Summer Cleaning Must-Haves: Don't Neglect These 5 Items Even if They Appear Spotless
In the warm and humid summer months, maintaining a clean and fresh living environment becomes even more crucial. This is especially true for textiles, as they can quickly become a breeding ground for allergens, dust mites, mold spores, pet dander, and pollen.
Experts recommend washing specific items more frequently to minimize the buildup of these irritants. For instance, pillowcases should be washed weekly, while synthetic pillows should be washed monthly on a delicate cycle.
Bed linens, too, require regular laundering. They can absorb up to 10% of their weight in dirt in just two months, making weekly washing a necessity. Similarly, sheets, duvets, and blankets—whether natural or synthetic—should be washed every 3-4 weeks.
Soft toys and textile decor, often overlooked, should be washed monthly in a delicates bag, with full sun or dryer drying. Thick curtains should be washed every 2-3 months, while sheers should be washed monthly.
Removable garden furniture and umbrella covers should be washed monthly on a delicate cycle, while non-removable items should be hand cleaned with soap solution and sun dried.
For natural blankets, bedspreads, and furniture covers, hand washing or dry cleaning is recommended. Feather pillows should be hand washed or dry cleaned, and full drying is mandatory to prevent mould growth.
To ensure thorough cleaning, use the recommended wash temperature of 40-60°C to kill most bacteria. For natural disinfection, add a bit of vinegar or baking soda to the detergent compartment when washing textile items.
Regular summer washing is primarily about health care, allergy and dermatitis prevention, and creating a cleaner, fresher living atmosphere. Dust and moisture in the fibers of these items can become a breeding ground for bacteria, which can trigger allergic reactions and skin irritation.
In summary, washing textiles regularly in summer helps:
- Remove allergens (dust mites, mold, pollen, pet dander) that thrive in warm, humid conditions
- Reduce bacterial buildup that can cause skin irritation and infections
- Prevent unpleasant odors and maintain fabric quality
- Minimize allergy symptoms and promote overall skin and respiratory health.
By following these guidelines, you can help keep your home clean, fresh, and allergen-free this summer.
Science and health-and-wellness intertwine as experts advocate regular textile washing during summer, focusing on items like pillowcases, linens, and decor. This lifestyle practice, a part of home-and-garden maintenance, aims to eradicate allergens (dust mites, mold, pollen, pet dander), minimize bacterial buildup, and prevent unpleasant odors, thereby promoting overall skin and respiratory health.
