Summer is now winding down, which means it is a good idea to give bedsheets a proper clean as they are likely crawling with germs and dust. During warm nights, we tend to sweat more and that moisture will soak into our sheets, so even if they look clean, the humid fabric can become a breeding ground for bacteria.
Heat also speeds up skin shedding, which can also encourage dust mites which will leave dropping all over your bed and can cause itchy skin or watery eyes. Most people just shove their sheets in a tumble dryer after washing them, but the experts at Ethical Bedding have stated you need to dry them properly to get rid of all the bacteria.
They said: “Once your bedding has run through the washing machine, it’s helpful to air dry it in the sun. This is because the sun is a natural disinfectant and will help to eliminate any lingering bacteria or germs.”
Airing out laundry is a old-fashioned technique used to help disinfect it, as the ultraviolet rays in sunlight has natural antibacterial properties.
Even freshly washed sheets can retain moisture in a warm environment, so airing them out helps fully dry them to get rid any build up sweat.
Hanging your sheets outside will help kill germs, as well as any dust mites or mould spores festering in the fabric after summer.
Now in early September is the best time to sun dry sheets to make sure they are fully clean before autumn fully begins so you can sleep comfortably in the colder seasons.
How to properly clean bedsheets after summer
When you are washing your bedsheets, make sure you are washing them on a 60C as you need a hot cycle to kill most of the bacteria and sweat build up.
However, not all sheets can be washed at 60C. Check the care label and consider using a sanitising detergent if you need to wash them on a lower temperature.
When it is time to air dry your sheets, give them a good shake to properly remove any dust, skin flakes or any moisture trapped in the fabric.
Hang the sheets from a clothesline if you can, or bring a drying rack outside to put them out. If you cannot hang sheets outside, dry them near a open window or on a balcony door.
Leave the sheets for at least three hours, and they should be much cleaner and smell amazing once you are ready to put them away.
