Bedding for the holiday house
Short answer: In a holiday home, bedding often sits unused for long periods, and damp is the biggest challenge. Store it dry, air it before use and wash it before you close up the house.
Damp is the main problem
A house that stands cold for weeks becomes damp, especially in spring and autumn. Bedding in a closed cupboard absorbs moisture from the air and smells musty when you take it out. That is not the fabric's fault but the damp air.
Store it dry
Put the bedding in a closed box or a tight bag in the driest room of the house, ideally against an inner wall rather than a cold outer wall. It must be fully dry when packed away. Read more in storing bamboo clothing.
Air before use
When you arrive, hang the bedding outside or leave it in the warmest room for a few hours before making the bed. Open the windows and turn on the heating so the air dries out. Duvets and pillows also benefit from a shake and an airing.
A spare set for each bed
If you often have guests at the holiday home, two identical sets per bed make things easy. One is on the bed, the other in the box, and you avoid washing during a short stay. See the range of bamboo bedding.
Towels and damp
Towels are even more sensitive to damp, because the terry loops hold on to water. Hang them freely after each use, outside if possible, and never fold them while damp. Only pack them away when fully dry. See bamboo towels.
Nightwear that stays in the house
A set of nightwear that stays at the holiday home saves space in your bag, and you always have something clean to sleep in when you arrive. Keep it with the bedding in the closed box. See for example bamboo nightwear for women.
Wash when you get home
Take the used bedding home and wash it there rather than putting it away used. Skin oils and moisture from the night cause odour if it sits for weeks. Wash at 40 degrees without fabric softener. See the washing guide.
Drying on site
If the house has no tumble dryer, plan the washing around the weather. A dry, breezy day outside dries bedding faster than a living room with damp air. Hang the cover spread out and only bring it in when it is completely dry.
Close the house properly
At the end of the season, make sure all bedding is washed, dry and packed in closed boxes. Leave cupboard doors slightly open so air can move, and consider a dehumidifier if the house is known to be damp.
Check on the first visit
Take the bedding out on the first visit of the season and check whether it smells or feels clammy. If it does, wash it instead of just airing it. Also check the boxes for damp at the bottom, so you know whether to move them.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the bedding in the holiday home smell?
Because it has absorbed moisture from the air in a cold house that has been closed up. The smell usually disappears once it is aired well or washed.
What can I do about it?
Air it for a few hours, or wash it if the smell lingers. Then store it completely dry in a closed box in the driest room of the house.
Should the bedding stay at the holiday home?
It can, as long as it is stored dry in closed boxes. Many people still prefer to wash it at home after each stay and bring the clean set back next time.
See our range of Nordic Weaving bedding.
