Clean sheets are one of life’s greatest joys. There’s nothing better than snuggling up with a clean comforter and freshly laundered blankets. In order to store your sheets so they maintain that ~fresh and clean~ feeling, you have to follow a few important steps. Keep reading for some helpful tips and tricks for storing and maintaining your bedding. 

1. Launder on a regular basis.
Bedding should always be laundered before it’s stored. The last thing you want is for your sheets and blankets to develop odors and start to attract pests in your storage unit. If you don’t wash your bedding, light colors can even become discolored. It’s generally a good idea to wash your bedding on the delicate cycle in cold water so the materials don’t begin to deteriorate. 

2. Avoid heat.
If you live in an area with high humidity, don’t put your bedding in a storage unit. Instead, keep your sheets and bedding in a location with air conditioning. It’s important to keep your bedding in a cool, dry space so the fabric doesn’t develop mold and bacteria and begin to deteriorate. 

3. Allow fabrics to air out.
This is especially important for natural fabrics, like wool or silk. Make sure your bedding has proper ventilation and airflow. Trapped moisture and heat can breed bacteria, mold, and a musty smell. 

4. Fold bedding properly.
Fold your bedding in a way that maximizes space and protects the fabrics. For example, down comforters should never be compressed and should always be placed on top of heavier blankets or objects. Another good tip is to fold sheet sets into their matching pillowcases so they stay together.