Wash bedding at the ‘correct’ temperature to kill dust mites - not 40C or 90C

Wash bedding at the ‘correct’ temperature to kill dust mites - not 40C or 90C (Image: Getty)

How often to wash bedding is a common debate, with some doing it once a week, some more often and some less often.

Although too small to see without a microscope, dust mites eat skin cells shed by people and can cause symptoms such as sneezing, a runny nose and nasal congestion.

However, washing at a certain temperature should remain consistent in order to kill dust mites.

Experts at Pizua Linens said: “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.

“The following bedroom hygiene facts, however, might change the way that you lay your head on the pillow.”

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According to the experts, dust mites multiply very quickly which can be a huge issue to get rid of as they live and die in mattresses, upholstered furniture, bedding material and more.

The pros said: “Dust mites are tiny arachnids that love to chomp on skin cells shed by people, all 15 million of them each night, and chill in a humid and warm environment.

“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.”

Thankfully, there are lots of ways to keep them at bay, including washing bedding at a certain temperature.

The pros recommended washing all bedding, including pillowcases on a 60-degree wash to make sure bacteria is killed.

They noted: “This temperature is correct for killing dust mites and allergens.”

It is also extremely important to ensure they dry fully before putting them back into storage or back on the bed, as not doing so could lead to a build-up of mould.

As well as washing bed sheets at 60C, it is also important to change or rotate them regularly, at least once a week.

Lucy Ackroyd, Head of Design at Christy, said: “Wash and change your bedding at least once a week.

“If you have pets sleeping on your bed or you’re an allergy sufferer, particularly in hay fever season, I’d recommend upping it to twice a week.

“It’s important not to neglect your inner bedding either so aim to wash your duvet and pillows at least twice a year as even with linen covering them, the inner fillings can absorb dead skin cells and body oils and odours.”