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Maintaining clean bedding is essential for a restful night’s sleep, ensuring the simple joy of fresh sheets remains a daily treat. This includes properly washing your bed sheets, pillows, and duvets to remove dirt, oils, and allergens.
Optimal Washing Frequency for Bed Sheets
To effectively clean pillows and bed sheets, selecting the appropriate wash temperature is crucial. Experts at Soak and Sleep advise washing your bed sheets weekly or bi-weekly. Rotating between multiple sets of sheets can accommodate busy schedules. For allergy sufferers, weekly washing is recommended to maintain freshness and minimize allergens.
- Weekly Washing: Ideal for allergy sufferers and maintaining pristine white sheets.
- Bi-Weekly Washing: Suitable for general use with sheet rotation.
Even if bed sheets appear clean, bacteria can still be present, underscoring the importance of regular washing.
Determining the Best Water Temperature for Washing Bedding
Experts recommend checking care labels for specific instructions regarding the ideal water temperature for washing bed sheets and pillows.
According to bedding specialists:
“As a general rule, adhere to the care labels and follow the instructions.” Most fabrics can be cleaned in warm water at 40 degrees to remove dirt and natural body oils, while also eliminating germs.”
Benefits of Lower Temperature Washing
Opting for lower wash temperatures not only helps eliminate bacteria but also reduces energy consumption.
Modern detergents are formulated to perform effectively at lower temperatures, generally eliminating the need for hot washes for bedding.
However, for those who wait longer than a week between bed sheet washes, a higher temperature might be necessary to ensure thorough cleaning.
When to Consider Higher Washing Temperatures
Laundry experts at Melt suggest a 60-degree wash cycle for bed sheets and pillows that are not washed regularly, as lower temperatures may not fully eradicate bacteria, potentially leading to faster odor development.
Linens experts at Belledorm concur that 40 degrees is usually the “best temperature” for cleaning bedding.
However, should you postpone washing your bed sheets for an extended period or during cold and flu season, consider increasing the water temperature to ensure proper sanitation.