A YouGov poll revealed that 28% of Brits change their bedding once a week, while 36% change them every fortnight.
But is that enough?
@uktoday_ How often you should change your bedsheets explained ( from a mattress expert) #uknews #bedding #bedsheets #uknewsheadlines ♬ original sound – UKToday Newsquest
How often should you wash/change your bed sheets?
The experts at Good Housekeeping have revealed you should change your bed sheets at least once every two weeks.
However, there are certain circumstances where you may need to change them more frequently.
If you suffer from night sweats or allergies you will need to change your sheets once every week, according to Good Housekeeping.
If you sleep with a pet on your bed, you may need to change your bed sheets as often as twice a week to keep them clear of “dust mites, hair and bacteria”.
If you don’t wash your bed sheets enough, it could reportedly lead to acne breakouts and a build-up of dead skin and dust mites.
Sweat and oils accumulate and can clog our pores, leading to acne breakouts across our body and face, WinstonsBeds added.
Mattress expert from WinstonsBeds, Rebecca Swain, said: “If you’re getting the optimum eight hours of sleep a night, that means you’re in your bed for a total of 56 hours in just one week.
“Spending all of this time in the bed leads to a build-up of sweat, dead skin cells and other bacteria which is why it’s important to wash your bedding once a week if possible.
“It’s shocking to hear how little people wash their sheets which is why we’ve shared five unpleasant things that can happen if you sleep in the same bedding for too long.
“Not only can you ruin your bed but this may also make you more prone to breakouts and acne over your body as well as triggering your allergies.”
@uktoday_ Is napping during the day good for you? A GP explains #uknews #napping #naps #sleeping #uknewsheadlines ♬ original sound – UKToday
5 things that happen when you don’t wash your bedding
If you don’t wash your bedding enough, according to WinstonsBeds, this is what can happen:
Buildup of dead skin cells and dust mites
When you don’t wash your bedding often, dead skin cells from your body begin to build up on the sheets.
Dust mites feed off of dead skin cells making this the perfect environment for them to thrive in.
Breakouts
The accumulation of skin, sweat, and oils are a breeding ground for bacteria which can clog the pores on your body and face, leading to more breakouts and acne.
This can also irritate skin conditions like eczema.
How to live longer
Triggers allergies
Dust mites and other bacteria can trigger those with allergies and asthma.
Particularly sensitive people may find that breathing in these allergens leads to coughing and congestion the next day.
You’ll ruin your bed sheets
Allowing stains from sweat and saliva to build up on your bed sheets will ruin them over time, leading to tough yellow stains which can be hard to remove.
RECOMMENDED READING:
Damaged mattress
Leaving stains to settle on bed sheets can also stain your mattress.
Not allowing the mattress to breathe and air out can trap bad odours and bacteria, not only will this cause your mattress to deteriorate quicker but it’s also extremely unhygienic.
