How often should you change your bed linen?

Have you ever wondered how often to change your bed linen? This is a question that many of us ask ourselves, but we often don't know the answer to it. In today's article, we will take a closer look at this issue, analysing the various factors that affect how often you should change your bed linen.

We will discuss the types of materials from which bedding is made, their properties, and the impact that regular changes of bedding have on our health and sleep comfort. We will also learn about the risks of changing bedding too infrequently and how to properly care for it. We invite you to read our article, in which we comprehensively discuss why it is worth taking care of regular washing of bedding and how to do it properly.

The frequency of changing bed linen and the material it is made of

The type of material our bedding is made from has a significant impact on how often we should wash it. Warmer and less breathable fabrics require more frequent changes due to the faster build-up of moisture and bacteria. Flannel bedding is a great example – although incredibly cosy in the colder months, it requires more frequent washing due to its ability to retain heat and moisture.

On the other hand, Egyptian cotton bedding , known for its high quality and durability, can be washed less often. However, it is worth remembering to take proper care of it to maintain its unique properties. Similarly, hotel bedding , often made of satin, is easy to clean and can be washed less often than other types, while maintaining an elegant appearance.

Moving on to other materials, microfiber bedding is a contrast to Egyptian cotton – this type of bedding should be changed regularly due to its tendency to collect dust and allergens. It is worth paying attention to percale bedding , which combines the advantages of different materials. Thanks to its dense structure, it is as durable as Egyptian cotton and can be washed less often, while maintaining a freshness similar to hotel bedding.

 

How often should you change your bed linen?

There is no single answer to the question of how often to change bedding. It is important to change bedding regularly, because our bed, mattress and bedding are a habitat for dust mites. These are microscopic creatures whose legs and excrement contain dangerous allergens and can cause skin irritation, rashes and allergic rhinitis. Dust mites feed on our dead skin. There are millions of dead skin cells and food scraps in the bed, so dust mites have constant access to food.

Clean bedding is especially important for allergy sufferers and people with skin problems. Regularly changing bedding allows you to get rid of dead skin, hair, sweat, food and animal hair. These contaminants are a perfect breeding ground for bacteria, fungi and mites.

The elderly and children spend the most time in bed. Therefore, special attention should be paid to changing the bedding in the bedrooms of these two age groups.

Changing Bed Linen and Pets

It is no secret that animal lovers very often sleep with their pets. If a cat or dog sleeps in our bed, they leave behind not only fur, but also other dirt.
In such a case, regular replacement of bedding is especially important. It is best to change the bedding once a week or wash it often at a high temperature of around 60℃, which will remove the unpleasant smell.

To completely get rid of mites after washing, the bedding should be ironed. Remember that you should wash the clothes you sleep in even more often. When your bed is used by four-legged friends, it is worth choosing bedding made of satin or viscose – fabrics that are easy to care for.

How to store bedding?

We already know that hygiene issues affect the frequency of changing bedding, so it is worth taking care of its proper storage to keep it fresh for longer. It is generally recommended to store washed bedding loosely on shelves in a wardrobe or other dry and airy place. In the case of more delicate fabrics, such as silk or satin, bedding should be stored in dedicated covers or cotton bags, which will ensure proper air circulation and will effectively protect the bedding from dust and damage. Such a procedure will ensure the freshness of your bedding and effectively extend its life.

How should I wash my bed linen?

The washing machine can use a lot of water with a large load, so it is not worth constantly refreshing the bedding. Repeated washing can also cause pilling and fading of the colour. In order to prevent dangerous microorganisms from accumulating in the fabric, the bedding should be washed once every 2-3 weeks. Sleeping in clean bedding is much more pleasant, however, it all depends primarily on individual preferences.

Regardless of how often you wash your bedding, you need to pay special attention to the washing temperature and the detergents you use. It is worth mentioning that any synthetic and cotton bedding can be safely washed in a washing machine.

Bark bedding can be washed at 60 degrees Celsius. It is a very thin material that dries quickly, so you can even do it by hand.

You need to be especially careful with satin bedding. Used pillowcases should be washed without any other clothes, preferably at 40 degrees Celsius. The same applies to flannel bedding. It is worth adding a little fabric softener to the wash to keep it fluffy and soft.

What are the consequences of changing bed linen too infrequently?

A rarely washed pillowcase is a great place for fungi, mould, and bacteria to grow. Sleeping in dirty bedding for too long is dangerous to your health, as it can lead to skin problems, asthma, or allergies. Many people claim that they don't change their bedding more than once a month, which causes their face to become acne-prone and their hair to quickly become greasy. Microbiologists believe that clean bedding has a significant impact on a person's well-being.

Summary

Accumulating dust, germs, animal hair, dead skin and other contaminants can cause dirty bedding to have a negative impact on your health. Regardless of the material it is made of, bedding should be replaced regularly and washed frequently. A clean duvet and pillows have a big impact on our comfortable sleep. To take care of your health and the health of your loved ones, and to prevent severe allergic reactions, remember to wash bedding and towels frequently. Regularly changing bedding is therefore the key to healthy sleep.