‘Ideal temperature’ to wash bedding at to kill bacteria and dust mites

Lynsey Queen of Clean shares her laundry tip

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How often and at what temperature is a common debate, but this often depends on the type of material as well as the type of detergent used. In the summer, bedding should also be washed more frequently than in the winter, as it can help to keep dust mites at bay. Experts have shared top tips on washing bed sheets as well as the “ideal” temperature to use.

Experts at www.pizualinens.com told Express.co.uk: “The bedroom, in a dream world, is the most peaceful place in the house.

“It’s the room that you go to rest, revitalise your mind, body and soul and awaken ready to tackle the next day.

“The following bedroom hygiene facts, however, might change the way that you lay your head on the pillow.”

According to the pros, dust mites multiply very quickly which can be a huge issue to get rid of. They live and die inside mattresses, upholstered furniture, bedding material and more.

Anywhere there is fabric, there is a potential risk for dust mite allergies. The experts added: “Dust mites are tiny arachnids that love to chomp on skin cells shed by people, all 15 million of them each night, and chill in a humid and warm environment.

“As you can imagine, your bed is the equivalent to the finest all expenses paid luxury resort for dust mites.

“You might be horrified to learn that a mated female house dust mite can lay up to 100 eggs in the last five weeks of life.”

Thankfully, there are multiple ways to keep dust mites at bay, including washing bedding often and at a certain temperature.

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The pros recommended washing all bedding, including pillowcases on a 60 degree wash to make sure bacteria is killed.

They noted: “This temperature is ideal for killing dust mites and allergens.”

It is also important to ensure they dry fully before putting them back into storage or back on the bed.

Not doing so can lead to nasty smells and a build-up of bacteria, including potential mould.

As well as washing bed sheets at 60C, it is also important to change or rotate them regularly.

Lucy Ackroyd, Head of Design at Christy, said: “Wash and change your bedding at least once a week.

“If you have pets sleeping on your bed or you’re an allergy sufferer, particularly in hay fever season, I’d recommend upping it to twice a week.

“It’s important not to neglect your inner bedding either so aim to wash your duvet and pillows at least twice a year as even with linen covering them, the inner fillings can absorb dead skin cells and body oils and odours.”

The expert also recommended opting for gentle detergents.

Lucy explained: “Harsher chemicals can damage the fabric over time leaving you with stiff, coarse sheets.

“Avoid using detergents containing bleach which tend to be too harsh for cottons and natural fibres.

“For any stubborn stains, spot treat the area before washing to prevent using unnecessarily harsh chemicals on the whole sheet which can quickly ruin the overall quality and feel.”

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