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I'm an interior expert and here's how often you should really wash your bedsheets in summer – it's more than you think

I'm an interior expert and here's how often you should really wash your bedsheets in summer – it's more than you think

Scottish Sun15 hours ago

Plus, the exact temperature you should wash your sheets to get rid of bacteria
BED ON IT I'm an interior expert and here's how often you should really wash your bedsheets in summer – it's more than you think
MANY of us are guilty of putting off stripping the bed - it's such a loathsome chore, and sometimes it feels like it takes a lot of energy.
But changing our sheets is essential, especially during the summer when the hot weather arrives.
Advertisement
3
Sleeping during the hot summer months takes more of a toll on our bedsheets than sleeping during the winter months
Credit: Getty
3
So to help, experts have revealed how often we should be washing our bedsheets
Credit: Getty
The warmer temperatures mean most of us will be sweating through the night, even if we are putting the fans on.
And this, in turn, can leave stains and odours on our pillows and sheets that impact our sleep hygiene.
So, experts have revealed exactly how often everyone should be washing their bedding in the summer.
And it's more often than you might think.
Advertisement
Chloe Barrow, interior expert at Laura James, said that homeowners should wash their sheets at least twice a week during the summer.
And if you suffer from summer night sweats, then this number could actually be higher.
She said: 'In the warmer months, I recommend washing your bedding every week as a minimum.
"Hot nights mean more sweat and skin cells accumulate in the sheets.
Advertisement
"Not only can this make for an uncomfortable sleep, but it can also lead to odour or irritation if left too long.
"If you experience night sweats, are prone to allergies, or have pets sharing your bed, I recommend upping this to twice a week to help maintain freshness and to be hygienic."
My bed sheet trick gets wet laundry dry for free - I come from a family of six where the washing is never ending and it's a total game changer
But it's not just sweat and skin that make our bedding dirtier more quickly than during the winter months.
Leaving the window open and putting the fan on can also impact our bedding.
Advertisement
Chloe added: "You should definitely wash bedding more frequently in summer than winter.
"In colder months, our bodies sweat less, and we tend to wear more nightwear, creating a cleaner sleep environment.
"In summer, it's common to sleep with minimal clothing and open windows, which can bring in more pollen and outdoor particles.
Advertisement
"That's not to mention those who experience night sweats and the body oils your bedding absorbs from that.
"This combination makes regular washing essential if you want to stay on top of sleep hygiene."
Chloe also revealed the biggest mistake that people make when they clean their bedding.
HOW TO WASH & DRY BEDDING PROPERLY
CHLOE has also revealed what temperature we should be washing our bedding to make sure we get rid of all bacteria - and it's higher than you think.
She said: "In terms of temperature, 40 degrees Celsius is ideal for bedding in summer.
"While 30 degrees is more energy efficient, it isn't always enough to kill off bacteria or allergens.
"It also won't work if your bedding has visible stains, so a minimum of 40 degrees Celsius is advised.
"For pillowcases or sheets with heavy soiling, I'd recommend a hotter 60-degree wash, but always check care labels first.
"You can always boost a cooler wash with natural antibacterials like white vinegar or tea tree oil if needed."
When it comes to drying, however, she urges people not to use their tumble dryer.
Chloe added: "Air-drying is always best for bedding. If you have access to outdoor space, hang your sheets in direct sunlight as the UV rays naturally disinfect and the airflow helps reduce any smell.
"If you're relying on indoor drying, ensure you have good ventilation to prevent damp or mildew.
"Tumble drying should only be a backup rather than a first choice, particularly for delicate fabrics."
She said: "The most common mistake people make when cleaning bedding is not washing their pillows.
Advertisement
"No, I don't mean pillowcases, I mean actual pillows.
"I recommend doing this at least twice a year as a minimum, and treat them according to their filling.
"Synthetic pillows tolerate warmer washes.
"But feather or down should be washed cool and air-dried flat to avoid clumping or damage.
Advertisement
"If you're a night sweater, I'd recommend washing your pillows a couple of times over the summer period."

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At-home smear tests sent to women in NHS drive to slash cervical cancer cases
At-home smear tests sent to women in NHS drive to slash cervical cancer cases

Scottish Sun

time10 hours ago

  • Scottish Sun

At-home smear tests sent to women in NHS drive to slash cervical cancer cases

Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) DIY cervical cancer tests will be sent to women's homes under NHS plans to boost uptake and help eradicate the disease. The kits will be posted to those who have ignored or missed their smear test invitation and are therefore 'underscreened'. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Only 69 per cent of women take part in cervical cancer screening, well below the 80 per cent target Credit: Getty They contain a swab to self-sample the cervix for human papillomavirus (HPV), a group of viruses that cause 99 per cent of cervical cancers. The NHS wants to eliminate the cancer entirely by 2040 using screening and vaccination. But only 69 per cent of women take part in screening, well below the 80 per cent target. This means that more than five million women in England are not up to date with their check-ups. The screening programme saves an estimated 5,000 lives per year in England but the number could be higher with better uptake. Health chiefs said women may avoid their smear test for fear it will hurt or be embarrassing, or because they struggle to find the time. The new test is a quick at-home sample that is then sent off to a lab in the post. Health bosses hope it will help overcome barriers that prevent some women from attending cervical cancer screening appointments. The initiative will be rolled out in January 2026. Health Secretary Wes Streeting said: "These self-sampling kits represent healthcare that works around people's lives, not the other way around. Cervical cancer could be eradicated as HPV vaccine slashes 90% of cases 'They put women firmly in control of their own health, ensuring we catch more cancers at their earliest, most treatable stages.' 'We know the earlier cancer is diagnosed the better the chances are of survival. "By making screening more convenient, we're tackling the barriers that keep millions of women from potentially life-saving tests.' Research has suggested that offering DIY testing kits could boost uptake. A trial - led by King's College London in partnership with NHS England - found that offering self-sampling kits to "under-screened" women when they attend their GP practice and by posting kits to women's homes could boost uptake in England by about 400,000 each year. The Department of Health and Social Care said that the new programme "specifically targets those groups consistently missing vital appointments" including younger women, those from minority ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities and LGBTQ+ people. The initiative comes after the UK Health Security Agency revealed that young women in certain parts of England are at higher risk of cervical cancer due to "alarmingly" low uptake of HPV jabs. At-home cervical cancer screening is part of the government's upcoming 10 Year Health Plan, due to be published in the coming weeks, which will focus preventing illness instead of only treating it when symptoms appear. 2 Eve Appeal chief executive, Athena Lamnisos, said: 'There are so many different reasons why those who are eligible aren't responding to their cervical screening invitation letter. 'HPV self-testing will be a step change for some. Being able to do the test in their own time and following simple instructions is what many people want and need. "Ensuring that the under-screened and never screened know about this new test is vital for Eve." Michelle Mitchell, chief executive of Cancer Research UK, added: "We welcome the UK government's decision to roll out cervical cancer home screening kits in England – to help remove barriers and make cervical screening more accessible. 'The gold standard way to test for HPV is still a sample taken by a clinician and this will be suitable for most people. "But beating cervical cancer means beating it for everyone, and this move helps to bring us closer to that goal. "It's important to remember that cervical screening is for people without symptoms so, if you notice any unusual changes for you, do not wait for a screening invitation - speak to your doctor." The NHS Cervical Screening Programme invites women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64 for regular screening. Under current guidelines, people aged 25 to 49 are called back for a check-up every three years if they test negative for HPV, whereas 50 to 64-year-olds are invited for checks every five years. But from July, people who test negative during an in-person test with their clinician will be invited back after five years, rather than three, following a recommendation by the UK National Screening Committee. Who's at risk of cervical cancer? Nearly all cervical cancers are caused by an infection with certain high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is the name for a very common group of viruses that most people will get some type of HPV during their lives. It's very common and nothing to feel ashamed or embarrassed about. You can get HPV from any kind of skin-to-skin contact of the genital area, not just from penetrative sex. This includes: Vaginal, oral or anal sex Any skin-to-skin contact of the genital area Sharing sex toys In most cases your body will get rid of HPV without it causing any problems. But sometimes HPV can stay in your body for a long time and some types of high risk types of HPV can cause cervical cancer. If high risk types of HPV stay in your body, they can cause changes to the cells in your cervix. These changes may become cervical cancer if not treated. How to lower your risk of cervical cancer You can't always prevent cervical cancer. But there are things you can do to lower your chances of getting cervical cancer. Cervical screening and HPV vaccination are the best ways to protect yourself from cervical cancer. All women and people with a cervix between the ages of 25 and 64 are invited for regular cervical screening. It helps find and treat any changes in the cells of the cervix before they can turn into cancer. All children aged 12 to 13 are offered the HPV vaccine. It helps protect against the types of HPV that cause most cases of cervical cancer, as well as some other cancers and genital warts. You can also lower your chance of getting cervical cancer by: Using condoms, which lower your chance of getting HPV – but they do not cover all the skin around your genitals so you're not fully protected Quitting smoking – smoking can weaken your immune system and the chemicals in cigarettes can also cause cervical cancer Source: NHS The change comes after evidence showed that people who test negative for HPV are extremely unlikely to develop cervical cancer within the next decade. Anyone whose sample shows traces of HPV will continue to be invited to more frequent screenings. Digital invitations and reminders for cervical screening were also recently rolled out as part of the NHS App's 'ping and book' service to boost uptake. Cervical cancer symptoms, such as bleeding between periods and during sex, should be investigated by a GP. Around 13 high-risk types of HPV are known to cause 99.7 per cent of cervical cancers. They cause cell changes which can eventually turn cancerous. Dangerous strains of the common virus can also lead to mouth, anal, penile, vulval and vaginal cancer.

I'm an interior expert and here's how often you should really wash your bedsheets in summer – it's more than you think
I'm an interior expert and here's how often you should really wash your bedsheets in summer – it's more than you think

The Sun

time15 hours ago

  • The Sun

I'm an interior expert and here's how often you should really wash your bedsheets in summer – it's more than you think

MANY of us are guilty of putting off stripping the bed - it's such a loathsome chore, and sometimes it feels like it takes a lot of energy. But changing our sheets is essential, especially during the summer when the hot weather arrives. 3 The warmer temperatures mean most of us will be sweating through the night, even if we are putting the fans on. And this, in turn, can leave stains and odours on our pillows and sheets that impact our sleep hygiene. So, experts have revealed exactly how often everyone should be washing their bedding in the summer. And it's more often than you might think. Chloe Barrow, interior expert at Laura James, said that homeowners should wash their sheets at least twice a week during the summer. And if you suffer from summer night sweats, then this number could actually be higher. She said: 'In the warmer months, I recommend washing your bedding every week as a minimum. "Hot nights mean more sweat and skin cells accumulate in the sheets. "Not only can this make for an uncomfortable sleep, but it can also lead to odour or irritation if left too long. "If you experience night sweats, are prone to allergies, or have pets sharing your bed, I recommend upping this to twice a week to help maintain freshness and to be hygienic." My bed sheet trick gets wet laundry dry for free - I come from a family of six where the washing is never ending and it's a total game changer But it's not just sweat and skin that make our bedding dirtier more quickly than during the winter months. Leaving the window open and putting the fan on can also impact our bedding. Chloe added: "You should definitely wash bedding more frequently in summer than winter. "In colder months, our bodies sweat less, and we tend to wear more nightwear, creating a cleaner sleep environment. "In summer, it's common to sleep with minimal clothing and open windows, which can bring in more pollen and outdoor particles. "That's not to mention those who experience night sweats and the body oils your bedding absorbs from that. "This combination makes regular washing essential if you want to stay on top of sleep hygiene." Chloe also revealed the biggest mistake that people make when they clean their bedding. CHLOE has also revealed what temperature we should be washing our bedding to make sure we get rid of all bacteria - and it's higher than you think. She said: "In terms of temperature, 40 degrees Celsius is ideal for bedding in summer. "While 30 degrees is more energy efficient, it isn't always enough to kill off bacteria or allergens. "It also won't work if your bedding has visible stains, so a minimum of 40 degrees Celsius is advised. "For pillowcases or sheets with heavy soiling, I'd recommend a hotter 60-degree wash, but always check care labels first. "You can always boost a cooler wash with natural antibacterials like white vinegar or tea tree oil if needed." When it comes to drying, however, she urges people not to use their tumble dryer. Chloe added: "Air-drying is always best for bedding. If you have access to outdoor space, hang your sheets in direct sunlight as the UV rays naturally disinfect and the airflow helps reduce any smell. "If you're relying on indoor drying, ensure you have good ventilation to prevent damp or mildew. "Tumble drying should only be a backup rather than a first choice, particularly for delicate fabrics." She said: "The most common mistake people make when cleaning bedding is not washing their pillows. "No, I don't mean pillowcases, I mean actual pillows. "I recommend doing this at least twice a year as a minimum, and treat them according to their filling. "Synthetic pillows tolerate warmer washes. "But feather or down should be washed cool and air-dried flat to avoid clumping or damage. "If you're a night sweater, I'd recommend washing your pillows a couple of times over the summer period." 3

I'm an interior expert and here's how often you should really wash your bedsheets in summer – it's more than you think
I'm an interior expert and here's how often you should really wash your bedsheets in summer – it's more than you think

Scottish Sun

time15 hours ago

  • Scottish Sun

I'm an interior expert and here's how often you should really wash your bedsheets in summer – it's more than you think

Plus, the exact temperature you should wash your sheets to get rid of bacteria BED ON IT I'm an interior expert and here's how often you should really wash your bedsheets in summer – it's more than you think MANY of us are guilty of putting off stripping the bed - it's such a loathsome chore, and sometimes it feels like it takes a lot of energy. But changing our sheets is essential, especially during the summer when the hot weather arrives. Advertisement 3 Sleeping during the hot summer months takes more of a toll on our bedsheets than sleeping during the winter months Credit: Getty 3 So to help, experts have revealed how often we should be washing our bedsheets Credit: Getty The warmer temperatures mean most of us will be sweating through the night, even if we are putting the fans on. And this, in turn, can leave stains and odours on our pillows and sheets that impact our sleep hygiene. So, experts have revealed exactly how often everyone should be washing their bedding in the summer. And it's more often than you might think. Advertisement Chloe Barrow, interior expert at Laura James, said that homeowners should wash their sheets at least twice a week during the summer. And if you suffer from summer night sweats, then this number could actually be higher. She said: 'In the warmer months, I recommend washing your bedding every week as a minimum. "Hot nights mean more sweat and skin cells accumulate in the sheets. Advertisement "Not only can this make for an uncomfortable sleep, but it can also lead to odour or irritation if left too long. "If you experience night sweats, are prone to allergies, or have pets sharing your bed, I recommend upping this to twice a week to help maintain freshness and to be hygienic." My bed sheet trick gets wet laundry dry for free - I come from a family of six where the washing is never ending and it's a total game changer But it's not just sweat and skin that make our bedding dirtier more quickly than during the winter months. Leaving the window open and putting the fan on can also impact our bedding. Advertisement Chloe added: "You should definitely wash bedding more frequently in summer than winter. "In colder months, our bodies sweat less, and we tend to wear more nightwear, creating a cleaner sleep environment. "In summer, it's common to sleep with minimal clothing and open windows, which can bring in more pollen and outdoor particles. Advertisement "That's not to mention those who experience night sweats and the body oils your bedding absorbs from that. "This combination makes regular washing essential if you want to stay on top of sleep hygiene." Chloe also revealed the biggest mistake that people make when they clean their bedding. HOW TO WASH & DRY BEDDING PROPERLY CHLOE has also revealed what temperature we should be washing our bedding to make sure we get rid of all bacteria - and it's higher than you think. She said: "In terms of temperature, 40 degrees Celsius is ideal for bedding in summer. "While 30 degrees is more energy efficient, it isn't always enough to kill off bacteria or allergens. "It also won't work if your bedding has visible stains, so a minimum of 40 degrees Celsius is advised. "For pillowcases or sheets with heavy soiling, I'd recommend a hotter 60-degree wash, but always check care labels first. "You can always boost a cooler wash with natural antibacterials like white vinegar or tea tree oil if needed." When it comes to drying, however, she urges people not to use their tumble dryer. Chloe added: "Air-drying is always best for bedding. If you have access to outdoor space, hang your sheets in direct sunlight as the UV rays naturally disinfect and the airflow helps reduce any smell. "If you're relying on indoor drying, ensure you have good ventilation to prevent damp or mildew. "Tumble drying should only be a backup rather than a first choice, particularly for delicate fabrics." She said: "The most common mistake people make when cleaning bedding is not washing their pillows. Advertisement "No, I don't mean pillowcases, I mean actual pillows. "I recommend doing this at least twice a year as a minimum, and treat them according to their filling. "Synthetic pillows tolerate warmer washes. "But feather or down should be washed cool and air-dried flat to avoid clumping or damage. Advertisement "If you're a night sweater, I'd recommend washing your pillows a couple of times over the summer period."

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