Doing laundry can be a bit of a chore, especially when it comes to washing bedding.
However, understanding the correct way to clean sheets can lead to a more comfortable night’s sleep and even save you some cash in the long run.
You might think it’s best to wash bed sheets at 60C or 90C in the washing machine to eliminate bacteria, but Lianne Shoolbread, a bedding guru from Soak and Sleep, has revealed that it’s actually more beneficial to wash bedding at a lower temperature.
She explained: “There’s a lot of debate around the best temperature to wash your bedding, but as a general rule of thumb, we’d always recommend adhering to the care labels and following the instructions.
“Most fabrics can be washed at a warm temperature of 40C as this helps to remove dirt, and natural body oils and takes care of germs.
“Silk bed sheets should be washed at a lower temperature of 30C with a mild, non-biological detergent, or a silk specialist washing detergent.”
While many people wash bedding at high temperatures, it’s not advised as it can cause the fabric to deteriorate quickly, leading to faded colours and weakened material over time.
Most contemporary laundry detergents are now formulated to be highly effective at lower temperatures, so there’s no real need for a hot wash when it comes to bedding.
Not only will washing bedding at a lower temperature kill bacteria, but your washing machine will also use less energy, which is good for the environment and could also save you a few quid on your energy bills.
Lianne has dished out some pro tips on keeping your bed spotlessly clean, revealing it’s not just about throwing your sheets into the machine.
She advised: “Wash pillows and duvets on a very low heat if your washing machine load is large enough – if not, take them to the dry cleaners and leave it to the experts! For best results, leave them to air dry. Always read the care labels before washing.”
Even the frequency at which you tackle your bedding is down to personal choice, but Lianne is adamant that for pristine sheets, weekly washes are a must.
She explained: “They cover the body of your bed and they tend to show all the obvious signs of dirt marks/stains. To make your bedroom a stress-free zone, we suggest that you change your sheets at least once a week.”
Adding another tip to simplify the cleaning routine, Lianne mentioned: “We understand that it’s not always convenient to wash your bedding this frequently so having spare bedding is extremely helpful.”
She offered a practical solution: “Simply swap the sets once a week and add them to the wash load when it’s most suitable for you.”
