Am I really writing about laundry.........YES. I recently addressed the importance of sleep for our health and shortly after, saw an article about bedding and the impact washing our sheets has. It got me thinking about how many of us truly understand the importance of this particular household task. Sure, we all wash our bed sheets, but the frequency is what really matters.
At the end of a long day, there's nothing quite like the feeling of slipping into a bed made with fresh sheets in a tidy bedroom. It's one of life's simple joys. Yet, the process of washing, drying, and folding those sheets (and maybe even your comforter) can be quite a chore. It's no wonder many of us tend to delay it. A recent study revealed that most of us aren't washing our sheets near as often as we should.
We all know that getting a good night's sleep is important for our health and well-being, but how often do we think about how clean our bed sheets are? Many people forget this important part of personal hygiene. Sleeping in a fresh, clean bed can greatly improve your sleep quality and overall health.
Why is Regular Washing so Important ?
· To eliminate dust mites. Dust mites are tiny creatures that live in warm, humid places like our beds. They eat dead skin cells from people and pets and often cause allergies and asthma. Washing your bed sheets regularly in hot water (at least 130°F or 54°C) can kill dust mites and reduce their numbers, which helps improve breathing.
To remove dead skin cells and body oils. Every night, our bodies shed dead skin cells and produce oils. As we’re sleeping, our bodies can produce a lot of sweat, especially in warm weather or if we have night sweats. This sweat gets into our bed sheets making them moist and perfect for bacteria and fungi to grow. Unwashed bedding can contain a multitude of harmful germs that we can’t even see.
To prevent skin irritations and infections. Dirty bed sheets can cause skin irritations and infections. Bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus and fungi like Candida can grow well in the warm, moist conditions of an unwashed bed. These germs can lead to skin problems like folliculitis and athlete's foot. Keeping your bed sheets clean helps prevent these infections and keeps your skin healthier.
If you allow pets to sleep on your bed, their fur, skin flakes, and saliva can build up on your sheets. This can make allergies and asthma worse, because pet dander (which is their dead skin cells) is a common trigger for these conditions. Additionally, if your pets spend time outdoors, they could bring in pests like fleas or ticks into your bed, which you definitely don't want.
We also carry outdoor pollutants into our homes on our clothes and bodies. These can transfer to our bed sheets in the form of dust and dirt. This stuff can be dust, pollen, and even chemicals from pollution or pesticides. When we get into bed, these things can move onto our sheets causing allergies or other health problems.
When staying at a hotel, the cleanliness of the bedding is something to keep in mind. Hotels generally wash their sheets and pillowcases between guests, but blankets and bedspreads might not be cleaned as frequently. To be safe, you can ask the hotel staff about their cleaning practices or bring your own lightweight blanket. It's also a good idea to check the bed for any signs of dirt or stains when you first arrive.
If you have allergies, you might want to bring your own pillow or an allergy-proof pillow cover. Hotels can have dust mites just like any other place, and using your own pillow can help reduce the risk of allergic reactions. Overall, being aware of these small details can make your hotel stay more comfortable and enjoyable.
Another thing to keep in mind is that bed bugs are a concern in some hotels. These tiny pests can be found in even the cleanest establishments. They can easily hitch a ride on luggage, clothing, and other belongings, making their way from one guest to another and ultimately making their way back to your home.
While the occurrence of bed bugs in hotels isn't extremely common, it does happen often enough to warrant caution. According to a 2018 survey by the National Pest Management Association, 75% of pest control professionals reported treating bed bug infestations in hotels and motels.
To protect yourself, inspect the bed, mattress seams, and surrounding areas for any signs of bed bugs, such as small brown spots or tiny, rust-colored bugs. They can also be found in dressers. It is recommended to hang clothes in the closet or even keep them in your suitcase if possible.
If you find any, notify hotel management immediately and request a different room.
Some Practical Tips for Washing Our Bed Sheets:
Frequency
The general recommendation is to wash your bed sheets at least once a week. However, if you have allergies, asthma, or if you sweat excessively during sleep, you may need to wash them more frequently.
Temperature
Washing your bed sheets in hot water (at least 130°F or 54°C) is crucial for killing dust mites and removing body oils, sweat, and other contaminants. If your sheets are made of delicate fabrics, check the care label for the maximum recommended washing temperature.
Detergent
Use a mild, fragrance-free detergent to avoid skin irritations and allergies. If you have sensitive skin, consider using a hypoallergenic detergent.
Drying
Damp sheets can become a breeding ground for mold and mildew. It’s even possible to dry your sheets in direct sunlight if you have a line outside, as UV rays can help kill bacteria and dust mites. Not many of us are in tune with the ‘old fashioned’ way of doing things so we need to ensure after they come out of the dryer they are thoroughly dry before making the bed.
Additional Bedding
Don't forget to wash other bedding items, such as pillowcases, duvet covers, and mattress protectors, regularly. These items can also harbor dust mites, bacteria, and allergens.
Some people may be concerned about the environmental impact of frequent washing. To mitigate this, consider washing bed sheets with a full load of laundry to save water and energy. Using energy-efficient appliances and eco-friendly detergents can also help reduce environmental footprints also.
Some may be concerned that frequent washing can wear out fabrics faster. To extend the life of bed sheets, use a gentle wash cycle and avoid harsh detergents and bleach. Rotating multiple sets of bed sheets can also reduce wear and tear, as each set will be washed less frequently.
If you’ve been travelling and suspect you have brought bed bugs home, here are some tips to help:
Remove all bedding carefully to avoid spreading the bugs. Place the sheets, pillowcases, blankets, and any other bedding directly into a plastic bag to prevent the bugs from escaping or spreading to other areas.
Wash all bedding in hot water. Set your washing machine to the highest temperature setting (at least 130°F or 54°C) as bed bugs and their eggs cannot survive high heat.
After washing, immediately transfer the bedding to a dryer. Dry on the highest heat setting for at least 30 minutes. The heat from the dryer will kill any remaining bed bugs and their eggs.
While your bedding is being washed and dried, thoroughly vacuum your mattress, focusing on seams and crevices where bed bugs like to hide. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter if possible. Dispose of the vacuum bag or empty the canister outside immediately after vacuuming.
Wash any clothing or other fabric items that were in or near the infested area. Use the same high heat washing and drying method.
Regularly inspect your bed and surrounding areas for signs of bed bugs. Keep your bedroom clutter-free to reduce hiding spots.
It’s not that common but good practise when traveling to inspect hotel rooms and keep luggage off the floor and bed.
In the end, regularly washing our bed sheets is essential for staying healthy and clean. Keeping up on this household routine reduces allergens, prevents skin irritations and infections and keeps critters out.
Again, the general recommendation is to wash your bedding once a week. However, if you have allergies or sensitive skin, you might need to wash your bedding every few days.
There are so many benefits to cleaning our sheets regularly. Clean sheets feel and smell fresh, making us more comfortable and the National Sleep Foundation says that a clean sleeping environment greatly reduces stress.
So here’s to fresh clean sheets and an amazing sleep every night!