Kill dust mites and bacteria by changing one washing machine setting when doing laundry

Kill dust mites and bacteria by changing one washing machine setting when doing laundry (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

The age-old question of how often to wash bed sheets and at what temperature has sparked debate, but the general consensus is to do so once a week.

According to experts at Pizua Linens: "The bedroom, in a dream world, is the most peaceful place in the house. It's the room that you go to rest, revitalise your mind, body and soul and awaken ready to tackle the next day."

However, they reveal some alarming bedroom hygiene facts that may change the way you sleep, including: "Dust mites reproduce exceptionally fast and take up residence in places such as mattresses, bedding, and headboards."

These tiny arachnids thrive in warm, humid environments and feed on the 15 million skin cells humans shed each night.

Dust mites thrive in warm environments (Image: Getty Images)

The specialists explain: "As you can imagine, your bed is the equivalent of the finest all-expenses-paid luxury resort for dust mites.

"You might be horrified to learn that a mated female house dust mite can lay up to 100 eggs in the last five weeks of life."

Fortunately, the experts offer several strategies to repel these unwanted guests, including washing bed linen at the ideal temperature, reports the Mirror.

To eliminate bacteria, they recommend washing all linen, including pillowcases, on a 60C cycle, stating: "This temperature is correct for killing dust mites and allergens."

Dust mites can cause allergy and asthma flare-ups (Image: Getty)

Given that dust mites thrive in warm, humid conditions, it's essential to ensure your sheets are fully dry before storing them.

If sheets are stored or put back on the bed while still damp, it could lead to mould and more dust mites.

Besides washing bed sheets at 60C, it's vital to regularly change or rotate them.

Experts recommend doing this at least once a week and more often during hot weather.

For those with pets sleeping on the bed or individuals with allergies, this frequency should increase to about twice per week.