Showering daily and practicing good hygiene are not the only ways to keep yourself healthy. It is equally important to take care of your sleeping environment by regularly changing and washing your bed sheets and night clothes. This is due to the accumulation of bacteria, dirt, and sweat that can transfer to your bedding during sleep.
Why Regularly Changing Bed Sheets is Necessary
While you sleep, your body sheds skin cells and produces sweat, both of which are absorbed by your bedding. This creates a fertile ground for bacterial growth and dust mites. Add to that the fact that your bed sheets come in direct contact with your skin for approximately eight hours every night, accumulating even more sweat and impurities.
As disturbing as it may sound, it's not just your bed sheets that become a home for bacteria and dust mites. Your night clothes also harbor these tiny organisms. Changes in your bed linen and nightwear are recommended one to two times per week to keep these uninvited guests at bay.
How Often Should You Change Your Bed Sheets
The frequency of changing your bed sheets largely depends on your sleep and hygiene habits. If you sleep in pyjamas and shower in the evening, changing your bed sheets every two weeks should suffice. However, if you prefer sleeping naked and shower in the morning, then you should consider changing your bed sheets on a weekly basis.
Washing Bed Sheets and Bedding
When it comes to washing your bed sheets, there are a few key pointers to remember. Firstly, immediately place the dirty sheets in a dedicated hamper to avoid them coming into contact with clean laundry. Secondly, wash them at a minimum of 40°C. For maximum disinfection, consider increasing this to 60°C. Lastly, use a quality detergent that's appropriate for your type of laundry. For added safety, antibacterial detergents are recommended.
Frequency of Washing Other Bedding Items
Now let's talk about other bedding items. For pillows, it's advisable to wash them every month. If you suffer from allergies, you may need to increase this frequency. Your duvet should be washed at least twice a year, but you can do it more often if necessary.
As for the mattress, it's a good idea to use a washable mattress protector and clean it every two months. This will help prevent the accumulation of dirt, sweat, and bacteria. Remember, the frequency of washing your bedding depends on your personal sleep habits, activity level, and preferences.