Frequencies for washing bed sheets explained by a microbiologist
In the quest for a good night's sleep, it's essential to ensure that our bedding remains clean and hygienic. After all, we spend approximately a third of our lives in bed, and a cozy, fresh environment can significantly improve the quality of our sleep. Here's a comprehensive guide on how often to wash various bedding items to maintain their hygiene and support better rest.
**Sheets and Pillowcases**
Wash these items weekly, or every three to four days if you've been ill, sweat heavily, or share your bed with pets. This is to remove sweat, oils, microbes, allergens, and dead skin cells. Wash at 60°C or higher with detergent to kill bacteria and dust mites.
**Mattresses**
Vacuum your mattress at least once a week and air it every few days. Sweat increases moisture levels, creating a breeding ground for mites. To prevent this, use a plastic or allergen-proof mattress protector and replace the mattress every seven years.
**Pillow Interiors**
Wash pillow interiors every four to six months. Internal filling can harbor bacteria and mold. Wash thoroughly and dry completely to avoid fungal growth.
**Blankets and Duvet Covers**
Wash these items every two weeks, or more frequently if pets sleep on them. They trap skin cells, sweat, and allergens. Wash at 60°C or as high as the care label allows.
**Duvets/Comforters**
Wash duvets once a month or every other month, or more frequently if you sleep with pets. Duvets can accumulate allergens and dust mites over time. Wash according to the care label; typically, dry cleaning is recommended if not machine washable.
Following these tips for washing your bedding isn't just about keeping it fresh - it's a matter of health. Dust mites feed on the skin flakes shed every night, and their feces are potent allergens that can exacerbate eczema, asthma, and allergic rhinitis.
Moreover, fungi like Aspergillus fumigatus can be found in used pillows and can cause serious lung infections, especially in people with weakened immune systems.
In a 2022 YouGov study, only 28% of Britons wash their linens once a week, while some leave laundry for eight weeks or more between washes. However, it's crucial to prioritise regular washing to maintain the hygiene and longevity of your bedding, and most importantly, to support the normal functioning of the brain and overall health through better sleep.
Regularly washing bedding items isn't merely about maintaining cleanliness; it contributes significantly to one's health. Dust mites, which feed on skin cells shed every night, can be found in unclean bedding, and their feces are potent allergens that can worsen conditions like eczema, asthma, and allergic rhinitis. Additionally, certain fungi, such as Aspergillus fumigatus, can thrive in used pillows and potentially cause severe lung infections, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems. Therefore, prioritizing frequent washing of bedding, as advised in the guide, can help support better sleep, improve overall mental and physical health, and contribute to the normal functioning of the brain.
