From washing bedding and towels to how often to wash bras and tights, we bring you the ultimate cleaning guide. What’s relaxed and harmless – and what actually might be damaging your health?
How many are you getting right?
Sheets
The accepted norm, advised by health and hygiene experts, is two weeks. However if you sweat a lot when you sleep, you should up this to once a week. And if you’ve been ill, wash them immediately (this goes for all of the bedding, including pillows and duvets).
Why? As we sleep we shed thousands of dead skin cells, sweat, dribble and excrete natural body oils. These all build up in our bedding and can attract dust mites. Not a pleasant thought, but cheer yourself up with the knowledge they are in fact harmless. EXCEPT for the fact they produce droppings that contain allergens, which can irritate skin and trigger conditions such as asthma and rhinitis.
Pillows
There are different washing rules, depending on materials and fillings and you should always follow the care advice. But as a general rule, natural, polyester and foam-filled pillows should be washed every two to three months.
Why? It’s all about shedding those pesky skin cells again, the sweating, dribbling, body oils… you get the message.
Duvet
You should aim to wash your duvet every two to three months, says the common wisdom. You may have to take it to the launderette if your washing machine isn’t big enough and remember, never dry clean feather duvets.
If you are washing it at home, use only a third of the usual amount of detergent to avoid a machine full of bubbles. And shake it out immediately after removing from the machine to avoid it going lumpy.
Sleepwear
As a rule, wash your sleepwear at least once a week. Pyjamas and nightgowns can be a major breeding ground for bacteria, transferred from the oily build up on your skin. This can cause infections, particularly if you have any cuts or suffer from acne.
As well as bacteria, sleepwear also picks up dead skin cells. And – here’s a thought – by not washing frequently enough, a major build-up of bacteria and dead skin cells may transfer to the rest of the laundry in your washing machine.
Towels
The jury’s out on this; advice from environmental health experts we’ve analysed ranges from ‘after every two to three uses’ right up to ‘when they smell like it’s time’.
So use your discretion here but remember this; we all shed around one million dead skin cells a day that come off on our clothes, bedding and of course towels. But towels, being absorbent, hold to them for longer. Once you get a musty whiff off your towels that’s bacteria growing in it!
Bra
‘How often should you wash your bra’ is apparently one of the most Googled questions of all time. Well here’s the answer – once a week. If you leave your bra for a long time without washing, it will start to accumulate germs and as the skin it touches is delicate, this may eventually cause irritation.
Hand washing in warm – not hot – water is the best method, agree lingerie experts; then let it air dry on a sturdy hanger or drying rack. Avoid putting it on the radiator to dry as it may affect the fabric, as might putting it in a tumble dryer.
Tights
Research reveals how bacteria-filled our tights can be. This is particularly due to the fact that tights are made of synthetic materials like Spandex and nylon, which retain warmth and moisture. Good for our legs on wintery days, but not so good when you consider this makes a worn pair of tights the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and yeast. So a pair of dirty tights can put you at risk of yeast infections and UTIs, especially if worn with cotton underwear underneath say medical experts. There’s also a chance of attracting foot fungal infections.
So wash them every day and no excuses!
Tea towels and dish towels
A recent study by the USDA found that the towels in your kitchen contain the most germs in the room, due to bacteria from multiple sources being transferred onto them.
They should be replaced every day and it’s also a good idea to use paper towels to wipe up spills and dry your hands when cooking.
Make-up brushes
You clean your face every day – but what about the products you’re using on them, such as make-up brushes? Well the good news is that you don’t have to be this vigilant, but it is a good idea to give them a clean twice a week.
However, if you have any cuts or skin infections you must clean them after use. The same is true of your eyeliner brush, clean after every use. And never share make-up brushes without cleaning them first.
