The Ideal Washing Temperature for Clean Sheets Without Germs — It’s Not 60 or 90 Degrees
It’s time to get excited about washing your sheets! Many people overlook this essential household task, but there’s no reason to skip it when you can do it right and save money on energy bills while protecting your health. Let’s jump in and learn how!
The average person sheds around 500 skin cells every day, which means it’s very easy for bacteria to grow on the sheets if they’re not washed regularly. Washing sheets, pillows and other bedding is not a science, but many people waste money washing these items at extremely high temperatures.
It may seem obvious to wash sheets at 60 or 90 degrees, but this may be wrong, as washing at 60°C or above increases energy costs by more than half.
The right temperature for washing sheets and neutralising germs
Lianne Shoolbread, laundry expert at Soak and Sleep, says that most types of bed linen can be washed at 40°C to kill bacteria. “There’s a lot of debate around the best temperature to wash your linen, but in general we would always recommend following the instructions on product care labels. Most fabrics can be washed at a warm temperature of 40° as this helps to remove dirt, natural body oils and eliminate bacteria.”
Washing sheets at 60°C will not remove bacteria on its own, but instead, it’s best to invest in a good detergent that specialises in killing bacteria and also wash your sheets every week to ensure they stay clean. “White sheets should be washed once a week to keep them fresh and prevent stains from building up,” said Lianne.
The upper temperature you’ll find in most washing machines is 90°C, but it’s usually only suitable for very dirty clothes as it can damage the fabric with regular use. Washing at a higher temperature is often only recommended for extremely dirty or soiled clothes, but if you want to save money, it’s more effective to wash your sheets properly than to raise the temperature.
How to wash your sheets properly
Do you find it difficult to keep your sheets, duvets and pillows fresh and clean? Don’t worry! This step-by-step guide will show you how to properly wash your bedding to get a great night’s sleep every night.
- Protect your mattress for maximum hygiene
- Get rid of dust with regular wiping
- Wash your covers separately for best results
- Wash your pillows and duvets at low temperatures
- Protect your mattress for maximum hygiene
- Wash pillows at low temperatures (optional)
Protect your mattress for maximum hygiene
To avoid stains and dirt build-up, always use a mattress and pillow protector. The protectors are easily machine washable along with your sheets, removing dust mites and other allergens for a healthier sleep.
Get rid of dust with regular wiping
In addition to washing, it’s important to sweep your mattress every few months to remove dust, pollen and other dirt that can build up.
Wash your covers separately for best results
To keep your sheets soft and avoid fabric wear and tear, it’s best to wash your bedspreads separately in the washing machine. This way, they are washed more efficiently and do not get worn out.
Wash pillows and duvets at low temperatures
Pillows and duvets can also be washed at low temperatures to save energy and maintain their softness.
Expert advice: If your washing machine can’t fit large quilts, it’s a good idea to take them to a dry cleaner. Always read care labels before washing and preferably let them air dry for best results.
Wash pillows at low temperatures (optional)
You can still wash your pillows at home at low temperatures (30/40°C). Just try not to overload your washing machine to ensure a good wash.
These tips will help you to keep your covers clean and hygienic, giving you a comfortable and restful sleep every night.
