We might not think about it much, but blankets and bedsheets have provided us comfort and warmth ever since we were babies. Their materials played a huge role in that aspect, and there are certain types made explicitly for climates, moisture retention preferences, and quality.
If you’re not considering the materials of your bedding and throws, here are five reasons why you definitely should.
Some Materials are More Cooling, and Some are Hotter
Wouldn’t it be ideal if there was a blanket that’s flexible in every weather and climate and can adjust to extreme or mild temperatures? Sadly, there isn’t or else you’d have one less thing to worry about. But, there are good blankets and throws out there that are used for different temperatures and such.
Blankets and throws for warmer climates:
- Cotton
- Linen
- Silk
- Bamboo
Blankets and throws for colder temperatures:
- Wool
- Sherpa
- Cashmere
- Alpaca
The materials mentioned have unique qualities and are just some of the many types you can get on your local department store. That’s why it’s essential to figure out what you need, mainly if you reside in a place where the climate is whimsical or have particular allergies to something.
Materials are Seasonal for Beddings and Throws
Depending on your current living location, you might have to use different bedding and throws seasonally. If you’re living in a tropical country, lighter fabrics are ideal while jersey and silky materials are excellent for colder seasons.
Here are five bedding and throw materials you should look into:
Silk
Silk bedding might be on the more expensive side since it is made from woven cocoons of silkworms. This versatile and luxurious material is perfect for both warmer and colder climates.
Cotton
While known to be the most widely used material for bedding and throws, there are also different types of cotton sold in the market, such as micro cotton, upland, Egyptian, and many others. Cotton is perfect if you live in places with warmer climates.
Modal
Modals are fibers that make out a soft and silky feel similar to cotton. This material is just as versatile as cotton. Aside from bedding sheets, it is also used in clothes such as pajamas.
Flannel
Because it has a slightly thicker blend than most covers and throws, flannel is perfect. Particularly during the cooler months.
Bamboo
If blankets and covers aren’t your favorite thing and you usually sweat during the night, bamboo sheets are perfect for you. They have a similar texture as cotton and modal, but it’s somewhat more absorbent and cooling.
Possible Reaction to Specific Materials
When you’re having an allergic reaction to your blankets and throws, the culprit is usually the laundry detergent you’re using rather than the fabric. Detergents regularly have ingredients such as perfumes and dyes, which can easily trigger skin or breathing reactions.
Another possibility is you might be allergic to the chemical materials used in the fabric’s manufacturing process such as dyes, glue, tanning agents, additives, finishing resins, etc.
Here are some tips to avoid this itchy mishap:
- Switch to light-colored clothing because they are manufactured with less dye.
- Use perfume-free and hypoallergenic detergents.
- Use natural fabrics such as cotton and linens.
- Always wash new sheets and throws before using them. It’s highly likely that that have picked up irritants in their packaging.
The Lifespan of Materials Differ From One Another
Aside from quality, proper care should help prolong the life of your bedding and throws. The life expectancy of each fabric differs from one another. Bedspreads usually last for six years. Heavy blankets and throws such as wool and synthetic fibers last for about ten years, while lightweight and electric blankets can approximately last up to five years.
Always keep in mind that higher prices don’t always come with greater material durability. There are also other factors that can affect a bedding and throws’ durability. It can either be of frequent use, improper care cleaning, and unexpected tearing that’s not mended immediately.
Different Cleaning Care for Some Materials
When you’ve spent your hard-earned cash on bedding and throw blankets, you would want to make sure they’re of high quality and will last a long time. That’s why reading and doing what the care instruction states on the packaging are essential. But you also have to consider how often you use and wash these blankets.
Each material has different levels of durability, care instructions, and resistants. Here are some tips on how to take care of your blankets and throws depending on fabric materials:
- Cotton blankets and throws can either be machine or hand washed. Remember that they get softer after each wash.
- Cashmere is best to be dry-cleaned. The fabric has a delicate and soft texture that won’t last if frequently machine washed.
- Wool blankets are versatile and breathable. They can be machine washed, just set your dials to low so you won’t ruin the material.
- Linen fabrics are just as easy to clean as cotton blankets. They can also be machine or hand washed. Even though linen quickly gets wrinkled, it will get softer after each wash.
Summed Up Wisdom
The quality and material of your bedding and throws can have a significant effect on your sleep. Because it can always go both ways. If you’ve picked out the right one, you could feel as if you’re sleeping in the clouds. But if not, a whole night’s worth of sweat, itchiness, or tossing and turning could fall unto you.
So when choosing out weighted blanket for adults, always consider the materials its made from, the quality and durability, if it can provide you comfort based on your climate, and most of all, it’s care instructions.
