How to Look After Your Washable Wool Quilt

 

Many people prefer a quilt that they can wash rather than having to send it to the dry cleaners. This means that the traditional Aussie wool doona is often ruled out as a bedding option. However, new ways of manufacturing mean that it’s now possible to get a washable wool quilt that’s every bit as good as the original.

If you are wondering how to look after an Aussie wool quilt, here’s the lowdown on how to keep your doona looking as good as the day it was bought.

What Makes a Wool Quilt Washable?

Many wool quilts are ‘dry-clean only’. So, what is the difference between those and washable wool bedding? Dry clean wool quilts are usually made from chemical-free wool that’s washed and carded before it is made into a quilt. Washable woollen bedding is put through an extra pre-shrinking process where it is washed in hot water mixed with small amounts of peroxide and chlorine. But don’t worry; there’s no nasty chemical smell left behind, and it does not affect the lifespan of the product.

Can I Wash My Quilt in My Washing Machine?

Washable quilts can be washed in a home washing machine with an approved wool washing detergent on the wool wash cycle. However, unless you have a washing machine with an extra-large drum, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to fit anything larger than a single quilt in there. Larger quilts will fit comfortably into the front loader machines you find at laundromats; so, there’s no need to take them for professional cleaning.

Some companies suggest that you can wash your quilt in the bath. However, we don’t recommend it as they are extremely heavy and awkward to manage when wet.

How Should I Dry My Quilt?

Don’t be tempted to dry it in the tumble dryer as it’s likely to shrink. We suggest that you dry it by laying it as flat as possible, preferably over the top of a washing line. You may also want to air it from time to time by hanging it in the fresh air but do try to keep it out of direct sunlight.

Prolong the Life of Your Wool Quilt with Regular Cleaning

All bedding needs frequent cleaning, and we recommend that you clean your wool quilts regularly. By looking after your woollen quilt, you’ll extend its lifespan, and it will remain hygienic. You’ll be happy to know that dust mites don’t live in woollen quilts and wool is hypoallergenic, so they are one of the best types of washable wool quilts.

Before You Invest in a New Mattress Try a Wool Underlay

 If you’re experiencing disrupted sleep because it’s difficult to get comfortable in bed, it may be because your mattress is no longer providing the correct amount of support. And, if your mattress is no longer providing the correct support, you may find that you wake up with all kinds of aches and pains. However, disrupted sleep isn’t always down to the age of the mattress. Memory foam mattresses often cause overheating, while some mattresses are simply too firm.

Signs that it’s time to replace your mattress

It’s generally recommended that you replace your mattress every 8 to 10 years. Signs that it should be replaced include visible lumps and bumps, creaking sounds, exposed springs and sagging in the middle. It may be that your mattress is badly stained or just looks as though it’s ready for replacement.

How a wool underlay can help

If your mattress doesn’t have any of these outward signs and it’s less than 10 years old, you may want to try topping it with a woollen underlay and see if that improves the quality of your sleep.

A woollen underlay doesn’t just smooth out any irregularities in your sleeping surface; it has far more far-reaching benefits.

·         It will keep you cool – wool is a totally natural and breathable fibre

·         It will keep you warm – wool is also a natural insulator and keeps your body at its optimal temperature which may improve your sleep quality by up to 25%

·         It stops you from becoming sweaty – wool absorbs body moisture and then releases it into the air. It can absorb up to 33% of its weight in moisture, so you can say goodbye to night-time sweats!

·         It’s not attractive to dust mites or fungal spores – dust mites love warm and humid environments. Due to its breathable properties, wool provides a dry and cool environment – the exact opposite of the environment required for the growth of dust mites and fungus

·         It’s naturally fire retardant – there’s no need to use chemicals to make it fire safe

·         It’s naturally sustainable and biodegradable – making it a great choice if you want to make a difference to the environment.

So, as you can see, a wool underlay is a great choice for any bed. It provides a healthy sleeping surface, will smooth out any irregularities in your mattress and it’s a great eco-friendly option too. So, before you rush out to buy a new mattress, why not try sleeping on a wool underlay?

The Truth About Woollen Bedding and Dust Mites

If you have asthma or suffer from allergies, you may already be aware that sleeping in hypoallergenic bedding can reduce allergic reactions. However, you may have discounted the idea of a wool quilt as you’ve heard that woollen bedding provides a great environment for dust mites. In reality, this couldn’t be further from the truth; so, let’s dispel this myth once and for all.

Unfortunately, dust mites are a fact of life. Although we can’t see them without a microscope, they do exist in all types of bedding. Contrary to the suggestion implied by their name, dust mites don’t eat dust. Neither do they eat wool. They do, however, love beds. They love the warm and humid conditions created by our hot and sweaty bodies. But they prefer bedding that’s made of feathers, down or synthetic fibres. This means that wool quilts are a much better choice.

Dust mites love warm and humid environments

It’s a well-known fact that dust mites require a warm and humid environment to survive. So, the suggestion that your wool quilt may be home to an extra-large colony of dust mites is unlikely to be true. The natural properties of wool ensure that any moisture that’s released from your body as you sleep is absorbed by the wool fibres and then released into the atmosphere to keep you and your bedding dry and cool. This is not the kind of environment that helps dust mites to thrive.

The idea that dust mites thrive in wool comes from a 1970’s study

A study carried out in the 1970s suggested that dust mites were able to survive and thrive in woollen fibres. However, if we tell you that this study was carried out on a tropical island in temperatures of around 40^oC and humidity not far short of 80%, you can perhaps see why there is a problem. These temperatures and levels of humidity provide an excellent breeding ground for dust mites in any kind of material. It’s not necessarily because they used woollen blankets.

Woollen bedding has fewer dust mites than other types of bedding

As we’ve already said, you’ll find dust mites in all types of bedding. The mites themselves are harmless. It’s the protein they produce that causes the typical allergic reactions such as wheezing, sneezing, a runny nose, itchy eyes, and itchy skin. So, while there may be dust mites in your woollen bedding, there won’t be as many as found in bedding made of synthetic fibres, duck or down.

Choose Woollen Bedding for Better Health

Wool quilts not only have fewer dust mites than other types of bedding, but they can absorb harmful VOCs (volatile organic compounds). VOCs are found in a wide range of things from paints, varnishes and glues to cleaning products and cleaning products, and can be problematic for anyone with allergies or asthma. So, there’s another great reason to choose woollen bedding for your home.

Feeling Uncomfortable During the Night? Invest in Wool

Do you struggle with your sleep? Do you find it hard to get comfortable and find yourself tossing and turning throughout the night? If so, you are not alone, and you do not have to suffer.

While many of us can underestimate the importance of putting time and effort into choosing your choice of bedding, it can make all the difference to you getting a comfortable and restful night’s sleep.

A wool quilt can change the way you sleep. If you want to find out more, keep reading.

Regulate your temperature

One of the reasons for poor sleep could be that you find yourself getting too hot or cold during the night. On a cold winter’s night, there is nothing better than getting into a warm and cosy bed.

However, if your bedding is made from synthetic fibres, it can cause you to overheat, which may result in you sweating and feeling uncomfortable. Halcyon Dreams has the answer: wool.

Wool is temperature regulating, which means that it keeps you at the right temperature. Should you sweat, the wool will wick away any additional moisture, keeping you cool and comfortable. Did you know wool can retain up to 30% of its body weight in moisture and only releases it when the conditions are dry enough?

Of course, it also works the other way around. Should you often feel the cold, wool will keep you warm and cosy, so that is one more thing off your mind.

It keeps allergies at bay

For those who suffer from allergies, the type of bedding you choose is imperative to how you sleep at night. Wool quilts are naturally resistant to dust mites, which can help to keep your allergies at bay. You can look forward to a peaceful night’s sleep without any sneezing or sniffling. Your partner will thank you for that as well!

Wool is natural

As a natural material, wool is gentle next to your skin. If environmental factors are important to you, it is good to know that you are choosing a sustainable option.

Wool is durable, and you can expect to enjoy your wool quilt for many years to come. When it does eventually reach the end of its life, it can naturally be broken down by the earth in a way that synthetic fibres cannot.

Find your wool bedding at Halcyon Dreams

If you want to have better sleep, choose wool for your bedding, and you will not look back. At Halcyon Dreams, we can supply all your wool bedding, and as our wool is 100% Australian, you can be sure of its quality.

You can also feel good knowing that you are supporting the local economy and Australian farmers. We look forward to seeing you soon.

Make Life a Breeze with a Wool Doona

 

Life is complicated enough without making more work for yourself. That’s why Halcyon Dreams wants to tell you more about how a wool doona can have a positive impact on your life.

Not only does wool help you sleep better, but it is also easy to care for, so that is one less thing for you to worry about.

Make the best bedding choice

Whether you are looking for a new doona for yourself or someone in your family, wool is the best choice you can make. It is a natural material, which means it’s breathable. Not only this, but wool is clever and works with your body to keep you comfortable.

It has temperature regulating properties, which means it keeps you cool when the weather is hot and warm when the temperatures drop. It can even retain any additional moisture that is created while you sleep. Did you know it can hold up to 30% of its body weight in moisture, only releasing it when the environmental conditions are dry enough to do so?

With this, you might think that your wool doona is sure to get dirty quickly, but it is actually the opposite. Wool is naturally odour-resistant, and it self-cleans, as it would for a sheep. That means less washing for you!

Wash only when necessary

Of course, when you are buying a doona, you want to know that it’s easy to care for. Adding trips to the dry cleaners is probably not high on your list of priorities. At Halcyon Dreams, our washable wool doona lets you clean from the comfort of your home.

That said, you doona doesn’t need washing too often. A spot clean or simple airing is often sufficient to freshen up your bedding. Hang it outside in the breeze or over a large space, such as the bannisters, before placing back on your bed and enjoying its comfort once more.

Should you want to wash your doona, set your machine to a wool setting and use a detergent that is suitable for wool. Once your doona has been washed, hang it out to dry. This is best done in the air on a warm, breezy day. Ensure your doona is completely dry before putting it back on your bed. While the outside may feel dry, the layers inside may still be wet.

Get your wool doona at Halcyon Dreams

You can explore our full range of wool doonas at Halcyon Dreams today.

Add a Touch of Luxury to Your Bedroom

When you go away to a luxurious hotel, you may find that you sleep better and enjoy your surroundings. Why save this only for when you go away? With a little inspiration from Halcyon Dreams, you can recreate the look and feel of luxury within your bedroom.

Start with getting your bedding on point

It almost goes without saying that to get that touch of luxury, you need a bed and bedding to help you drift off peacefully. With an Australian wool underlay, your bed will never have felt so comfortable or more inviting.

The softness the underlay creates helps you to get comfortable, but it does not end there. It also helps you to remain comfortable throughout the night. As our underlays are made from 100% natural sheep wool, they will help regulate your temperature throughout the night. Say goodbye to getting too hot during the night or struggling to stay warm. Wool will keep you just right.

The same can be said for an Australian wool quilt. It is the perfect covering for you, and it will work in harmony with your underlay.

Finish off the look of your bed

Now that you have got the essential bedding sorted, it is time to think about those finishing touches for your bed. You may have noticed that something all luxurious bedrooms have in common is their cosy and inviting look.

You can achieve this in different ways. If you want to keep your bedroom looking fresh with clean lines, why not opt for crisp white bedding? This timeless option will remind you perfectly of hotel rooms.

Or, if you would like more colour in your bedroom, search for inspiration on places like Pinterest or Instagram for some beautiful colour-themed bedrooms.

Do not forget to complement your bed with a luxurious runner at the end of your bed and some scatter cushions to complete the look.

Do not forget about the other details

Of course, there is more to a bedroom than just your bed. Aim to give your surfaces clutter-free to encourage you to relax.

If you want to really go for it, why not add some beautiful fresh flowers, or you could choose some faux flowers to achieve a similar look.

Remember to consider your lighting choices. When creating a relaxing atmosphere, you want to have the option to dim the lights and create ambient lighting. Beautiful bedside lamps is a good way to achieve this. Keep a bright ceiling light available for those times when you need to see clearly!

Find your bedding at Halcyon Dreams

Halcyon Dreams can supply you with all your wool bedding for your luxurious bedroom. Browse our entire range online today.

How to chose the Best Australian Wool Quilt and Underlay for a Good Night’s Sleep

 

We all value a good night’s sleep because it can leave us feeling refreshed and ready to face the new day. A poor night’s sleep, on the other hand, can mean we’re lacking in energy and unable to perform to our full potential.

The secret of a really good night’s sleep can often be having the right Australian wool underlay and quilt that will keep you comfortable at all times. The large variety of quilts available can be confusing, however, and can make choosing the right one quite a challenge.

One of the main challenges can be getting the right quality and thickness of quilt or underlay because these determine how warm you will be. The thickness or density is usually expressed in grammes per square metre (gsm):

·        Thinner quilts at 150-300 gsm are usually only suitable for the warmer summer months

·        Densities of 400-600 gsm are often better for winter, with the higher numbers for those who really feel the cold.

An alternative way of expressing thickness is in terms of lofting, which many people find easier to understand to determine their relative warmth. A light loft quilt is equivalent to 1-2 blankets or 300m gsm while high loft is 2-3 blankets or 450 gsm and super loft is 3-5 blankets or 500 gsm.

Higher quality quilts and underlays, as well as those that are thicker, tend to come at a higher price. However, they should be viewed as good investments because they’ll provide greater comfort for many years.

The Filling is the Key

Quilts and underlays can have a variety of fillings that include cotton, synthetic fibres, goose down and wool. The latter is the most durable, easy to care for and warm so it guarantees a good night’s sleep consistently and for a long period. It also keeps you comfortable all the year round so there’s no need to have separate quilts for winter and summer.

Wool is a natural filling and, because it breathes, is able to maintain a comfortable temperature throughout the year. It’s a product that is sustainably sourced, hard wearing, repels water on the surface while letting it pass through the interior, is suitable for those with allergies and is very easy to keep clean.

All our quilts and underlays are of the highest quality, bearing the Woolmark label that attests to their reliability and quality, being made from the very best Australian wool and subject to regular testing. They’re also backed by our extended warranty because we’re confident you’ll be fully satisfied with the products and gain a restful night’s sleep when you use them.