WASHING bedding can certainly be an annoying chore — but it's possible to space out how often you have to do it.
An expert's must-try tips can prolong the length between washes, and you don't have to surrender to sleeping in dirty sheets.
Gareth Coxall is the creative director at the UK-based homeware company Terrys.
Speaking to The U.S. Sun, he shared how to clean bedding and signs it’s time to buy new sheets.
CLEAN AND COZY
Coxall said bedding should be washed at least once a week.
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This is especially important as warm weather increases sweat throughout the night.
However, several factors may make once a week not often enough.
“You might need to wash your bedding even more frequently if you have a pet that sleeps on the bed with you,” Coxall said.
“If you have asthma or allergies that make you more sensitive to dust or pollen.
“If you habitually eat in bed or if your young children regularly sleep in your bed with you.
“In these cases, you should absolutely be washing your sheets more than once a week.”
RESTFUL ROUTINE
Coxall said bedding can be kept longer between washes if pets are kept off the bed.
He also recommended having a shower before going to sleep and limiting any potential debris from contacting the bed, “which means no more eating in bed.”
“These simple changes will improve the cleanliness of the bed instantly, helping to maintain it as a lovely environment in which to sleep,” he said.
Coxall said washing sheets regularly reduces exposure to a buildup of bacteria and allergens.
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If your bedding has pilling (small bobbles of rough fabric) and signs of thinning or fading, then it’s likely past its prime and in need of replacement.
Gareth Coxall
“Although it isn’t an immediate major health risk, sleeping in dirty bedding can trigger eczema or contact dermatitis,” he said.
“Those with conditions like asthma or other allergies like hay fever can see their general wellbeing improved by simply cleaning their bedding regularly.”
RINSE AND REPEAT
Coxall said bedding can last up to three years before showing any signs of wear.
He recommended getting a replacement if there is any piling, signs of thinning, or fading.
He shared advice for washing sheets without damaging the fabric.
“You don’t typically need to wash your bedding with harsh chemicals if you’re cleaning it regularly,” he said.
“Should you feel it’s in need of a deep clean, use a stain remover in conjunction with your usual cleaner and increase the temperature.
“Use a whitening powder if it’s a fully white set.
“A conditioner will help to keep it feeling soft – but just bear in mind not all of these are appropriate for sensitive skin.”
