Few people give much thought to how often they should wash their sheets, but it’s an important question. Sheets can harbor all sorts of bacteria and other contaminants, so regular washing is key to keeping your bed clean and healthy. So, the question is should you wash your sheets very often? The answer may surprise you!
How Often Should You Wash Your Sheets?
According to a survey by Women’s Health Magazine, 44 percent of women only wash their sheets weekly, 31 percent wash them every other week, and 16 percent don’t wash their bedsheets at all. These statistics are alarming, especially when you consider that many women use the same tissues for multiple uses and wear layers of makeup without cleansing their faces. The bottom line is that doctors recommend washing your bed sheets regularly. Whether you wash your sheets weekly or not depends on your hygiene routine and what’s most convenient for you.
Avoiding fabric softeners
It is a quaternary ammonium compound with a positive charge on one end and a hydrophobic fatty acid chain on the other. These chemicals are used to soften clothing and are often associated with skin irritation, asthma, and reproductive problems. These chemicals also irritate the skin and have been linked to cancer. Fortunately, there are safe alternatives to fabric softeners.
One alternative to fabric softeners is using dryer balls. Many people who suffer from allergies or skin sensitivities find fabric softeners irritating, so a dryer ball is an ideal solution. Dryer balls not only combat static but also give a gentle softening effect to clothes. You can buy unscented or wool dryer balls. However, you can also find scented ones if you’d prefer.
Drying sheets on a warm or warm-plus setting
When you wash your bed sheets, it is important to use the highest temperature recommended on the label. Generally, this range is between 30 and 60 degrees Celsius. However, some materials, such as cotton, can shrink or tear easily, so it is best to wash them at a lower temperature. Check the label for proper drying instructions. You can hang or line-dry your wet sheets if you have sufficient space and warm weather.
Changing your bed sheets regularly is also essential. Your sheets accumulate sweat, body oils, saliva, dirt from outside, and even fecal matter. Even the best-quality sheets can begin to break down after several items of washing. As a result, it’s best to wash your sheets as often as possible, even if they’re just a few years old.
Pre-treating food stains with oxygen bleach stain solution
If you’ve been spotting stains on your white clothing, you may be wondering whether it’s worth treating them with oxygen bleach. This solution is a powerful stain remover that works as a brightening agent, but it shouldn’t be used on delicate fabrics. Sodium hypochlorite is the main component of chlorine bleach, which is an excellent disinfectant. You can use it for a variety of household jobs, including washing your clothes.
For your home, you can also use oxygen bleach to remove stains from carpets and other fabrics. Just make sure that you don’t over-saturate the surface, and let the stain sit for at least half an hour before rinsing it. You can also use oxygen bleach to clean your shower walls, exterior siding, and plastic furniture. But remember to always check the label of the fabric to make sure it’s safe to use.
Cleaning down comforters
Cleaning down comforters can be tricky, but it doesn’t have to be. Most down comforters are machine washable, but you should always wash them on the gentlest cycle possible. You can also try using a carbon dioxide-based cleaner to get the most out of your down comforter. Just remember to follow the manufacturers’ instructions to avoid crushing the down fill. However, you should not use a washing machine with high temperatures.
Down comforters are made in a box-like construction. Strips of fabric are sewn in between the layers to prevent clusters of down from shifting. This means better sewing and fewer chances of it breaking. Some down comforters also feature an internal fabric wall called “baffling” that makes the fill “loft” more. It also makes the comforter more durable. Whether you choose a down comforter with a cover or a duvet insert, you should always check the fill’s quality.
In Conclusion
How often you should wash your sheets is a question that many people don’t think about, but it’s an important one. Sheets can harbor all sorts of bacteria and other contaminants, so regular washing is key to keeping your bed clean and healthy. The answer may surprise you – you should be washing your sheets every week! By following this simple guideline, you can help keep your bed clean and free from harmful bacteria. Have you been washing your sheets as often as you should?
