Latest news with #LauraMountford
Daily Record
20-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Sleep experts say we should be washing bed sheets more than we think
Many individuals put off washing their bed sheets, as they take up a lot of space in the washing machine and often require higher wash temperatures than other fabrics. However, with each use, bedding accumulates dead skin and dirt that may not be immediately visible. Given that the average person spends nearly a third of their life sleeping, regular washing is crucial for maintaining good sleep hygiene. Experts at the Sleep Foundation suggest that most people do not wash their sheets frequently enough. They state: "Even after a few days, bed sheets can accumulate significant amounts of dirt, dead skin cells, body oils, sweat, and dust mites - including their carcasses and faecal matter." Dust mites multiply rapidly, feeding exclusively on dead skin cells. Tens of thousands of dust mites can inhabit your mattress and bedding at any given time, and washing sheets regularly is the most effective way to eliminate them. The Sleep Foundation recommends that people wash their sheets at least once per week. However, this may need to be increased based on other factors: "Those who share their bed with a pet should clean their sheets every three to four days", urged the sleep experts, reports the Express. Moreover, individuals who experience allergies or night sweats should wash their sheets more frequently. Cleaning enthusiast and author of Live, Laugh, Laundry, Laura Mountford (@Lauracleanaholic) has revealed that hot weather means bedding will become dirtier more quickly. She recommends washing pillowcases, duvet covers and sheets twice weekly during the summertime. Laura remarks that, contrary to what many believe, this task is easier than expected due to the efficacy of modern detergents; high-temperature washes are no longer necessary. She asserts that with high-quality detergents, you can achieve a thorough clean even on cool cycles as low as 20 degrees. If you're still sceptical about washing at such low temperatures, adding a laundry cleanser can help kill bacteria and viruses. While in-wash scent boosters may extend the freshness of laundry, many professionals concur that air-drying your bedding is equally effective and chemical-free. Lenor's team of laundry experts further explains that line-dried linens acquire a distinctive fragrance from the photochemical reaction that occurs as solar rays meet wet fabric. They stated: "Hung outside, the ultraviolet light from the sun kills bacteria effectively in your laundry." How to wash bed sheets No matter the frequency of washing, it's crucial to always consult and adhere to the care instructions found on the label. Generally, bedding should be washed in warm water, avoiding hot water, which can damage delicate fabrics. Use a sheets or normal cycle on your washing machine, and consider a gentle cycle for delicate fabrics like silk or bamboo. Avoid overloading the washer, and wash sheets separately or with similar fabrics to ensure proper cleaning and hygiene.
Daily Record
19-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Exactly how often you should wash bedsheets in summer, according to experts
Some folk love washing the bedsheets and are firmly in the once a week camp when it comes to clean, fresh bedding. For others it's a chore and they might be more likely to leave them on a bit longer to avoid the task. But how often should you be washing them in the summer months when the temperatures are warmer? Experts have waded in on the debate and you probably should be washing your sheets far more often than you think, according to them. And the answer may surprise even those who have a regimented laundry regime for their bedding. Of course, bedding should be washed regularly as every night your sheets, pillows and duvet cover accumulates dead skin and dirt which, although you can't see, makes them unsanitary after a while. Experts at the Sleep Foundation found that the majority of householders don't wash their bedsheets often enough. They said: "Even after a few days, bed sheets can accumulate significant amounts of dirt, dead skin cells, body oils, sweat, and dust mites - including their carcasses and faecal matter," reports The Express. They recommend washing bedding at least once a week to rid it of dust mites which multiply rapidly and feed on dead skin cells. Tens of thousands of dust mites can inhabit your mattress and bedding at any given time, but washing sheets regularly is the most effective way to eliminate them. And if you share your bed with your pet, that frequency should increase. But cleaning enthusiast and author of Live, Laugh, Laundry, Laura Mountford (@Lauracleanaholic), says that hot weather means bedding will inevitably get dirtier faster. In the summer months she suggests washing pillowcases, duvet covers twice a week. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Laura notes that it is easier than most people think, thanks to the efficiency of modern detergents; there's no longer a need to wash bedding at high temperatures. She says that if you invest in good-quality detergents, they will clean effectively even on cool washes as low as 20 degrees. If you are still dubious about washing bedding at this temperature, it could be worth using a laundry cleanser to kill bacteria and viruses. In-wash scent boosters can prolong the fresh-scent of clean laundry, but many experts agree that drying bedding outdoors is just as effective - and uses no chemicals. Lenor's laundry professionals explain that line-dried clothes have a unique smell, thanks to the photochemical reaction that takes place when solar rays hit wet fabric. They said: "Hung outside, the ultraviolet light from the sun kills bacteria effectively in your laundry." How to wash bed sheets Regardless of how often you wash your bedding, it's important to always read and follow all of the care instructions on the label. First, pre-treat stains, wash your bed sheets separately from other items, and avoid mixing lights, darks, and colours. The Sleep Foundation notes that overcrowding the washing machine can prevent a thorough cleanse. Set the washing machine to the appropriate temperature setting. Use a gentle detergent according to your machine's instructions. Set your machine to a gentle cycle. If you have sensitive skin, consider washing your bed sheets a second time in just water to remove lingering detergent residue. Immediately transfer the bed sheets to the dryer or clothes line to avoid mould growth and odour.
