It might seem simple to just throw your bedding in a washing machine, but sometimes this is not enough to make sure the fabric has been cleaned properly. Dust mites can begin to be a real problem in September, as it is often when we begin to turn our heating on, which creates the perfect humid environment for them to thrive.
One dust mite can lay up to 100 eggs in their lifetime, and as their numbers multiply they can disrupt your sleep by irritating your skin, causing watery eyes and leading to a stuffy nose. However, Clare, a linen expert from Belle Dorm, has shared a really simple way to keep your bed and free of germs and any microscopic insects – and all you need to do is open a window.
Clare said: “Once in a while, air your bedroom by leaving the windows open and pulling your sheets back, which will help fight germs, bed bugs and dust mites.”
It might sound silly, but we tend to sweat a lot in our sleep, and this moisture can become trapped in sheets and pillowcases even if they are being washed regularly.
Excess moisture encourages the growth of bacteria on fabrics, which can cause to dust mite and may even lead to mould growth or attract bed bugs.
However, pulling back the sheets allows moisture to evaporate rather than soak into the bedding, which helps keep your bed much more hygienic.
Opening up a window to help air out bedding is very simple and one of the best ways to keep your bed dry which will discourage any germs or dust mites from crawling on the sheets.
How to keep your bedding properly cleaned in autumn
All you need to do is open a window for 10 minutes in the morning, and then pull your duvet and any blankets to the bottom of your bed. You can then leave the bedding to freshen it up, or close your window and made your bed.
This helps the sheets breathe to get rid of any moisture as well as any microbial build up so your bed stays comfy in the colder weather.
However, airing out bedding does not replace washing it, but merely break up any build up. You still need to wash bedsheets at least at 40C to kill any bacteria, and should be cleaning your bedding at least once every two weeks.
Clare added: “Experts recommend washing your sheets once a week ideally, but certainly not waiting any longer than a fortnight to get them a date with the washing machine.”