Latest news with #PrimroseFreestone
Daily Mail
13-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
You're washing your bedding wrong! Microbiologist reveals how often you should really clean your sheets - and the item you should refresh every three days
With our hectic daily lifestyles, cleaning the bed linen is surely one of the household chores that gets put off the most. And with the mammoth effort involved in putting on a double duvet cover, it's little surprise some of us go for months before getting around to it. But if you rarely change your bedding, you may want to start making it one of your regular jobs, according to a microbiologist. Dr Primrose Freestone, professor of clinical microbiology at the University of Leicester, says we should wash our sheets and pillowcases one a week at least. However, for those who sweat heavily, have been ill, or share their bed with pets, the sheets should be washed even more often. Washing linen removes body sweat, oils, microbes, allergens and dead skin cells, which can lead to infections and allergic reactions - not to mention other unsavoury stains. 'While we often focus on how many hours we're getting, the quality of our sleep environment matters too,' said Professor Freestone. 'Regular laundering removes the biological soup of sweat, skin, dust and microbes, which helps to reduce allergic reactions, prevent infections and keep odours at bay.' Each night, we shed thousands of skin cells, excrete oils from our sebaceous glands, and sweat up to half a pint of fluid – even if we've showered just before bed. Skin sweat and oils can support the growth of microorganisms, too small to be seen by the naked eye, Professor Freestone explains in a new piece for The Conversation. Our skin hosts millions of these microbes such as bacteria and fungi, many of which are transferred onto sheets, pillows and duvets as we move during the night. Unfortunately, a gradual build-up of bacteria on your sheets can increase the likelihood of acne, eczema, itching and asthma. Fresh sweat emitted from our skin may be odourless, but bacteria on our skin break it down into smelly byproducts – which is why we get BO. So we should be washing sheets and pillowcases once per week at 140°F/60°C or higher with detergent to kill the bacteria, the academic said. Meanwhile, some fungus species, such as aspergillus fumigatus, have been detected in used bed pillows and can cause serious lung infections, particularly in people with weakened immune systems. Another fungal species called Candida albicans – which can cause oral thrush, urinary tract infections and genital yeast infections – can survive on fabrics for up to a month. What's more, flakes of skin we shed every night become food for dust mites – microscopic, insect-like creatures that thrive in warm, damp bedding and mattresses. The mites themselves aren't dangerous, but their faecal droppings are potent allergens that can aggravate eczema, asthma and allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever. Also, during the day, our hair and bodies collect dust and pollen, which can also transfer to our bedding – triggering allergies and affecting breathing. However, if you sleep with a pet, you should launder your bed sheets and pillowcases even more often – every three to four days, according to the expert. 'Animals introduce extra hair, dander, dirt and sometimes faecal traces into your sheets and blankets, increasing the frequency at which you should be washing them,' she said. According to Professor Freestone, it's not just sheets and pillowcases that should be cleaned more often. Mattresses should be stripped and vacuumed weekly, duvets should be laundered every three to four months, and pillows themselves should be washed and dried every four to six months. Pillows should also be frozen in a suitable freezer for at least eight hours to kill the dust mites lurking inside them. According to research, some Brits go months without washing their bedding, even though freshly-laundered sheets have been linked with a better night's sleep. A 2022 YouGov poll found that just 28 per cent of Brits wash their bed sheets once a week, while 4 per cent wait for two months or more. Potential factors for delaying the job include laziness, lack of time, finding it physically difficult and prioritizing use of the washing machine to clean clothes instead. According to Professor Freestone, regular washing is 'more than just a question of cleanliness' as a good night's sleep is 'essential for normal brain function and overall health'. 'A clean, welcoming bed with crisp sheets, soft pillowcases and fresh blankets not only feels good, it also supports better rest,' she added. 'A hygienic sleep environment is a small but powerful investment in your wellbeing.' Why you should never charge your phone under your pillow during a heatwave Whether it's to send a 'Goodnight' message, play relaxing music, or set an alarm for the morning, many of us like to keep our phones near our bed at night. But while this can be useful, there's one dangerous habit that people should stop immediately, experts say. Apple has issued a warning about charging your iPhone under your pillow, as it can easily overheat and become a potential fire hazard. And it adds to previous concerns that dirt and dust in the charging port of phones can also pose a fire risk. 'Use common sense to avoid situations where your skin is in contact with a device, its power adapter, or a wireless charger when it's operating or connected to a power source for long periods of time,' Apple's website reads. 'For example, don't sleep on a device, power adapter, or wireless charger, or place them under a blanket, pillow, or your body, when it's connected to a power source. 'Keep your iPhone, the power adapter, and any wireless charger in a well-ventilated area when in use or charging.'
Scottish Sun
09-07-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Not washing your bed sheets enough could lead to serious lung infections, warns expert – six signs you could be at risk
Different types of bedding require different washing routines, according to an expert OH SHEET Not washing your bed sheets enough could lead to serious lung infections, warns expert – six signs you could be at risk WE all have our unique bedtime routines, whether it's limiting screen time before bed, making sure your bedroom's the right temperature before slipping under the sheets, or deciding on a set bedtime. And the same can be said when it comes to our sheets. 2 Failing to wash your bedding often enough can have a detrimental impact on your health Credit: Getty While some people love fresh sheets once a week, others make changing their bedding a monthly ritual. But how often should you really be washing them? The feeling of clean, fresh sheets is a universally loved sensation, often described as comforting, relaxing, and conducive to better sleep. But according to science, regular washing is more than just a question of cleanliness. According to Primrose Freestone, a senior lecturer in clinical microbiology at the University of Leicester, people shed hundreds of thousands of skin cells each night, excrete oils from the sebaceous glands, and sweat up to half a pint of fluid. And that's even after showering just before bed. Writing for The Conversation, she explained: "Our skin hosts millions of bacteria and fungi, many of which are transferred onto sheets, pillows and duvets as we move during the night. "That fresh sweat may be odourless, but bacteria on our skin, particularly staphylococci, break it down into smelly byproducts. "This is often why you wake up with body odour, even if you went to bed clean." But it's not just about these microbes. Doctor shares why you must never wash clothes at 90 or 40 degrees & the right temperature for 'everything but gym gear' During the day, our hair and bodies collect pollutants, dust, pollen and allergens, and this transfers onto our bedding, adds Freestone. As well as triggering allergies and affecting our breathing, flakes of skin become food for dust mites. Freestone warned: "The mites themselves aren't dangerous, but their faecal droppings are potent allergens that can aggravate eczema, asthma and allergic rhinitis." Fungi can find your bed appealing too. She added: "Some species, like aspergillus fumigatus, have been detected in used bed pillows and can cause serious lung infections, particularly in people with weakened immune systems." Six signs you could be at risk of aspergillosis Aspergillosis is an infection caused by breathing in spores of Aspergillus, a common mould. While most people don't get sick from it, it can cause mild to severe illness. There are six signs you could have aspergillosis, according to the NHS: Shortness of breath A cough - you may cough up blood or lumps of mucus Wheezing A high temperature Losing weight without trying Feeling tired If you've had a cough for more than three weeks, have a lung condition that's getting worse or harder to control with your usual treatment, or have a weakened immune system and symptoms of aspergillosis, see a GP. So how often should you wash your bedding? 2 Make sure to air your mattress every few days and replace it every seven years Credit: Getty It depends on the type of bedding, says Freestone. For sheets and pillowcases, wash them weekly, or every three to four days if you've been ill, sweat heavily, or share a bed with pets. You should also wash therm at 60°C or higher with detergent to kill bacteria and dust mites. Tumble drying or ironing is advised for deeper sanitation, and to target dust mites inside pillows, freeze them for at least eight hours. When it comes to your mattress, vacuum this weekly, airing the mattress every few days. Replacing your mattress every seven years can help maintain hygiene and support. Pillows should be washed every four to six months - just check the wash label first. Blankets and duvet covers should be done every two weeks, especially if your pet sleeps on them. And duvets need washing every three to four months, depending on usage.
The Sun
09-07-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Not washing your bed sheets enough could lead to serious lung infections, warns expert – six signs you could be at risk
WE all have our unique bedtime routines, whether it's limiting screen time before bed, making sure your bedroom's the right temperature before slipping under the sheets, or deciding on a set bedtime. And the same can be said when it comes to our sheets. 2 While some people love fresh sheets once a week, others make changing their bedding a monthly ritual. But how often should you really be washing them? The feeling of clean, fresh sheets is a universally loved sensation, often described as comforting, relaxing, and conducive to better sleep. But according to science, regular washing is more than just a question of cleanliness. According to Primrose Freestone, a senior lecturer in clinical microbiology at the University of Leicester, people shed hundreds of thousands of skin cells each night, excrete oils from the sebaceous glands, and sweat up to half a pint of fluid. And that's even after showering just before bed. Writing for The Conversation, she explained: "Our skin hosts millions of bacteria and fungi, many of which are transferred onto sheets, pillows and duvets as we move during the night. "That fresh sweat may be odourless, but bacteria on our skin, particularly staphylococci, break it down into smelly byproducts. "This is often why you wake up with body odour, even if you went to bed clean." But it's not just about these microbes. Doctor shares why you must never wash clothes at 90 or 40 degrees & the right temperature for 'everything but gym gear' During the day, our hair and bodies collect pollutants, dust, pollen and allergens, and this transfers onto our bedding, adds Freestone. As well as triggering allergies and affecting our breathing, flakes of skin become food for dust mites. Freestone warned: "The mites themselves aren't dangerous, but their faecal droppings are potent allergens that can aggravate eczema, asthma and allergic rhinitis." Fungi can find your bed appealing too. She added: "Some species, like aspergillus fumigatus, have been detected in used bed pillows and can cause serious lung infections, particularly in people with weakened immune systems." Six signs you could be at risk of aspergillosis Aspergillosis is an infection caused by breathing in spores of Aspergillus, a common mould. While most people don't get sick from it, it can cause mild to severe illness. There are six signs you could have aspergillosis, according to the NHS: Shortness of breath A cough - you may cough up blood or lumps of mucus Wheezing A high temperature Losing weight without trying Feeling tired If you've had a cough for more than three weeks, have a lung condition that's getting worse or harder to control with your usual treatment, or have a weakened immune system and symptoms of aspergillosis, see a GP. So how often should you wash your bedding? 2 It depends on the type of bedding, says Freestone. For sheets and pillowcases, wash them weekly, or every three to four days if you've been ill, sweat heavily, or share a bed with pets. You should also wash therm at 60°C or higher with detergent to kill bacteria and dust mites. Tumble drying or ironing is advised for deeper sanitation, and to target dust mites inside pillows, freeze them for at least eight hours. When it comes to your mattress, vacuum this weekly, airing the mattress every few days. Replacing your mattress every seven years can help maintain hygiene and support. Pillows should be washed every four to six months - just check the wash label first. Blankets and duvet covers should be done every two weeks, especially if your pet sleeps on them. And duvets need washing every three to four months, depending on usage.
Daily Mail
08-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Sit or squat? Scientist reveals why it's actually WORSE to hover over a public toilet
When nature calls and a public toilet is the only choice, the hygiene levels can often be pretty grim. But while it might be tempting to try to hover above the dirty seat, scientists say this is a bad idea. Dr Primrose Freestone, a clinical microbiologist from the University of Leicester, says that you should always sit down, no matter how unclean the seat might appear. Writing on The Conversation, Dr Primrose says: 'Squatting may actually cause injury or increase the risk of infection.' While squatting, the muscles in the pelvic floor, glutes, back, abs, and hip rotators are working hard to prevent you from falling down. The resulting tension in these muscles, collectively known as the pelvic girdle, prevents urine from freely releasing. This causes incomplete emptying of the bladder, which leads to increasing frequency and urgency of trips to the bathroom. In extreme cases, Dr Primrose warns that this could even lead to an increased likelihood of bladder infection. The pelvic floor is a layer of muscles that spans the base of the pelvis and supports the organs. When people urinate, the pelvic floor works to support the bladder and ensure that the process doesn't require too much strain. But when you are squatting, the pelvic floor and surrounding muscles are already tense. Brianne Grogan, a women's health physical therapist, says: 'This pelvic girdle tension makes it difficult for urine to flow easily, often requiring you to push or 'bear down' slightly to make the urine come out quickly. 'Frequent pushing or bearing down to urinate can contribute to pelvic organ prolapse.' This can be especially problematic for women who are more susceptible to pelvic floor disorders, particularly following pregnancy and childbirth. That means you should always try to avoid hovering in a half squat while peeing. If you are still worried about the risk of getting sick from sitting on a dirty toilet, the experts say there is no reason to be concerned. Dr Primrose says: 'Developing an infection from your bottom sitting on a toilet seat is very unlikely, as most intestinal diseases involve hand-to-mouth transfer of bacteria as a result of faecal contamination of hands, food and surfaces. 'Human skin is also covered by a layer of bacteria and yeast which functions as a highly effective protective shield.' That means there is no need to squat over the toilet in the first place. The far bigger worry should be touching surfaces in the toilet with your hands. When we flush a toilet, a plume of tiny liquid droplets containing bacteria and faecal matter, invisible to the naked eye, is violently ejected. Studies have shown that this plume of matter can travel up to five feet (1.5 metres), covering everything that it touches. That includes door handles, the toilet lid, toilet paper holders, and even your phone, which can end up coated with a layer of faecal matter and bacteria. Those include E. coli, which can result in nasty diarrhoea and stomach cramps, and Pseudomonas, which causes infections in the blood and lungs. Your phone is a particularly big infection risk for the 75 per cent of people who use their phones in the toilet. You should give your phone a regular clean with a 70 per cent alcohol wipe or a mild soap and water mixture to ensure it doesn't become a bacterial breeding ground. However, the most important thing you can do is to thoroughly wash your hands and try not to touch any surfaces like taps or soap dispensers with your bare hands. Dr Primrose says: 'It is advisable when hand washing is complete, to leave the tap on while you dry your hands - and then to use a clean paper towel to turn off the water.' Aerosol droplets containing urine, faeces and vomit stay in the air for up to 20 seconds Tiny droplets carrying traces of urine, faeces, vomit and viruses float into the air at mouth-level after a toilet is flushed, a 2021 study warned. It showed that tens of thousands of particles are spewed into the air by a flush and can rise several feet above the ground. Droplets were spotted floating around five feet (1.5m) in the air for more than 20 seconds, with researchers pointing out this poses a risk of inhalation. Small droplets and aerosols are so light they can float around in the air on tiny draughts, before settling on a surface. Researchers say that they can also act as vectors for diseases. SARS-CoV-2, the virus which causes Covid, for example, has been found alive in human faeces. Therefore, scientists warn that flush-propelled particles from an infected person's faeces could float into the air, be sucked in by a passer-by, and infect them.
The Guardian
03-07-2025
- Health
- The Guardian
Beards may be dirtier than toilets – but all men should grow one
It's a convenient truth of our time that if you Google for long enough, you will eventually find the answer you want. In other words, there's a lot of anti-beard propaganda out there, and I'm not falling for any of it. I love beards. So I keep scrolling. Past the recent Washington Post report that some toilets contain fewer germs than the average beard (that's pretty much true of phone screens, and we happily rub them on our faces). Not even pausing on an investigation into whether it would be hygienic to scan canines and humans in the same MRI machine, which found most beards contained more microbes and bacteria than dog fur. La la la, I'm not listening. Finally, a link worth clicking – a researcher at the University of Leicester supplying a more nuanced picture – AKA My Truth. Primrose Freestone, senior lecturer in clinical microbiology, says: 'The microbial population on skin varies by location and is influenced by factors such as temperature, pH, humidity and nutrient availability.' She points out that regular washing 'removes dirt, oils, allergens and dead skin, helping prevent microbial buildup'. Phew. Although germs be damned, nothing could put me off anyway. All men look better with beards and I will die on that hill; my husband instantly resembles an estate agent without his. Beards also give men an easy advantage in life (come on, they needed one): those with them are instinctively more trustworthy than their bald-chinned counterparts. I would go so far as to suggest that men without beards are ungrateful. If you're able to, why wouldn't you embrace an aesthetic that requires less effort than the alternative – as in, literally no effort – and will not only make you more handsome generally, but also, as the years roll by, disguise what used to be your jawline? Beards are free, painless plastic surgery. A hairy little glow-up, available to most, regardless of wealth or status. The great leveller, right under your nose this whole time. Genuinely rude not to. Polly Hudson is a freelance writer Do you have an opinion on the issues raised in this article? If you would like to submit a response of up to 300 words by email to be considered for publication in our letters section, please click here.
