The mistake making your spare sheet set unusable when you really need it
By Rachael Gavin|
Two sheet sets is a must for each member of the household, so you've always got one spare.
But my preference for one of my sheet sets over the other means that I've been putting it back on the bed straight from the clothesline after washing and drying it.
On the surface there aren't really any major problems with this, except that when I really needed to change my sheets I noticed a big problem with my other set.
Hereby known as, 'the spare sheet set' because that is what it has become, I pulled it out to use only to notice a distinctly musty smell.
My spare sheet set had been sitting in the linen cupboard so long without being used, that it needed washing again.
This meant two sheet sets needed washing at the same time, which is not how the system is supposed to work.
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The spare sheet set should be ready to go as needed จC unless it's your guest bedding, then usually there's advance notice.
Leave it too long in the cupboard and it will stink and that's not something you want to fall asleep to จC if you even can with an odour so close to your face.
So if you have two sheet sets and only use the second when you really have to, it's time to get into the habit of actually switching between the two, at least once a month or so (because sheets are supposed to be washed weekly or fortnightly, at least).
There are other things you can try, like putting odour absorbers and fragrance sachets or soaps in the linen cupboard จC all things I hadn't tried yet because it took me a while to recognise my new habit.
But nothing beats a proper wash in the machine and drying on the line outside.
For those who only have one set, all power to you and I wish you well in aligning your sheet washing with the weather and escaping any potential stains that may occur.
However, I would say a spare sheet set is a must.
If washed in a timely manner it just makes life easier.
You'll always have it there to swap when you need it and if there is torrential rain for days on end จC as there sometimes seems to be on the east coast of Australia จC you don't need to wash the used set until the weather clears.
You'll also be thankful of it in summer when sleep is a hot affair and you need to change sheets more frequently because of the sweat they've absorbed - this too can lead to bad odours.
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On those occasions when you can't change to a fresh sheet set and have to make the one on your bed last longer there is one thing that helps.
And that is giving your bedding a chance to air out by pulling back the cover and sheet.?
For this to be effective the window and curtains/blinds need to be open so that air and light can flow in and refresh the bed. If you leave the room shut up with the sheet rolled down there won't be any benefit and you might as well just make the bed.
After at least an hour with the sheets down and window open จC if possible จC then you can make the bed, which will now be fresher than it was when you woke up.
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