During the cost of living crisis, many have adjusted their laundry habits by setting their washing machines to 30 degrees to cut down on energy costs. Yet, when it comes to making sure our bedsheets are germ-free, some still opt to wash at temperatures as high as 60 or even 90 degrees.
But a sleep expert has shed light on why such high temperatures aren’t needed to achieve cleanliness. Chris Tattersall from Woolroom suggests that 40 degrees is the sweet spot for laundering bedsheets, ensuring bacteria and dust mites are eradicated without sending your energy bills soaring.
He advises: “Washing your bed sheets is a task that should be completed once a week, which can be extended to two weeks should you not sleep in your bed every evening.”
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“This regularity is one that surprises many but is a result of bed sheets gathering large quantities of dead skin, sweat, body oils, dirt and most notably dust mites. Common throughout the home, dust mites thankfully do not bite, but they can irritate the skin and are a known cause of aggravating allergy symptoms.”
For those with skin conditions such as eczema and respiratory issues like asthma, Chris, a proclaimed sleep guru, emphasizes the importance of a more frequent cleaning schedule to help relieve symptoms. He points out: “Should you suffer from eczema or asthma, cleaning your sheets more regularly is the best way to alleviate symptoms.”, reports the Mirror.
“Moreover, in the summer months, you should clean your sheets more regularly due to the warmer weather which can cause excess sweating at night. When it comes to the washing, this should be done on a regular 40-degree wash.”
He also stressed the importance of checking other bedding components regularly, highlighting: “With duvets and mattress protectors, these have a lifespan of around five years, though this will be determined by the fibres used in your duvet. All of the dead skin and body oil, combined with your sweat as you sleep, is absorbed by your bedding, making it a breeding ground for dust mites by providing them with a food source.”
This could lead to irritations such as red eyes and a stuffy nose which disrupt your sleep, underlining the importance of keeping your bedding spotless. Additionally, he pointed out a clear sign that it’s time to replace a duvet: “You can tell if a duvet has come to the end of its life when it feels limp and thin, a result of the filling being compressed which in turn means that the fibres are no longer able to trap air, and therefore maintain body temperature effectively.”