How to store bedding so it stays fresh

Short answer: Bedding should be stored completely dry and preferably with some air around it. A closed cupboard in a damp room gives the musty smell many people know from the guest bed.

Completely dry first

Even slightly damp bedding develops a smell in a closed cupboard. The fabric can feel dry on the surface while seams and edges are still damp. If in doubt, leave it hanging for an extra day. It is the simplest way to avoid that musty smell.

Air in the cupboard

A cupboard that is never opened turns stuffy. Leave the door open now and then, especially in damp periods in autumn and winter. Avoid packing it completely full, so air can move between the piles. A cupboard against a cold outer wall is often the dampest.

The set in the pillowcase

Put the duvet cover and sheet together inside one of the pillowcases. That way the whole set is together when you need it, and you do not have to search for the right pillowcase. It also keeps the cupboard tidier when you have several sets in different colours.

Not in plastic

Airtight plastic can trap moisture that is already in the fabric, and then it starts to smell. A fabric bag or an open shelf is a better choice. If bedding is to be stored for a long time, for example in a summer house, use a bag of cotton or another breathable fabric.

Rotation

Use the sets in turn, so one set does not sit for years while another wears out. Put the freshly washed set at the bottom of the pile and take the top one into use. That way all the sets get equal use. See the sets in bamboo bedding.

Air before use

If a set has been stored for a long time, shake it out and leave it out for an hour before making the bed. This applies especially to bedding for the guest bed, which can sit untouched for months. If the smell is noticeable, a wash is the safest option.

Wash before storing

Never put used bedding away, even if it has only been used for one night. Skin oils and sweat settle in the fabric and can cause smells and stains over time. Wash at 40 degrees without fabric softener and let it dry completely before putting it away.

How many sets to store

Two sets per bed are enough. One is in use and one is in reserve, and the cupboard does not fill up with sets that never come out. If you have a guest bed, one extra set for it is usually plenty. See more in home and homewear in bamboo.

Where the cupboard is

A cupboard in the bedroom or hallway is usually drier than one in the basement or attic. Basements and attics can have high humidity at times, and the textiles notice it. It is better to store bedding somewhere slightly less convenient than somewhere it gets damp.

The same advice applies to clothing that will be put away for a while, such as seasonal clothes. Dry, airy and not in plastic are the three rules that keep coming back. Read more about storage in storing bamboo clothing.