Many people dread washing bed sheets, as they occupy a significant amount of space in a laundry load and typically require higher wash temperatures than other fabrics. This often leads people to delay laundering their bedding as long as possible. However, with each use, bedding collects dead skin and dirt that may not be immediately visible.
Considering that the average person spends nearly a third of their life sleeping, frequent washing is vital for maintaining good sleep hygiene. Nevertheless, experts at the Sleep Foundation indicate that most individuals do not wash their sheets often enough. They state: “Even after a few days, bed sheets can accumulate significant amounts of dirt, dead skin cells, body oils, sweat, and dust mites – including their carcasses and faecal matter.”
Dust mites multiply rapidly, feeding exclusively on dead skin cells. Tens of thousands of dust mites can inhabit your mattress and bedding at any given time, but washing sheets regularly is the most effective way to eliminate them.
The Sleep Foundation recommends that people wash their sheets at least once per week, but this may increase based on other factors: “Those who share their bed with a pet should clean their sheets every three to four days”, urged the sleep experts.
Additionally, anyone who experiences allergies or night sweats should wash their sheets more frequently.
Cleaning enthusiast and author of Live, Laugh, Laundry, Laura Mountford (@Lauracleanaholic), says that hot weather means bedding will get dirtier faster.
She suggests washing pillowcases, duvet covers and sheets twice a week in the summer.
Laura notes that it is easier than most people think, thanks to the efficiency of modern detergents; there’s no longer a need to wash bedding at high temperatures.
Laura says that if you invest in good-quality detergents, they will clean effectively even on cool washes as low as 20 degrees.
If you are still dubious about washing bedding at this temperature, it could be worth using a laundry cleanser to kill bacteria and viruses.
In-wash scent boosters can prolong the fresh-scent of clean laundry, but many experts agree that drying bedding outdoors is just as effective – and uses no chemicals.
Lenor’s laundry professionals explain that line-dried clothes have a unique smell, thanks to the photochemical reaction that takes place when solar rays hit wet fabric.
They said, “Hung outside, the ultraviolet light from the sun kills bacteria effectively in your laundry.”
How to wash bed sheets
Regardless of how often you wash your bedding, it’s important to always read and follow all of the care instructions on the label.
- First, pretreat stains, wash your bed sheets separately from other items, and avoid mixing lights, darks, and colours. The Sleep Foundation notes that overcrowding the washing machine can prevent a thorough cleanse.
- Set the washing machine to the appropriate temperature setting.
- Use a gentle detergent according to your machine’s instructions.
- Set your machine to a gentle cycle.
- If you have sensitive skin, consider washing your bed sheets a second time in just water to remove lingering detergent residue.
- Immediately transfer the bed sheets to the dryer or clothesline to avoid mould growth and odour.
