As someone who travels frequently for both work and leisure, I have stayed in various accommodations such as hotels, inns, and B&Bs. While I can manage to sleep in almost any environment, finding rest in unfamiliar, albeit comfortable and cozy, rooms can be a challenge. Nothing quite compares to the comfort of home, and sometimes counting sheep just doesn’t cut it. Through experience, I have discovered that using a sleep mask is crucial for getting some much-needed shut-eye. The moment I put on my sleep mask, it signals to my brain that it’s time for bed. I even credit wearing one during a recent long flight to Europe for helping me avoid jet lag upon arrival.
Given their effectiveness for me, I have incorporated sleep masks into various aspects of my life. I keep a few on my nightstand, several in my travel bag, and even have one stored in my car for unexpected layovers on road trips. Suffice it to say, I rely heavily on my eye masks for a good night’s sleep. However, I must admit that I recently realized I may not be washing them as frequently as I should. Upon consulting with a few experts, my suspicion was confirmed. How often should I clean my eye masks, and what is the proper way to do so?
Meet the Experts:
– Amy Voloshin: Textile designer, fashion entrepreneur, and co-founder of Printfresh, a brand offering organic cotton and eco-friendly sleepwear and accessories.
– Olivia Brady Hendrickson: CEO and designer of Saturday Silks, a company specializing in heirloom-quality silk accessories.
Frequency of Cleaning Your Sleep Mask:
During my discussion with Amy Voloshin, I wasted no time in asking the most pressing question: “How often should we wash our sleep masks?” Her unwavering response was, “Ideally, once a week. When you wash your sheets, throw in your eye mask as well.”
Considerations Before Cleaning:
1. Skincare Routine: If you use multiple moisturizers, serums, and oily skincare products at night, it may be wise to wash your eye mask more frequently. Consider having a few masks on rotation to switch them out every few days and save the washing for laundry day.
2. Storage: Properly store your masks to protect them. Voloshin advises against casually tossing them on your bedside table. Instead, keep them in a drawer to maintain their condition. If you opt for the casual toss, you should clean them more regularly.
How to Clean Your Sleep Mask:
– Voloshin suggests spot-cleaning your eye mask or, for a thorough cleanse, hand-washing and laying it flat to dry. Hand-washing will help it retain its shape and longevity.
– Olivia Hendrickson of Saturday Silks, known for their high-quality silk accessories, recommends spot-treating with cold water and a small amount of detergent. She assures that
In the article, both Voloshin and Hendrickson emphasize the importance of using a gentle soap to keep your linens crisp. Voloshin specifically recommends detergents from The Laundress for optimal cleaning results. To learn more about their expert tips, you can read the full article on Southern Living’s website.
