There are things in our bed sheets, blankets and duvets that we really do not want to leave there for long
A microbiologist has shared advice on how often you should wash your bedding. And she said that some items may require more attention than you expect.
Primrose Freestone, a Senior Lecturer in Clinical Microbiology at the University of Leicester, said we leave behind “hundreds of thousands of skin cells” each night. This subjects our sheets to countless bacteria and fungi.
Her information in an article for The Conversation highlights the importance of regular laundry for bed linen. She stated: “Each night, as we sleep, we shed hundreds of thousands of skin cells, excrete oils from our sebaceous glands, and sweat up to half a pint of fluid – even if we’ve showered just before bed.”
Dr Freestone continued, explaining how bacteria and fungi on our skin end up on our bedsheets and duvets throughout the night. “Our skin hosts millions of bacteria and fungi, many of which are transferred onto sheets, pillows and duvets as we move during the night. That fresh sweat may be odourless, but bacteria on our skin, particularly staphylococci, break it down into smelly byproducts. This is often why you wake up with body odour, even if you went to bed clean,” she said.
In addition, Primrose drew attention to pollutants attaching to our bodies and hair while outside, all of which find their way into our bedding, reports Gloucestershire Live. “These can trigger allergies, affect breathing, and contribute to poor air quality in the bedroom,” she said.
Adding to this worry, the skin cells we shed nightly serve as food for microscopic creatures known as dust mites. These critters thrive in the moist, warm environment found within mattresses and bedding.
“The mites themselves aren’t dangerous, but their faecal droppings are potent allergens that can aggravate eczema, asthma and allergic rhinitis,” she said. “Fungi also find your bed appealing. Some species, like aspergillus fumigatus, have been detected in used bed pillows and can cause serious lung infections, particularly in people with weakened immune systems.”
How often should you wash your bedding?
Primrose offered her guidance on when and how to clean specific types of bedding.
Sheets and pillowcases
- Every week, or every three to four days if you’ve been ill, sweat heavily, or share your bed with a pet
- This needs to be done to get rid of sweat, oils, microbes, allergens and dead skin cells
- Wash at 60C or higher. Use detergent to kill bacteria and dust mites. For a deeper clean, tumble dry or iron
- To target dust mites inside pillows, you can also, believe it or not, freeze for at least eight hours
Mattresses
- Give them a hoover at least every week (that’s right) and air the mattress every few days
- The reason for this is sweat increases moisture levels. Basically, it creates a breeding ground for mites
- Primrose recommends using a plastic or allergen-proof mattress protector. She says you should replace the mattress every seven years to maintain hygiene and support
Pillow interiors
- You should wash them every four to six months. But just check the label in advance.
- The reason for this is because internal filling can have bacteria and mould
- You need to wash thoroughly and dry completely. This is to avoid fungal growth
Blankets and duvet covers
- Wash them every two weeks. You should do it more often if pets sleep on them
- Why? Well, because blankets and duvet covers trap skin cells, sweat and allergens
- You should wash at 60C or as high as the care label allows. Some guidance also advises treating them like towels: regular and hot washes keep them clean
Duvets
- Wash these every three to four months, depending on circumstances
- This is due to the fact that even with a cover, body oils and mites eventually seep into the filling
- Check the label, however. Many duvets are machine-washable, others may require professional cleaning
Primrose added: “Your bed may look clean – but it’s teeming with microbes, allergens, mites and irritants that build up fast. Washing your bedding isn’t just about keeping things fresh; it’s a matter of health.
“Regular laundering removes the biological soup of sweat, skin, dust and microbes, which helps to reduce allergic reactions, prevent infections and keep odours at bay. And as research continues to show the profound effect of sleep on everything from heart health to mental clarity, a hygienic sleep environment is a small but powerful investment in your wellbeing.”
