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12.9.1: Procedure- Making an Unoccupied Bed

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    67751

    • Erin O'Hara-Leslie, Amdra C. Wade, Kimberly B. McLain, SUNY Broome
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    1. Wash and dry your hands. Always apply gloves when working with soiled linens.
    2. Assemble equipment and supplies (e.g. clean linens and pillows).
    3. Assemble supplies in the order they will be used: Bottom or fitted sheet, bed pad, top or flat sheet, blanket, bedspread, pillow cases(s). Carry linens away from your body to prevent bacteria from your clothes getting on the clean linens. Turn the pile of linens upside down and place on a clean surface which will be within your reach.
    4. Raise the bed to waist level. Remember to use good body mechanics. Never lean over the bed. Work on one side of the bed at a time. Move to the other side of the bed as needed. Lower the bed rails on the side you are working.
    5. Remove and fold any bedding to be re-used (such as blankets and comforters or quilts). Place them on a clean surface.
    6. Remove soiled linens and place in the appropriate receptacle (e.g. hamper). Roll soiled linens away from you inside out. Do not shake linens as this will release microorganisms in the air. Discard in the appropriate container.
    7. Discard gloves and wash your hands.
    8. Smooth mattress pad, if using, and remove wrinkles.
    9. Place the bottom or fitted sheet in the middle of the bed lengthwise. The fold/crease should be in the center of the bed.
    10. Unfold ½ the sheet on the side you are working and tuck into corners under the mattress.
    11. Fanfold (accordion style) the other half of the sheet and leave in the center of the bed.
    12. Place the bed pad in the center of the bed. Open it on the side you are working. Fanfold it to the other side of the bed.
    13. Place top sheet in center of the bed lengthwise. Fanfold it to the other side of the bed.
    14. Go to the opposite side of the bed.
    15. Repeat steps 8-12, opening the fitted sheet and tucking it under the edges of the bed. Unfold the remaining half of the top sheet and bed pad.
    16. Add blankets and bedspreads.
    17. Miter corners of the bedding: To miter corners, grasp the edge of the bedding about 18 inches away from the end of the bed. Bring it up to the top of the bed. Hold it taut (tight) at about a 45 degree angle. It will look to be a triangular shape. Tuck the loose sheet hanging below underneath the mattress. Pick up the triangular shaped piece you made, place it over the side of the mattress, and tuck it under.
    18. Bring the top sheet and blankets down over the bedspread, forming a cuff. Smooth out any wrinkles.
    19. Remove the soiled pillowcase by turning it down and placing it inside out.
    20. Putting a pillowcase on a pillow: Method 1: Grasp the pillow in one hand and fold it in half so that it makes a V shape. Guide the pillow into the open end of the pillowcase, which is in your other hand. Smooth out the pillow inside the case. Method 2: Grasp the end of a pillowcase at the center of bottom seams. With your other hand, gather up the pillowcase so it is covering your hand. Grasp the pillow with the hand that is covered by the pillowcase. Pull the pillowcase down and over the pillow.
    21. Lower bed to lowest height. Raise bed rails.
    22. Remove and dispose of your gloves. Wash and dry your hands.
    23. Document completion of task.

    This page titled 12.9.1: Procedure- Making an Unoccupied Bed is shared under a CC BY 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Erin O'Hara-Leslie, Amdra C. Wade, Kimberly B. McLain, SUNY Broome (OpenSUNY) via source content that was edited to the style and standards of the LibreTexts platform; a detailed edit history is available upon request.