Many manufacturers claim that their products are organic, but you should be warned that these claims are often misleading. As with anything that professes to be organic or sustainable, do the research on the company and make sure you spend your money on legitimate products! After all, you’ll be sleeping on that mattress for the next several years!

People who make the switch to organic, hypoallergenic mattresses and bedding say right away that they notice that their skin problems decrease and that their rashes and itchiness have almost completely disappeared. Often as is the case with organic things, the cost of the mattress will let you know what kind of quality you are getting for your money and how long it will last.

When laying down on flannel sheets remove any jewelry or other sharp objects that are bring worn. These sheets can be damaged from such items. When putting the sheets in the washing machine set it to the gentle or delicate cycle and use warm water. Use a gentle detergent as well. If they are being washed for the first time there is no need for detergent. It is suggested to use a half cup of white vinegar to prevent pilling. They can also be used during the rinse cycle.

After washing when putting the sheets in the dryer keep it running until they are completely dry. There is not need to use a fabric sheet. When the sheets are clean they should be folded and stored in the closet. They can also be line and stacked with dryer sheets in between them to keep the sheets fresh and smelling good.

Flannel sheets provide extra warmth and comfort. They are gentle to the touch. Taking these steps with a little extra effort will keep them looking great and staying warm.

The standard crib mattress comes with quite a few features you may not know about, but should be warned about. The standard synthetic mattress can give off lethal fumes as it ages, and has been linked to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Also, the life span is said to much shorter with the standard synthetic mattress.

The organic crib mattress on the other hand, is a much safer alternative. There are no fumes to worry about as the mattress ages, and the life span is going to be much longer due to being made from natural sturdy materials like wool and cotton. You wont have to worry about dried cracked plastics and the potential fire danger of an old and aging synthetic mattress.

While the cost of the organic crib mattress may be higher then the standard synthetic design, the advantages are well worth the extra buck or two. A healthier baby makes for a happier baby, and we all want our children safe, healthy and happy. And with the added life span, your next child may enjoy the same comfort and safety as their older siblings. Definitely worth the little bit of extra money.

The first step is to remove your mattresses cover. Wash the cover in the washing machine with warm to hot water. If the cover has any stains, use hot water and a generous amount of baby shampoo to remove them before putting the cover in the washing machine. Once your cover is washed, allow to air dry in the sun for a fresh smelling and naturally sanitized result

Next, vacuum the mattress to remove any debris it might be harboring. Don’t forget to flip it over so you can clean it on both sides.

Now, make a solution using your favorite non-toxic laundry detergent or baby shampoo, water and vinegar. Moisten a washcloth in the solution and remove the excess of liquid. Use the washcloth to rub the area of your mattress that has the stains until they disappear. For tougher stains, switch to a clean area of the washcloth and continue rubbing until the stains disappear.

To finish the process, pour tepid water in a bowl. Use a fresh washcloth to lightly moisten it in the water and lightly rub the area of the mattress you just worked on. Keep on moistening and lightly rubbing until the suds disappear. Finish up by applying a little bit of clear water on top of the area where the stain was located.

Allow to dry. Open the bedroom windows to allow fresh air and the sun’s rays to air dry and naturally sanitize your mattress. When both the mattress and cover are dry, slip the cover back on and place the mattress usual position for a good night’s rest.

However, the good news regarding your down-filled duvet is that many of them can be washed in a washing machine using cold water and regular laundry detergent. Once you notice the duvet has been soiled, remove it from the bed, place it in the washer alone and add the appropriate amount of detergent as per the directions on the soap bottle. Wash on a gentle to medium cold water cycle.
If the down-filled duvet is soiled with a stain which is notoriously tough such as blood or red wine, you may wish to use a pre-treatment product made specifically for that substance.

Generally, the pre-treatment is applied directly to the stain and allowed to set for a few minutes. The duvet is then washed in the washing machine using regular detergent. Some pre-treatment products recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush to work the pre-treatment into the stain.

The important thing with your down-filled duvet comforter is that you do not place it in the dryer. Hang it over a clothes line or over the backs of several chairs to dry. This is because while the stain may seem as if it has disappeared when the comforter is still wet, once dry, the stain may still appear. If the stain is still present, you’ll want to re-launder the duvet. If you have placed it into the dryer, the stain will have already set, meaning it can no longer be removed.

One exception to cleaning stains on your down-filled duvet comforter is if the piece is old or fragile. In this case, wash the stain under cold water while gently working in a mild detergent with a soft-bristled toothbrush inside a large sink or tub. This spares the rest of the fabric from the vigorous washing machine process.

The moral of the story is, even if an unwanted stain suddenly surprises you on your down-filled duvet, a quick washing and a little elbow grease should remove the stain leaving your comforter stain-free and fresh.

Source:

http://tlc.howstuffworks.com/home/how-to-clean-bedding2.htm

You should evaluate the cleanliness of the duvet. You will want to spot clean when possible. If your duvet only has a couple of small stains, it may be safer and more effective to simply clean the stained areas with a stain remover such as Resolve or Oxi Magic. If dirt is more apparent and a full machine wash is required. When machine washing, you should still follow some basic precautions.

When machine washing, you will want to use a gentle detergent such as Tide Free, which do not have dyes or perfumes. They are not only good for duvets, but for sensitive skin and allergies. You will also want to wash the duvet by itself. Washing with other fabrics can cause the dyes to leak on to your duvet; in addition, you will want as much room in your washer as possible.

Lastly, you should air dry your duvet. If you must use a dryer, make sure to set the dry heat to low or delicates. Using a dryer on high heat can cause the duvet fillings to clump and can also cause shrinkage.

Traditionally, a duvet is used as a single bed cover, replacing multiple layers of sheets and blankets. This is why they have become much more popular. Rather than having layers of sheets and blankets to flatten and tuck, there is only one duvet that must be straightened. By using a duvet, you can make a bed in a matter of seconds versus minutes.

Washing the bedding also becomes much simpler, due to having only one piece of laundry. All of the duvet covers for the entire family can be done in one load of laundry versus multiple loads when the beds are made with sheets and blankets.

One question many parents have is if duvets are okay to use for their children. The simple answer is “yes.” Again, the convenience factor cannot be ignored. Having the child learn to make his or her own bed as a matter of habit becomes much easier with a duvet. There is one caveat. If you have small children, it is better to purchase lighter weight duvets for them. This will be more comfortable for the child in terms of weight and heat.

The common mattress is either made of polyurethane foam or has a spring inner core. It is prone to molds, dust, dirt, dust mites and other particles and micro-organisms that trigger allergies. Furthermore, the human body frequently sheds dead skin and produces natural body oils that tend to stick to the mattress and bedding. Hypoallergenic mattresses, on the other hand, are made of organic materials like natural latex, organic wool and organic cotton and linen. It is sealed so tightly that it is impossible for yucky contaminants to adhere to the surface and settle in the creases and pores. This makes hypoallergenic mattresses very popular among people with allergies (seasonal or otherwise.) There are even some healthcare facilities are now using organic mattresses on their hospital beds.

Benefits of a Hypoallergenic Mattress

Hypoallergenic mattresses, aside from thwarting allergic reactions, contributes to the general well-being of its owner. No allergy attacks while on bed means having a well-rested mind and body. Everybody knows that a good night’s sleep rejuvenates and prepares us for another day of hustle and bustle.

Other health benefits of a hypoallergenic mattress include elimination of insomnia, clearer breathing, prevention of skin rashes, and relief of joint pains.

One important quality of a mattress is its feel. Comfort is vital for you to sleep soundly. The material composition of this kind of mattress makes it more comfortable than the regular one, especially the spring-coiled bed.

The use of wool makes organic mattresses resistant to flame. Wool has anti-flame properties as proven by open-flame tests done on mattresses. Organic wool has high moisture content and protein components that are the main reason for its flame-retardant feature. It takes more than 1000 degrees Fahrenheit before it ignites making it the most fire-resistant fiber known. If ever it reaches that hot and ignites, these bedding are also self-extinguishable.

Organic mattresses are environmentally-friendly because its materials are natural or organic. This makes it safer, especially for sick patients and babies.

Do what the Dalai Lama does and meditate on buying a hypoallergenic mattress and get yourself a good night’s sleep. And while you are at it, purchase organic pillows and bedding to make your dream of an allergy-free slumber come true.

The STOKKE organic mattress is filled with coir (a material made from coconut husks coated in natural latex) from the only certified organic coir plantation in the world.

The coir is then wrapped in lamps wool that has been washed in lavender, lemon and eucalyptus – a process which makes it resistant to dust-mites. It completely maintains the thermal insulating properties of natural wool.

Because duvets don’t actually need to be cleaned that often, we really recommend that their cleaning be done by a dry cleaner or a commercial laundry service that has experience in cleaning down comforters.

To simply do a spot clean on your duvet, follow these instructions:

1. Shift the down filling away from the area you are going to spot clean.
2. Use a mild soap or spot remover and gently rub it into the spot that needs cleaning.
3. Rinse well with water while avoiding getting the down filling wet.
4. Use a hair dryer to dry the duvet.