Sunday, January 2, 2011

Full Sofa Bed Mattress Pad – Tips for Routine Care

Full Sofa Bed Mattress Pad – Tips for Routine Care
To keep your full sofa bed mattress pad looking and smelling like new, follow the manufacturer’s care instructions for your specific pad. Mattress pads come in many styles and sizes and the materials used in their construction can vary. Some are cotton, some are synthetic, and some may have plastic backing, while others are fabric only. The specific care needed by each type of mattress pad will differ slightly, however most are machine washable. Specialty mattress pads are generally the only pads requiring dry clean only care. Nonetheless, checking the care instructions for your particular pad should be your first step.
For a machine washable full sofa bed mattress pad, the following are general guidelines for routine care. By following these guidelines, you should be able to keep your new mattress pad looking good and smelling good. Most manufacturers recommend machine-washing of sheets at least once per week, while mattress pads should be washed either monthly or bimonthly. How often you use the bed these mattress pads are used on will determine how often you should wash your pad. Depending on the material used to construct your pad, you may or may not want to machine dry it.
Most of the time, a full sofa bed mattress pad will have some form of moisture barrier coating on the top fibers. To prolong the life of these waterproof or water resistant barriers, it is not recommended that you use fabric softener or dryer sheets when laundering your mattress pad. The chemicals used in fabric softener and dryer sheets can break down this moisture barrier, making your mattress pad more susceptible to stains and foul odors. If you have hard water or use a harsh laundry detergent, there are steps you can take to ensure your mattress stays soft without the need for chemical softeners. Water filters and a change in your detergent can keep your pad soft and lessen the need for fabric softener. 
For mattress pads that are not machine washable, you can prolong visits to the dry cleaner by airing your mattress pad on a clothesline in direct sunlight. Sunlight helps kills mold and mildew spores. Additionally, beating your pad with a broom or similar household tool can shake loose dust mites and their leavings. Between hanging and beating your full sofa bed mattress pad, you can extend the time between dry cleanings and prevent the buildup of mites and odor causing bacteria.   
Thanks,
Rose

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