According to a bedding expert, here are the mistakes to avoid when it comes to washing your bed sheets to ensure long-lasting linen and to keep your home clean
Many Brits may be washing their sheets completely wrong – and reducing the bedding’s lifespan, according to bedding experts.
Your bed may not be as clean as you think. A mere 28 per cent of Brits change their sheets once a week, while 35 per cent wash them once every two weeks, according to YouGov research.
However, people are being urged to clean their bedding on a weekly basis as dust mites, dead skin and sweat build up quickly, which can turn your bed into a potential health hazard as you sleep. James Pilling, bedding expert and interior designer from My Furniture, explains why washing your bedding weekly is important.
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He says: “You might not realise it, but many people are washing their sheets all wrong. One of the biggest mistakes is not washing them often enough.
“We spend roughly eight hours a night in bed, so over a week, that’s a lot of time lying on the same fabric. If you wouldn’t wear the same clothes for seven days straight, the same principle applies to your bedding.”
He adds: “The golden rule is to wash your bedding weekly and avoid using a tumble dryer, which could damage the fabric.” But what other washing faux pas might you be making? James reveals four other mistakes to avoid in order to keep your sheets in optimal condition.
Washing with hot water
James explains: “Hot washes are one of the quickest ways to ruin bed linen. High temperatures break down cotton or silk fibres, leaving them brittle.”
He continues: “In fact, the fluff you see in the lint trap is actually part of your bedding. An eco cycle with warm water is far gentler on the fabric, as well as more eco-friendly.”
Adding clothing and bedding in the same wash
James says: “Never wash your sheets with clothes that have zips, buttons or other fastenings as they can snag or tear the fabric. Bedding should be washed in a separate load.”
Using harsh cleaning chemicals
James explains that the cleaning products you use make a big difference. He says: “Sheets usually need freshening up from sweat and skin cells. But too many harsh chemicals can do more harm than good, so stick to plant-based detergents and avoid fabric softener altogether.
He adds: “For an even gentler option, wash your sheets with a cup of borax or sodium bicarbonate instead, as it’s better for both your bedding and your washing machine.”
Using radiators to dry bedding
James warns: “Heat can seriously damage the fabric of your bedding. The best way to dry sheets is outside in the fresh air. This includes winter. As long as it’s not raining, you can usually get them dry, and your linen will remain intact.”