally on a warm, breezy day.
If you remember three things:
1. To avoid shrinkage wash separately with cool water
2. To prevent mould don’t leave them wet for too long - hang them as soon as the wash cycle is done.
3. To keep lining intact choose a gentle cycle
Q: What kind of detergent should you use?
A: Something plant-based.
Why? Because our Bed Basics are plant-based too. Our Mattress and Pillow Protectors are made from 100% cotton, a breathable, natural fibre that we process without any harsh dyes or chemicals.
Our bedroom bestie, The Dirt Company, cares about the planet and better bedding as much as we do. Their plant-based Advanced Wash is a powerful cleaning concentrate that uses less product for an effective yet gentle clean. Better for your bedding, for the planet, and for your wallet.
Add four to five pumps of Advanced Wash to your washing machine to give your Mattress and Pillow Protectors a thorough cleaning.
Q: What’s the best way to deal with little stains?
A: Use a spot cleaner.
For little stains that haven’t sunk yet, apply a spot treatment to the area as soon as possible then wash on a cool, gentle cycle.
We’ve seen Dirt’s Stain Remover remove coffee from white bouclé, so we’re pretty sure it can handle whatever you throw at your Mattress and Pillow Protectors.
Q: What’s the best way to deal with big stains?
A: Soak with a prewash detergent.
We designed Bed Basics to take a lot of heat. But there are some big stains that need a little muscle to move. Just like you do when washing period stains out of your sheets, it’s important to treat the stain as soon as possible.
Fill a sink with mild temperature water and add a soaker like Dirt’s Powder Booster. Dip the heavily stained part of the protector in the water then leave for no longer than one hour. Remove, then machine wash on a delicate cycle. Repeat again if the stain is still being stubborn.
Golden rules for your Mattress Protector
• Wash your Mattress Protector at least once a month
• Air your protector out on a warm, breezy day between washes
• Wash your protector separately, without any other bedding
• Use a natural detergent like Advanced Wash from Dirt
• Treat tricky stains with a prewash like like Powder Booster from Dirt
• Opt for a cool, gentle cycle on your washing machine
• Line dry and do not iron
• If you’re using our Waterproof Mattress Protector make sure you don’t iron or place in the dryer as the TPU backing can melt.
Golden rules for your Pillow Protector
• If you can, wash your Pillow Protector every time you change your bed sheets (at least once a month is the sweet spot)
• Air your protector out on a warm, breezy day between washes
• Wash your protectors separately, without any other bedding
• Use a natural detergent like Advanced Wash from Dirt
• Treat light stains with a spot cleaner like Stain Remover from Dirt
• Opt for a cool, gentle cycle on your washing machine
• Line dry and do not iron
Read more
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What’s your Spring sleep routine?
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8/10 people sleep on a mattress protector—do you?
We asked our Dreamers if they practise safe sleep, AKA if they use a mattress protector or pillow protector, and 80% of them said yes.
Best sleep tips for summer
These are our tips on how not to get hot and bothered in bed this summer, unless you want to of course (wink).
Leo, Eden or Eve? How to choose the right bedding for you.
Falling asleep can be hard. Counting sheep, rain sounds, blocking out every inch of light. No doubt you’ve got your own ritual down pat. But what about the step that comes before the sleep: the bedding.
What’s your Spring sleep routine?
Spring is finally here. Calming sunset shades, playful patterns, breezy natural fabrics mark the arrival of a new season.