As summer draws to a close, it's time to give your bedsheets a thorough clean as they're likely full with germs and dust.
During the hot nights, we tend to sweat more, causing our sheets to absorb the moisture. Even if they appear spotless, the damp fabric can become a hotbed for bacteria.
Heat also accelerates skin shedding, which can attract dust mites that leave droppings all over your bed, leading to itchy skin or watery eyes. While most people simply toss their sheets in a tumble dryer after washing them, experts at Ethical Bedding insist on properly drying them to eliminate all bacteria.
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They advised: "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 an age-old technique used to disinfect it, as the ultraviolet rays in sunlight possess natural antibacterial properties, reports the Express.
Even freshly laundered sheets can retain moisture in a warm environment, so airing them out helps fully dry them to get rid of any accumulated sweat. Hanging your sheets outside will help kill germs, as well as any dust mites or mould spores lurking in the fabric after summer.
Now, in early September, is the ideal time to sun dry sheets to ensure they are thoroughly clean before autumn sets in, allowing you to sleep comfortably in the colder seasons.
How to properly clean your bedsheets after summer
When it comes to washing your bedsheets, ensure you're doing so at 60C as a hot cycle is needed to eliminate the majority of bacteria and sweat accumulation.
However, bear in mind that not all sheets can withstand a 60C wash. Always check the care label and consider using a sanitising detergent if a lower temperature is required.
When it's time to air dry your sheets, give them a good shake to effectively remove any dust, skin flakes or trapped moisture within the fabric.
If possible, hang the sheets on a clothesline or utilise an outdoor drying rack. If outdoor drying isn't an option, position them near an open window or on a balcony door.
Allow the sheets to air for at least three hours, and they should be significantly cleaner and smell fantastic once you're ready to store them away.
