The simple mistake people make when washing their bedding, according to expert
We spend roughly a third of our lives in bed, so it's crucial to have clean bedding to ensure a good night's sleep. Incredibly, more than 80 per cent of Brits say comfort of their bed and bedding correlates to how well they sleep.
Most of us also spend approximately seven hours in bed each night. Despite this, many of us aren’t looking after our bedding correctly, leading to poor bed hygiene, which can have a negative impact on our overall wellbeing.
Dr Seeta Shah, a medical expert at bamboo bedding brand Panda London, has emphasised the importance of maintaining clean bedding for overall health and wellness.
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"Bedding can harbour a variety of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, which can pose serious health risks," Dr Seeta explained.
"This bacteria can lead to numerous health problems, ranging from mild skin irritations, such as dermatitis, to more significant concerns, like infections.
"Bed linen is a common home for dust mites, a major trigger for asthma and allergy symptoms like nasal congestion, sneezing, and itchy eyes. For allergy sufferers, this can lead to disrupted sleep and compromised respiratory health."
Beauty and wellbeing expert Rose Mahon also warned that poor bed hygiene like leaving long periods between washing bed linen "can cause a build-up of sweat, oils, skincare and haircare products and bacteria on sheets."
She went on: "This can be a trigger for acne breakouts, as the build-up is easily transferred from unwashed sheets to your skin and able to contribute to clogged pores. Bacteria can also lead to irritation of the skin, which can heighten eczema and dry skin symptoms.”
With that in mind, to master bed hygiene and keep bedding clean and fresh, Tamir Teitelbaum, director at Panda London shares three mistakes people make when washing their bedding - and what to do instead.
Common bedding mistakes
1. Not washing bedding every one to two weeks
A solid bed hygiene routine starts with washing linen every one to two weeks, and more often when required. Manufacture guidelines should be followed to clean sheets effectively and keep them in the best condition.
Most bamboo and linen bedding washes well on a 30-degree wash. Linen sheets benefit from a gentle detergent to prevent shrinkage and maintain their softness.
Spot cleaning of sheets should also be carried out as required, in the instance of any smaller stains or spillages. In most cases massaging the area with a damp cloth and diluted detergent should lift any marks.
2. Over-drying bedding
Whilst it may be tempting to tumble dry your bedsheets after washing, this can contribute to skin irritation.
Excessive heat, such as that from the tumble dryer or direct sunlight, can cause damage to the fibres of bedding causing it to lose its softness. Instead, bed linen should be air-dried on a washing line or airer, but not in direct sunlight, to preserve its texture.
3. Not storing bedding appropriately between uses
Freshly washed bedding should be stored in a cool, dry place to prevent mildew and odours - solutions like breathable storage bags can also be a great way to protect sheets from dust mites and other pests.
Another option is to use a pillowcase from the set itself, especially if the bedding is made of breathable material such as bamboo, linen or cotton, which protects the sheets and keeps the matching set all together in one place.
"Establishing a bed hygiene routine for washing bed linens not only ensures cleanliness but also prolongs the lifespan of your bedding products," Tamir said. "Using a bed hygiene routine to its full advantage is crucial for creating a fresh and comfortable sleep environment that promotes optimal sleep and overall wellbeing.”
If you've recently been unwell, the doctor says it's "imperative" to wash your bedding more frequently to prevent the accumulation of pathogens and reinfection.
Individuals who notice the onset of skin complaints should also launder their bed linens and considering hypoallergenic materials to mitigate potential triggers.
