We spend roughly a third of our lives in bed, so our sheets, doonas and pillows collect sweat, dust mites and body oils over time, often before they start to look dirty. This build-up can contribute to skin irritation, allergy symptoms, and less comfortable sleep. Here is your guide to washing winter bedding, with a little help from Speed-e Laundromat.

How to Wash Sheets Properly

Sheets sit closest to your skin, so they need the most frequent attention. 

• Wash sheets weekly, especially in Queensland’s warm climate, where sweat and humidity can speed up bacteria growth. 
• Use warm water to lift body oils and dust mites that cold water leaves behind. 
• Wash inside out to protect colours and let detergent reach ground-in oils. 
• Skip fabric softener on natural fibres, cotton and linen breathe better without it.

Speed-e Laundromat makes weekly sheet washing simple. With free commercial grade detergent and hypoallergenic fabric softener automatically included in every wash, there is no need to carry extra products from home. Just bring your bedding, choose the right cycle and let Speed-e do the hard work.

Washing Doonas the Right Way 

Doonas are often neglected because they are bulky and difficult to fit into a standard home washing machine.

• Wash every 3 months to help reduce the build-up of body oils, dust and allergens. 

• Check the care label. Down and feather doonas usually need a gentle cycle; synthetic fills can handle warm water. 

• Use a large machine. A doona needs room to soak and rinse properly, which a small home washer often can’t give it. 

This is where a large-capacity machine makes a difference. Speed-e’s Double Washers hold up to 10kg, Maxi machines up to 18kg, and select locations have extra-large 25kg machines, ideal for all of your bulky winter bedding. 

Caring for Pillows 

Pillows absorb sweat, drool and oil every night, yet they’re the item most people forget to wash. 

• Wash every 3 to 6 months, especially if you suffer from allergies. 
• Check the care label before washing, as some memory foam, latex and specialised pillows should not be placed in a washing machine. 
• Wash two machine washable pillows at a time to help keep the machine balanced and allow them to move freely during the cycle, or choose a larger Speed-e machine for extra space. 
• Dry pillows thoroughly, as damp filling can lead to mould and musty odours. 

Once dry, reshape and fluff the pillows before placing them back on the bed. 

Blankets and Throws    

Blankets have less direct contact with your skin than sheets, but they still need regular care, especially heavier wool styles. 

• Wash every 4 to 6 weeks, depending on how often they are used. 
• Use a wool or delicate cycle for natural fibres to protect them while lifting dirt and odours. 
• Add wool dryer balls when tumble drying to fluff the fabric and cut drying time. 

Speed-e’s powerful commercial dryers can complete a drying cycle in around 30 minutes, helping bulky blankets dry efficiently while treating the fabric with care. 

Drying Tips for Fresh, Hygienic Winter Bedding      

Washing is only part of the process. Thick bedding can feel dry on the outside while moisture remains trapped in seams, corners or layers of filling. 

• Check the care label before choosing a dryer temperature, as high heat can damage some fabrics and fillings. 
• Avoid overcrowding the dryer, as bedding needs space to tumble and allow warm air to circulate. 
• Pause the cycle occasionally to untangle sheets, reposition blankets and redistribute the filling inside doonas. 
• Use wool dryer balls or clean tennis balls for suitable doonas and pillows to help prevent clumping. 
• Allow bedding to cool before folding or storing it, as warm fabric can hold residual moisture and develop musty odours. 

Before removing your bedding, check the seams, corners and centre for any remaining dampness, as thicker items may feel dry on the outside first. 

Let Speed-e Handle the Big Stuff   

Bulky winter bedding can be difficult to wash and dry properly at home. With large capacity machines, free detergent and softener, 24/7 access and simple card payments, Speed-e makes it easier to refresh your bedding whenever it suits you. 

Give your sheets, doonas, pillows and blankets the space and care they need at your nearest Speed-e Laundromat. 

Ready to refresh your home? Visit Speed-e Laundromat today for powerful washers, fast dryers and a smooth, tap n’ go laundry experience.

📍 INALA: 82 Glenala Rd
📍 NEWTOWN: 131 Anzac Av
📍 KEARNEYS SPRING: 879 Ruthven St
📍 BRASSALL: 92-98 Pine Mountain Rd