Washing bed sheets may seem like a straightforward chore, but opinions are often divided about the best temperature for a proper clean. While some prioritise energy efficiency with lower temperatures, others prefer hotter washes to eliminate germs and allergens.
But according to cleaning experts at Fantastic Services, washing at the wrong temperature could allow thousands of dust mites to thrive in your bedding. Throughout the night, sheets collect dead skin cells, body oils, sweat, and even bacteria and viruses. However, dust mites pose one of the biggest concerns. The experts warned: “Dust mites live exclusively on dead skin cells so they thrive in beds and bedding.
“Almost all households have them, and if unchecked, their numbers can reach many thousands.”
Thankfully, regular washing can keep dust mite populations under control, but only if done correctly.
To wash sheets properly, experts recommend following a few key steps – including choosing the right water temperature.
According to the specialists: “Generally speaking, the best temperature to wash bedding is between 30 to 40 degrees.”
This range effectively cleans sheets while preventing damage to the fabric.
However, checking individual care labels is important, as some materials may require lower or higher temperatures.
Other key tips include ensuring the washing machine isn’t overloaded – since sheets “only get cleaner” if they have “plenty of room to move around”.
It’s also recommended to avoid washing them with rougher laundry items like towels, which can cause pilling or damage over time.
For best results, households should also avoid using too much detergent, as excess product can “damage” fibres and cause bedding to wear out faster.
Stain removers should only be used when absolutely necessary, and machine instructions should always be checked to ensure the correct detergent amount is used.
