I’m a laundry guru & you’re washing your bedding wrong – here’s the best temperature to wash sheets at and it’s not 60C
DOING laundry can be a bit of a chore, but it turns out that we’ve been washing our bedding all wrong.
According to a laundry guru, you’re washing your sheets at the wrong temperature – and it’s far too high.
So if you want a comfortable night’s sleep and are looking to save cash in the long run, you’ll need to listen up.
Whilst many of us may think it’s best to wash bed sheets at 60C or even 90C to eliminate bacteria, according to Lianne Shoolbread, a bedding guru from Soak and Sleep, it’s actually more beneficial to wash bedding at a lower temperature.
She explained: “There’s a lot of debate around the best temperature to wash your bedding, but as a general rule of thumb, we’d always recommend adhering to the care labels and following the instructions.”
According to Lianne, bedsheets don’t need to be washed so high, and in fact, can be put in at 40C like your clothing.
She added: “Most fabrics can be washed at a warm temperature of 40C as this helps to remove dirt, and natural body oils and takes care of germs.
“Silk bed sheets should be washed at a lower temperature of 30C with a mild, non-biological detergent, or a silk specialist washing detergent.”
While many people wash their bedding at high temperatures, it’s not advised as it can cause the fabric to deteriorate quickly, leading to faded colours and weakened material over time.
As well as this, most laundry detergents are now formulated to be highly effective at lower temperatures, so there’s no real need for a hot wash when it comes to bedding.
Not only will washing bedding at a lower temperature kill bacteria, but your washing machine will also use less energy.
As a result, this will be good for the environment and could also save you cash on your energy bills.
In addition to this, Lianne has shared some pro tips on keeping your bed spotlessly clean, revealing it’s not just about throwing your sheets into the machine.
She advised: “Wash pillows and duvets on a very low heat if your washing machine load is large enough – if not, take them to the dry cleaners and leave it to the experts!
Most fabrics can be washed at a warm temperature of 40C as this helps to remove dirt, and natural body oils and takes care of germs
Lianne Shoolbread
“For best results, leave them to air dry. Always read the care labels before washing.”
Whilst the frequency at which you wash your bedding is down to personal choice, Lianne is adamant that for pristine sheets, weekly washes are a must.
More winter laundry tips
Tackling laundry in the winter can be a challenge, but these handy tips can help you stay on top of it:
- Use a Dehumidifier: Place a dehumidifier in your drying area to speed up the drying process and prevent dampness.
- Spin Cycle Boost: Run an extra spin cycle on your washing machine to remove excess water from clothes, reducing drying time.
- Indoor Drying Rack: Invest in a good-quality indoor drying rack and position it near a radiator or in a well-ventilated room.
- Tumble Dryer Balls: Add tumble dryer balls to your dryer to help clothes dry faster and reduce static cling.
- Space-Saving Hangers: Use space-saving hangers or a retractable washing line to maximise indoor drying space.
- Microfibre Towels: Lay microfibre towels over your drying rack to absorb extra moisture from hanging clothes.
- Partially Dry Outside: On dry days, hang clothes outside for a short period before bringing them in to finish drying.
These hacks can help you keep your laundry routine efficient and your clothes fresh, even during the colder months.
She added: “They cover the body of your bed and they tend to show all the obvious signs of dirt marks/stains.
“To make your bedroom a stress-free zone, we suggest that you change your sheets at least once a week.”
To make changing your bedding that bit simpler, she mentioned: “We understand that it’s not always convenient to wash your bedding this frequently so having spare bedding is extremely helpful.”
As well as this, Lianne also offered a practical solution, as she recommended: “Simply swap the sets once a week and add them to the wash load when it’s most suitable for you.”