Getting a good night’s sleep is essential for making sure you wake up feeling rejuvenated and ready to face the day.
Because of this, comfort is key – and there’s nothing worse than tossing and turning all night trying to find a good spot to sleep in.
Our bedding plays a huge role in how comfortable we are when it’s time to get some rest for the night.
But it turns out many of us are making a vital error when it comes to caring for our bed sheets, which can end up ruining them and disrupting our sleep too.
That’s according to experts from bamboo bedding brand Panda London, who have lifted the lid on the common laundry mistakes that can spell disaster for your favourite bedding.
Tamir Teitelbaum, director of the company, is aiming to help people improve their sleep hygiene by keeping their bedding as soft, clean and comfortable as possible.
But one step in the laundry routine could be causing a lot of damage to your sheets, leaving them rough and unpleasant to sleep on.
Whilst it may be tempting to tumble dry your bedsheets after washing, this can contribute to skin irritation, according to the expert.
Excessive heat, such as that from the tumble dryer or direct sunlight, can cause damage to the fibres of bedding causing it to lose its softness.
Instead, the experts recommend that bed linen should be air-dried on a washing line or airer, but not in direct sunlight, to preserve its texture.
Washing your bedding every one to two weeks is also recommended, with spot cleaning of sheets also carried out as required, in the instance of any smaller stains or spillages.
In most cases, massaging the area with a damp cloth and diluted detergent should lift any marks.
After taking the time to wash and dry bed linen correctly, you need to ensure it is stored properly too.
Freshly washed bedding should be stored in a cool, dry place to prevent mildew and odours, and solutions like breathable storage bags can also be a great way to protect sheets from dust mites and other pests.
Another option is to use a pillowcase from the set itself, especially if the bedding is made of breathable material such as bamboo, linen or cotton, which protects the sheets and keeps the matching set all together in one place.
Tamir said: “Establishing a bed hygiene routine for washing bed linens not only ensures cleanliness but also prolongs the lifespan of your bedding products. Using a bed hygiene routine to its full advantage is crucial for creating a fresh and comfortable sleep environment that promotes optimal sleep and overall wellbeing.”
