Each of us will spend about a third of our lives in bed, and while we often consider the importance of the style of mattresses, duvet covers and breathability of fabrics, we probably don't pay as much attention to the cleanliness of our sleeping environment. Here we share tips on handling bedding.
The average adult needs more than 7 hours of sleep every night and a clean, fresh and comfortable sleeping environment is the key to a good night's sleep. While sheets, duvet covers and pillowcases are generally washed quite frequently, for many the hygiene in bedding holds up. Although not as common, pillow protectors, mattress protectors, duvets, pillows and mattresses also need attention.
The average adult loses 285ml of moisture each night and loses 454g of dead skin over the course of a year – think dead skin cells, body oils, sweat and general grime that all build up in your pillows, duvets and mattresses as your sheets.
Unclean bedding can also be a breeding ground for dust mites that can cause rashes and irritation, potentially aggravating allergy symptoms. And although dust mites can be found in most homes, it is certainly advisable to clean your bedding regularly to keep them under control.
Read on for our tips for handling bedding…
How often should I wash my… sheets?
Your sheets should be washed once a week, but if you allow pets on your bed, you also have to deal with hair, dander and all the grime they bring in so it's recommended that you change sheets every 3-4 days to use.
Use the hottest wash setting stated on the product label:cotton can be washed on a warm wash (60°), while some other materials, such as polyester, can only be washed in warm water.
If you have sensitive skin, make sure to use non-organic detergent, which is less likely to irritate your skin. You may also consider rinsing the sheets twice to remove any detergent left behind.
Tumble dry on low, or hang your sheets to dry
Pillow protectors and mattress protectors need to be washed less often because they don't come in direct contact with your skin, ideally you should wash them every three to four weeks. If you change your bedding regularly, your duvet, pillows and mattress will also stay fresh longer.
How often should I wash my… duvet?
Duvets should be washed every three to six months to reduce the build-up of bacteria and potential allergens. Synthetic fiber duvets should be washed in a large washing machine according to the care label instructions.
Feather and down filled duvets require dry cleaning, so it may be worth keeping a clean spare duvet so you don't have the stress of taking the dirty duvet to the dry cleaners and pick it up the same day.
How often should I wash my… pillows?
Pillows should be washed every 4-6 months according to the care label instructions. Despite regular cleaning, bacteria will still build up, so it's important to replace your pillow every two years. Not only does this mean you can enjoy a clean and fresh pillow, but you will likely find it much more comfortable.
How often should I clean my… mattress?
In addition to body fluids and dead skin cells, an average mattress contains between 100,000 and 10 million dust mites – microscopic creatures that cause rashes and irritation and potentially worsen allergy symptoms. It is therefore essential to ensure that you clean your mattress every six months.
If you suffer from severe asthma or allergies, you should clean your mattress more regularly – about once a month to relieve the symptoms.
Traditional innerspring mattresses can be cleaned by stripping the bed and vacuuming the surface of the mattress to remove dust and dead skin cells before removing stains with a stain remover. Then let your mattress air out for a few hours to let the fabric breathe.
Memory foam mattresses can be spot cleaned with a damp (not wet) cloth or sponge, but it is best to check the instructions on the specific care label.
How often should I clean my… mattress topper?
Although mattress toppers do not come in direct contact with your skin, they should still be cleaned regularly to prevent the build-up of dead skin cells, body oils and sweat.
You should wash a topper every three months, in accordance with the changing seasons, to ensure that it stays clean and fresh and continues to protect your mattress effectively.
