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.
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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."
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