There is a constant debate on how often you should wash your bedding, and with fears of a flu surge this winter an expert is urging Brits to wash their bedding more.
Dr. Yvonne Young, the London regional deputy director for the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), indicated that hospitalisations due to flu and COVID-19 are expected to rise in the upcoming weeks.
This follows a recent survey revealing that one in three people plan to skip their essential vaccine shots, even when they are at increased risk of contracting the big three (common flu, RSV, and COVID-19).
While washing your bedding won’t make you immune to these illnesses, sleeping on unclean sheets can negatively impact your health and cause skin irritation. This is because the natural oils and sweat from our bodies build up on your sheets.
Over time, this bacteria can lead to various unpleasant issues, including eczema, acne, fungal infections, and disrupted sleep, reports the Mirror.
Jade Crooks from the homeware brand DUSK has noted that many Brits are unaware of how often they should be washing their sheets.
In a statement provided to the Mirror, she stated: “When it comes to washing your bedding, set the temperature of your washing machine to between 30-40 degrees Celsius.
“This is the optimal temperature to effectively remove dirt, body oils and to kill bacteria, while still protecting the fibres of your bedding. Not only will this temperature effectively clean your sheets, but it will also help to maintain the quality of your bedding for longer.”
She added: “On top of the dirt from your own body, dust mites, pet hair, and other allergens build up on your sheets over time. Therefore, regularly washing your sheets will help to reduce irritants and avoid any potential skin or allergic reactions that could happen from being in contact with them.”
Jade recommends cleaning your sheets twice a month, but advices those who have been sick or experiencing an ‘increase in allergy symptoms’ should clean them more often.
Additionally she suggests if your sheets aren’t air drying right through in the cold air of your house, then to use the tumble dryer on a ‘low setting’.
“Prolonged exposure to the high heat can damage the fibres in the fabric and result in bobbling to your duvet cover and pillowcases,” she explained. “If you are worried about getting your bedding washed and dried in time for you to get into bed, a great tip is to invest in two sets of sheets. Then you can quickly change your sheets without the pressure of getting them cleaned and dry on the same day.”
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