Washing bedding may seem tedious, yet mastering the proper technique for cleaning your sheets can enhance your sleep comfort and even help save pennies in the long term. Despite the common inclination to crank up the wash temperature to 60C or even 90C to annihilate all germs, Lianne Shoolbread, a bedding specialist from Soak and Sleep, suggests that cooler washes are preferable for your linens.
She advises: “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, 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.”
Turning to high temperatures for your bedding isn’t recommended as it can lead to faster deterioration of the material, resulting in faded shades and weakened fabric. Thanks to the efficiency of modern laundry detergents at cooler temperatures, there’s no need for a hot wash to maintain bedding hygiene, as reported by the Express, reports the Mirror.
Not only does washing at a reduced temperature ensure bacteria eradication, but it also signifies less energy consumption by your washing machine. This is beneficial for the environment and equally a smart move for cutting down on your electricity bills.
Lianne, a laundry professional, emphasizes the importance of washing bedding at lower temperatures, stating: “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.”
Regarding how often to wash, Lianne suggests: “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.”
She adds: “We understand that it’s not always convenient to wash your bedding this frequently so having spare bedding is extremely helpful.”
“Simply swap the sets once a week and add them to the wash load when it’s most suitable for you.”
By following these simple laundry tips, you can keep your sheets refreshed with minimal effort, creating a serene and snug atmosphere in your bedroom as the summer continues.