5 Bed-Making Mistakes You Might Be Guilty Of

If you think there’s nothing to making a bed the right way, think again. Between outfitting your mattress with ill-fitting linens and making it too soon after snoozing (that’s right!), there are plenty of ways you might be doing your sleep situation a disservice. Comfort is key, but so is cleanliness—and, yes, there is such a thing as too many pillows. Take heed of these bed-making mistakes and their fixes to set yourself up for a successful night’s sleep.

1. Making Your Bed First Thing in the Morning

This might come as a shock, but if you’re making your bed first thing in the morning, it’s time to switch up your routine. Throwing open the covers and letting your bed air out while you go about the rest of your morning routine can help keep linens fresher longer and avoid moisture build-up that could lead to bacteria and dust mites.  

The Fix: After getting up from bed, turn down the fitted sheet, comforter, quilt, etc. and let the bed air out for anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours—whatever works best for your schedule. Once it has properly aired, make the bed as usual.

2. Neglecting Your Mattress

Your mattress is a big part of your sleeping situation, so giving it its proper due is important. First, your mattress should be outfitted with a mattress cover. Not only will it protect the mattress from moisture, mites, and mildew, but it can also set a smoother foundation for the rest of your bedding. You’ll also want to keep up with your mattress maintenance with regular vacuuming and deodorization.

The Fix: Ensure your mattresses have adequate protection with a protector or cover. Which option is best will depend on your particular needs. If you’re looking for added comfort and cushion while still protecting the mattress, a mattress cover might be your best option. If protecting the mattress from spills and other moisture-related issues is your primary concern, then consider going with a mattress protector.

To keep your mattress fresh, a good rule of thumb is to vacuum it every week when you change the sheets. If you want an extra hit of deodorizing magic, sprinkle the surface of the mattress with baking soda and let it sit for a few hours before vacuuming.

3. Choosing the Wrong Sheets

Choosing the right sheets goes beyond just selecting a color that complements your bedroom’s style. Fit, fabric, and thread count are all factors to consider as they can greatly impact the quality of your snooze.

The Fix: Be sure to select sheets that fit your mattress, paying attention not only to the size (king, queen, twin, etc.) but also the depth of your mattress. A fitted sheet that’s too thin or wide for your mattress can result in shifting and/or frequent adjustments just to keep it in line. You’ll also want to pay attention to the ideal material for the season and whether you’re a cool or warm sleeper. You can never go wrong with breathable fabrics like linen and cotton as they can help regulate body temperature while you sleep.

4. Skipping Wash Day

Not washing your sheets regularly is a big no-no, not only for ensuring cleanliness but also for your comfort, too. Materials like linen naturally soften as you launder them, meaning they can become more comfortable with every wash cycle. Routine cleaning also eliminates lurking bacteria and other impurities that can impede your sleep and your health.

The Fix: Try to stick to a weekly wash schedule for your sheets. If you’re a sweaty sleeper, it’s recommended to clean sheets even more frequently. To keep your linens smelling fresh between washes, give them a spritz with a linen spray once a day.

5. Using Too Many Pillows

While a mix of decorative pillows can make a bed look inviting, going overboard requires quite a bit of unpacking every time you’re ready to pull down the covers and climb into bed. Not to mention, using numerous sleep pillows can cause neck issues and other aches and pains due to an unnatural neck position while you sleep.

The Fix: Stick to one good bed pillow that’s suited for your sleep position (side sleeper, back sleeper, stomach sleeper, or combination), and be sure to replace your pillow when it starts to lose its loft.