When it comes to washing your bedding there’s a lot of conflicting information out there, and if you’ve been hit by a bed bug infestation you may be left rather confused as to just how to kill these pests.
It’s long been thought that 60C is the perfect temperature for killing bed bugs – alongside getting rid of all the bacteria, sweat and skin cells that accumulate between washes.
However, sleep expert Chris Tattersall has suggested that such a high temperature isn’t strictly necessary.
Speaking to the Express, Chris explained that your bed sheets should be washed every week, due to the accumulation of large amounts of dead skin, sweat, body oils, dirt and dust mites.
And these mites don’t bite, they can irritate the skin and exacerbate allergy symptoms, especially in those who suffer from asthma and eczema.
“When it comes to the washing, this should be done on a regular 40-degree wash,” Chris suggests, adding that duvets and mattress toppers should be washed at 60C.
Speaking to the Mirror Dr Jonathan Kirby, a pest expert at NOPE!, shared some advice on remaining bed-bug free, including how to best wash your bedding after an infestation.
He said: “Bed bugs love to hide in small, dark areas. That’s why it’s so important to regularly clean items in the home, as well as regularly check for signs of bed bugs.”
He suggested looking for the nocturnal insects at night when they’re most active: “They are nocturnal, so try looking at night if you want to catch them crawling across your mattress.
“Also look out for noticeable marks on the body such as flat, red spots in lines or clusters, blisters that may itch, red rashes and small areas of pronounced bleeding on the skin.”
Once an infestation starts it can be difficult to get rid of bed bugs, with Dr Kirby arguing that maintaining cleanliness and washing bedding can help manage the situation.
The expert recommended shaking all bedding and clothing outside the home to remove eggs, moulted casings and dead bed bugs.
But when it comes to the best temperature to wash your bedding at, Dr Kirby sticks with the 60C rule, as this will kill any remaining bed bugs and their eggs.
