There are few things that top getting into your bed at the end of the day than nice, clean, fresh bedding.
However, with busy lifestyles, such as work and looking after the family, it can be hard to find the time to give yourself this benefit. On the other hand, it’s always important to wash your bed linen regularly. But, how often should you wash it?
Washing your bed sheets is not everyone’s favourite household job but there are guides on how often everything should be cleaned, and we are here to help. From pillowcases to your mattress, we’ll guide you through how regularly they should be washed.
Read on to find out how often your bedding should be cleaned with The Mill Shop...
Cleaning your bed
How often you need to clean your bedding will be dependent on you and your family’s lifestyle.
For example, if you allow pets in your bed or you eat in bed, you’ll need to wash your bedding more regularly. Particularly, if you have any allergies then you may also have to wash your bedding more often than usual.
Bedding doesn’t stay clean for long, so it’s both important and essential to remember to clean your bed sheets to prevent germs and dust mites from harbouring.
They can multiply quickly in unwashed bedding. Mites don’t bite but they can cause allergic reactions. You can also bring dirt, sweat, body oils and skin cells to bed.
Tip: don’t make your bed as soon as you get up in the morning. A rearranged duvet can trap moisture and warmth inside your bed, attracting dust mites.
What is bedding?
When we say bedding, we mean the materials laid above the mattress of a bed which can be for hygiene, warmth, protection from the mattress, and decoration.
However, for the purposes of this blog, we’ll also include pillows and mattresses when it comes to cleaning. So, we’ll be discussing:
- Sheets
- Duvets and covers
- Pillows and pillowcases
- Mattresses and protectors
When to wash your sheets, duvet covers and pillowcases
When it comes to washing your bed linen, we essentially mean everything that your body will come in contact with.
This will include everything from sheets and pillowcases to duvets covers and mattress covers - it all depends on how your bed is made. Sheets should ideally be changed and washed every week, although other factors, such as allergies, may affect this.
We are well aware that time can be an issue when trying to change your sheets each week, so you should ensure that you have various sets of bedding.
That way, you can change your bedding but don’t have to wait for the ones you have taken off to be washed and dry.
When washing your sheets and other linens, always wash them at least at 60°C. A lower temperature will get rid of any potential dirt, but it will not kill pathogens or dust mites.
Dry the bedding in sunlight because the UV light helps to kill microorganisms.
How to wash pillows
Now we’ve discussed the bed linens, it’s time to move onto the parts of your bed that don’t need cleaning quite so often, starting with your pillows.
You should wash your pillows every three months because up to a third of the weight of your pillow can be made up of dead skin, bugs, dust mites and more. So, a more regular wash can be beneficial, such as every three months, is a good trend to get into.
Make sure you wash your pillows at a minimum of 60°C to kill mites and other bacteria before drying them quickly and thoroughly. It may be a good idea to choose hypoallergenic pillows which will improve hygiene.
How to wash a duvet
Duvets, like your pillows and sheets, will need to be washed at a high temperature, either by yourself or a dry cleaner, depending on their size and filling.
Duvets should be washed at least twice a year, so consider them when the seasons change and prior to use. Always check that your duvet is machine washable and, importantly, that your machine has the drum capacity before washing your duvet at home though.
If you can wash your duvet at home, make sure that you dry it as quickly as possible, especially if they have a natural fibre filling. This is because they will hold moisture and can become smelly if they’re left damp.
Tip: if your duvet has a high tog rating or is larger than king-size, it is often best to take it to a dry cleaner.
How to clean a mattress
While you should consider replacing your mattress every eight years, cleaning it is much more straightforward.
You should vacuum your mattress every couple of months but always check the mattress care guide as it can displace the filling inside. Use the upholstery attachment and a low setting on the cleaner to clean it. You should also include the bed frame and the areas underneath and surrounding the bed.
Mattress protectors will help to extend the life of your mattress, sitting underneath a sheet and so should be well cared for as a result.
You should wash a mattress protector every two months at a high temperature - like everything else. You may need to wash this more often if you allow pets on the bed.