However often you wash your bedding, there’s always that nagging feeling in the back of your mind that you should be doing it more often.
And with the amount of faff it takes to strip your sheets, stuff it all in the washing machine and then get it to dry – especially in winter – it can be something it’s very easy to keep putting off.
As well as being an important part of your comfort at bedtime, your bedding also plays a huge part in your personal hygiene.
Beds fill up with dirt, hair, dust and sweat which all transfer onto your bedsheets.
People who are particularly sensitive to this detritus can end up with all sorts of allergies, rashes and flare ups if left unclean, too.
Now homeware brand DUSK has claimed that you should be washing your bedding twice a month, or every two weeks.
Jade Crooks, Commercial Director at DUSK, said: “Clean bedding is not only key for your comfort but also your hygiene. When you sleep your body releases natural oils and sweat which get transferred onto your bed sheets. So, just as you wash your clothes regularly, it’s as important to maintain the cleanliness of your bedding.
“When it comes to washing your bedding, set the temperature of your washing machine to between 30-40 degrees Celsius. This is the optimal temperature to effectively remove dirt, body oils and to kill bacteria, while still protecting the fibres of your bedding. Not only will this temperature effectively clean your sheets, but it will also help to maintain the quality of your bedding for longer.
“On top of the dirt from your own body, dust mites, pet hair, and other allergens build up on your sheets over time. Therefore, regularly washing your sheets will help to reduce irritants and avoid any potential skin or allergic reactions that could happen from being in contact with them.
“In terms of how often you should be washing your sheets, it is generally recommended that you wash them twice a month. However, if you have been sick or are experiencing an increase in allergy symptoms you may want to wash them sooner.
“When it comes to drying your bedding, we recommend air drying or tumble drying on a low setting. The prolonged exposure to the high heat can damage the fibres in the fabric and result in bobbling to your duvet cover and pillowcases.
“If you are worried about getting your bedding washed and dried in time for you to get into bed, a great tip is to invest in two sets of sheets. Then you can quickly change your sheets without the pressure of getting them cleaned and dry on the same day.”
