With the end of October nearing, my attention has fully turned to getting my home guest-ready for the holiday season. Before fluffing the cushions and lighting a candle, however, there's laundry to be done.
In fact, there are seven things that experts recommend washing in the remaining run-up to November, from curtains to throws, to get your home looking and feeling fresh and inviting.
Here, they share the items to tick off when doing laundry throughout the remaining week of the month − while there's still plenty of time.
1. Curtains and Drapes
This might feel like a big place to start, but washing and caring for your curtains and drapes is a task that shouldn't be neglected.
'Curtains are one of those things people forget to clean because they don’t look dirty,' explains Rechelle Balanzat, Founder and CEO of Juliette. 'But they collect dust, pollen, pet dander, and everyday odors over time. With more people coming into your home during the holidays, freshly cleaned curtains can make a noticeable difference in how your space looks and feels.'
To clean your curtains, Rechelle recommends always checking the laundry symbols or care label beforehand. 'Cotton and some polyester curtains may be machine washable, while silk, velvet, and lined drapes may require professional cleaning,' she says.
Then, remove any hooks and hardware, shake out the dust, preferably outdoors, and wash machine-safe curtains on a gentle cycle with cool water before air-drying to prevent shrinkage and wrinkles. To smooth out any remaining wrinkles, you may wish to use a steam cleaner, available at Amazon, 'provided the fabric is steam-safe,' adds Rechelle.
If your curtains aren't machine-washable, take them to your local dry cleaners to avoid any damage. If you're wondering how often you should wash curtains, experts recommend every six to twelve months.
2. Towels and Bathrobes
Putting a towel into your guest bedroom is an easy way to make a guest room feel more homey. But if they're scratchy and stained, they'll detract from the experience rather than add to it.
'If you’re the type of person who has towels and bathrobes only for guests, you’ll probably need to wash them so they’re nice and fresh before they arrive,' says Alex Varela, Cleaning Expert with Oakville Maids.
Importantly, don't use fabric softener when washing towels: It will coat the fibers, making them hard and rough. Instead, use dryer balls, available at Walmart, for a naturally fluffy feel. You can also wash your towels with vinegar to the same effect.
3. Throw Blankets and Decorative Pillow Covers
'Throw blankets and decorative pillows get used constantly, whether we’re relaxing on the couch, taking a nap, or entertaining friends,' says Rechelle. 'They can hold onto body oils, dust, pet hair, and food spills.
'I recommend refreshing them before hosting season begins, especially if guests will be using your living room or staying overnight.'
Washing, drying, and caring for blankets and throws is simple once you know how, and many are suitable for machine-washing. The same applies to pillowcases, though 'delicate wool, cashmere, velvet, and embellished fabrics may require special care or professional cleaning,' advises Rechelle.
If you are washing any at home, it's always best recommended to use a gentle detergent, like the All Free Clear Liquid Laundry Detergent, available at Amazon.
4. Pillows
Don't neglect to wash your pillows, either. 'It’s a good idea to wash them before November or December because most people don’t really wash their pillows, or at least not as often as they should,' warns Alex. 'And pillows absorb a lot of body oils, sweat, and dust mites.
'That being said, check the care tag first because not all of them are washing-machine safe, like memory foam pillows shouldn’t go in the washer for example. (Most) Polyester pillows or down pillows are washing machine safe, though.
'Always wash two at a time so they’re “balanced” within the drum. If you just add one, it would have too much “free” movement. Run an extra rinse cycle than you normally would and dry on low heat (full cycle). You may need two to three cycles until they’re dry on the inside. I recommend a fragrance-free detergent.'
Something like the Tide Free & Gentle Laundry Detergent, available at Walmart, will work well in this instance. Don't forget about cleaning your throw pillows, too.
5. Guest Room Bedding
Finally, it's not just your pillows that may need your attention − particularly if you're preparing your guest room for a flurry of guests.
As Rechelle says, 'Your guest room doesn’t need to be used every day to need a refresh. Bedding can collect dust and develop stale odors while sitting in a closed room.
'Washing your sheets and mattress protector ahead of time means you’re not scrambling to prepare a comfortable bed when family or friends announce they’re coming to stay.'
Take the time to wash your bed linen according to the care labels, and take extra care when washing a mattress protector to avoid any potential damage, as some may be counted among the things to never put in the washing machine.
Then, 'Store freshly laundered linens in a clean, dry space until guests arrive,' continues Rechelle, to keep them smelling fresh.
What to Shop
Below, I've curated six essentials to get your home looking beautifully guest-ready ahead of the holidays.
All prices were correct at the time of publication.
Meet the Experts
'I recommend that you don't wait until Thanksgiving week or Christmas to tackle these items,' reaffirms Rechelle. Start in October, and you’ll have a fresher home before the holiday rush begins,' allowing you more time to spend on perfecting your Christmas decor ideas.
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