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How to Disinfect Bedding Without Washing: Experts Reveal The Best Techniques

Psst: This works on clothing and other types of fabric, too.

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Cleanliness and hygiene have never been more on our collective minds than they are now with the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation turning us all into germaphobes. Along with washing our hands for at least 20 seconds and finding easy ways to protect and boost our immunity, it’s also important to make sure our household items are getting a good cleanse more frequently than most of us usually do. That means wiping down surfaces and sanitizing pretty much everything we touch throughout the day — including our bed sheets. That’s why we asked experts how to disinfect bedding without washing.

Washing your sheets each week, and your comforter or duvet and pillow cases once a month, is one of the best ways to avoid letting bacteria and germs quickly accumulate on the fabric. That’s a lot of washing, and we’re honestly a bit exhausted just thinking about it. Luckily, if you want to avoid constantly lugging your linens to the laundry room or laundromat, you can invest in a clothing steamer to sanitize your sheets in-between washings.

Experts at the Laundress explain that giving your sheets (and any other fabric in need of a wash) a good steam will not only rid of annoying wrinkles, but also kill the germs and bacteria that like to accumulate quickly. The CDC backs this up by saying that bugs like the flu virus can be zapped away with heat above 167 degrees Fahrenheit. Most clothing steamers reach up to 200 degrees or higher, depending on the settings you choose. 

A hot iron can also do the trick, but it’s easier to accidentally scorch your material with those. Steamers, like the Laundress’ Jiffy Steamer ($219.00, The Laundress) can work on various types of fabric: wool, cashmere, silk, and synthetics, to name a few. You can also find more budget-friendly and space-saving options online like the handheld Hilife Steamer ($24.99, Amazon). 

This not only sanitizes icky germs, but it will also get rid of allergens and odors. You should still give your sheets and clothing their usual rounds in a washing machine, but this can help extend the time in between each trip to the laundry room.

We’ll definitely be keeping this in mind for in-between fabric cleaning even after all of the COVID-19 panic calms down!

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