How to Properly Clean Sheets? Tips in Washing Beddings

This post is also available in 日本語

It is said that on a hot night, we sweat between 500ml-1000ml. Dirt, such as night sweat and sebum, can cause odors and yellowing, and this can attract ticks. It is important to wash bedding frequently to get a good night’s sleep. On this occasion, we asked laundry master, Izumi Onuki, from Lion Corporation about how to clean bedding.

How to clean sheets

Before putting in the washing machine

When dirt becomes conspicuous due to stains or yellowing, it is important to treat the items before placing them in the washing machine.

• For partial conspicuous dirt
  Rub in liquid detergent or liquid oxygen bleach.
• In case of blood stains
  Directly applying the liquid oxygen bleach will make it harder to remove the dirt. Apply the bleach after first washing away the dirt thoroughly using water.
• If dirt is attached over a wide area
  Add liquid oxygen bleach to a concentrated detergent solution and soak for approximately 30 minutes to 2 hours.
• Doesn’t get creases
  Fold and put in a washing net. When folding, make sure that the dirty area is on the surface.

* When using liquid oxygen bleach, do this after first following the laundry symbols.

Wash in a washing machine

The area next to the pulsator (rotating board) has the greatest cleaning force. Insert in a way that the dirty area is closest to the pulsator. If you are concerned about the dirt, use liquid oxygen bleach in addition to detergent. Use softener if you want to give it a soft, smooth finish.

How to wash pillow covers

Before putting in the washing machine

Of the bedding, it is pillow covers that cause most concern in terms of odors. Add liquid oxygen bleach to a high concentration of detergent, and soak for approximately 30 minutes to two hours. Pillow covers with strong colors may become discolored. Check in advance with an inconspicuous section.

Guideline for detergent liquid concentration

Place approximately 5L of warm water of approximately 40℃ in the laundry tub. Add the “amount of detergent for 30L of water” described in the “estimated usage volume” in the detergent container. It is more effective if you also add liquid oxygen bleach in addition to detergent.

Wash in a washing machine

Place the soaked pillow cover with the detergent used for the soaking into the washing machine. Place an amount of detergent after subtracting the amount used for detergent liquid from the amount you normally use.

How to wash toweled blankets and quilted pads

Before putting in the washing machine

Look at the laundry symbols and check whether you can clean them at home. (Please use the previous article “How to view laundry symbols in Japan” for reference.) When washing toweled blankets and quilted pads, we recommend liquid detergent that makes soaking and rinsing simple. When the laundry symbols show the marks for “two lines at the bottom of the laundry tub (Gentle or delicate)” or “Handwash”, use detergent for delicate items (Acron).

• For partial conspicuous dirt,
  Rub on liquid detergent.
• If dirt is attached over a wide area,
  Take a sponge with detergent diluted with water, and rub the dirty area. Do not scrape with the hard end of the sponge. Squeeze lightly if it seems that water may drip out.
  Estimate for concentration of detergent liquid:
  When using “Acron” detergent for delicate items:10ml for 4L of water
  In case of “Top Super Nanox” detergent for ordinary items: 2g for 2L of water
• To prevent clustering or damage to bedding inside the washing machine
  Fold into a bellow shape, then roll up and place into a laundry net. When folding, make sure that the dirty area is on the surface.

Washing in a washing machine

Insert in a way that the dirty area is closest to the pulsator. Set the laundry course to “blanket” or “large items”. If you are concerned about the dirt, use liquid oxygen bleach in addition to detergent. Use softener if you want to give it a soft, smooth finish. Quilted pads tend to float in the water, so after the washing machine fills with water, stop it once, and press down 5-6 times with both hands to sink the items.

* The course used may be different depending on the washing machine, and a “laundry cap” may also be required. Check this in advance.

How to dry large bedding

Outside Drying

It will dry quickly if you use two laundry poles and dry in an “M-shape”.

Room Drying

Hang on a square hanger or multiple hangers, and place it so that it covers it from the top. This creates a hollow inside, allowing for good ventilation, thus speeding up the drying process.
When room drying or washing several items simultaneously, and there is nowhere to dry them, you can dry in a compact way by drying in a bellows shape on a square hanger. You can also dry it quickly by using a fan.

Supervision: Laundry Master Izumi Onuki