Winter Bedding Dos And Don’ts

Sleeping in the winter is vastly different than it is in other seasons. In the darkest and coldest months of the year, you must transform your bed into a soft and cozy sanctuary to ensure comfort and warmth. While there is no right or wrong way to make your bed in the winter, there are many dos and don’ts you should know to ensure you sleep great throughout this frigid season.

When you transform your bed this winter, consider adding a mattress topper or an electric blanket to keep it warm and comfy. Opt for high-thread-count sheets and warm, natural-fabric blankets and duvets. Use layers to make it easy to control warmth levels, and remember to wash your sheets weekly. Never buy cheap bedding made of scratchy and synthetic materials, and don’t use harsh detergents. 

Your bed is where you spend a significant portion of your life, especially in the winter when days are short and cold. Ensuring your bedding is perfect during this time of year is a great way to make this dark season a bit brighter. Before you buy bedding or alter your mattress, read the list below of winter bedding do’s and don’ts.

All The Winter Bedding Dos and Don’ts For A Good Night’s Sleep

Winter Bedding ‘Dos’ To Remember

1. Add A Mattress Topper

A mattress topper is one of the best ways to make a mattress more comfortable, especially if you enjoy a soft bed. Unfortunately, mattress toppers can make you warmer when you sleep, which is less than ideal in the summer. In the winter, however, a mattress topper is perfect.

Not only will it allow you to enjoy a softer bed, but it’s also a great way to keep you warm on winter's coldest nights.

2. Use An Essential Oil Spray To Keep Bedding Smelling Fresh

One great way to make your bedding more inviting when it’s cold outside is to make it smell good. Add essential oils to a spray bottle and spritz your duvet, pillows, and sheets. Oils like lavender and peppermint are great for creating a soothing and restful environment. 

Alternatively, citrus oils are fantastic for creating light, clean scents in your space. Essential oils can linger for hours, or even days, making them the perfect natural fragrance to spray on musty pillows and duvets.

3. Wash Your Sheets Weekly

You should always wash and replace your bedding frequently. It’s a great way to prevent smelly and uncomfortable sheets. In the winter, while some say washing your sheets twice a month is fine, it’s best to increase the number of times you wash your sheets ech month.

For one, you likely spend more time in bed in the winter months. Also, winter is when you are most likely to encounter dust mites and other allergens that thrive in dirty bedding. By washing your sheets every week, you will reduce your risk of these winter allergies and always have clean sheets.

4. Invest In An Electric Blanket To Reduce Energy Bills

If you live in a frigid climate or have a home without reliable heating, opt for an electric blanket. An electric blanket is a great way to pre-heat your bed before you go to sleep. 

It uses minimal energy and can keep you warm throughout the night. If you are looking for ways to lower your electric bill this winter without sacrificing your warmth, then consider investing in an electric blanket.

5. Opt For Natural, Warm Fabrics

Choose natural fabrics over synthetic ones when purchasing bedding. Most natural fabrics are more breathable, allowing for better temperature control and helping you stay cooler than synthetics.

Most natural fabrics, including cotton, wool and bamboo, have better moisture-wicking properties, making sleep more comfortable and less sweaty. When you use synthetic blankets, it’s often harder to control your body temperature, and you may find yourself constantly too hot or too cold. 

6. Air Out Your Comforters And Pillows

Always try to purchase pillows and duvets that you can clean in your washing machine and also put in the dryer. These types of pillows and blankets make it easier to maintain a sterile and clean bed throughout the winter.

If you can’t always put your duvet and pillows in the washer and dryer, you should still do all you can to keep these items fresh and clean throughout the winter. You can air out pillows and duvets in the sun, or sprinkle baking soda on them, and let it sit for several hours before vacuuming and shaking it off. 

7. Always Layer Your Sheets In Winter, Light Layers First

Winter bedding is all about layering. When you have multiple sheets and blankets that provide various levels of warmth, it’s easy to find the best combination to maintain an ideal temperature throughout the night.

In addition to thin cotton sheets, choose heavier wool or down layers, and place throw blankets at the foot of your bed to provide additional warmth as needed. Having multiple blanket options ensures you will always get a warm and comfortable night’s sleep in the winter.

8. Use High Thread-Count Sheets

Since you spend a lot of time in bed, it pays to invest in quality sheets. Fitted sheets and other thin sheets are most likely to come into direct contact with your skin, so they should be the softest and highest-quality you can find.

Opt for high-thread-count sheets from reputable companies to prevent buying bedding that will make you itch. Instead, you’ll have long-lasting sheets that keep you cozy throughout the winter.

Winter Bedding ‘Don’ts’ You Should Avoid 

1. Don’t Wash Your Bedding Monthly

It’s hard to adjust a cleaning routine, but you must do your best to wash your bedding more frequently in the winter. If you continue washing your bedding monthly instead of weekly, you increase your risk of dust mites and smelly, itchy bedding.

2. Don’t Make A Bed With Wet Sheets Or Blankets

Never make a bed with damp sheets and blankets. While this isn’t a significant issue in the summer, it is a bigger problem in the winter when you layer sheets and blankets. Moisture will struggle to escape when you add layer after layer of blankets. Making a bed with wet sheets can result in mold and mildew growth and a moist, uncomfortable night’s sleep.

3. Don’t Use Harsh Laundry Detergent

Most people experience increased skin sensitivity in the winter due to cold, dry conditions. To avoid conditions like eczema and dry, itchy skin, you should avoid washing your sheets with cheap and harsh detergents.

Instead, opt for hypoallergenic and fragrance-free detergents in the winter to reduce the risk of skin irritation. Fabric softener is another excellent way to make bedding less abrasive on your skin.

4. Use Dryer Sheets To Minimize Static Cling

Homes tend to be much drier in the winter. The dry air in your home increases the likelihood of static cling and shock, making it increasingly necessary to find ways to reduce it. One great way to reduce static electricity in your bedding is to use dryer sheets.

In addition to dryer sheets, you can use wool balls in the dryer. Whichever method you use, ensure you find a way to help reduce your risk of clingy and electrically charged sheets.

5. Never Buy Cheap Bedding

With so many bedding options out there, it’s easy to be tempted by low price tags. While there is nothing wrong with buying quality bedding when it’s on sale, you should do all you can to avoid buying cheap and low-quality bedding.

The cheapest bedding is often made of synthetic materials that are harsh on the skin and aren’t breathable. Always buy soft and breathable materials, and ideally opt for natural materials with a high thread count. 

6. Don’t Wash And Dry Your Bedding Incorrectly

Not all bedding should be washed the same. Don’t ignore the care labels on your sheets, blankets, pillows, and comforters. Some bedding can go in the dryer, while other items are best hung on a line. Ignoring care labels is likely to damage your bedding and cost you more money in the long run.

Summing Up Winter Bedding Do’s And Don’ts

Creating a comfortable, warm bed is a great way to stay cozy and make the most of the frigid darkness winter brings. To have the best bed possible sleep this winter, consider a mattress topper, use high-thread-count sheets, and opt for bedding made of natural, breathable materials. Wash your bedding weekly, and avoid buying cheap synthetic sheets and harsh detergents. 

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