Experts at TEMPUR® share their guide to bedding best practice.
Each of us will spend roughly a third of our lives in bed, and whilst we often consider the importance of style of mattress, duvet tog and breathability of fabrics, we likely don’t put as much thought into the cleanliness of our sleeping environment. Here, experts at premium mattress brand TEMPUR® share their guide to bedding best practice.
The sleep experts at TEMPUR® say: “The average adult needs 7+ hours sleep every night and a clean, fresh, and comfortable sleep environment is key to ensuring a restful night.
“Whilst sheets, duvet covers and pillowcases are generally washed fairly frequently, for many, that’s where the bedding hygiene habits stop. Though not as frequently, pillow protectors, mattress protectors, duvets, pillows and mattresses also need attention.
“The average adult loses 285ml of fluid each night and sheds 454g of dead skin over the course of a year(1) – think dead skin cells, body oils, sweat and general dirt all accumulating in your pillows, duvet and mattress, as well as your bed sheets.
“Unclean bedding can also be a breeding ground for dust mites that can cause skin rashes and irritation, potentially worsening allergy symptoms. And whilst dust mites are found in most homes, regularly cleaning your bedding is definitely recommended to keep these in check.”
Read on for Tempur’s guide to bedding best practice…
How often should I clean my… bed sheets?
Your bed sheets should be washed once a week, although if you allow pets on your bed, you’re also contending with animal fur, dander and any dirt they bring in, so it’s recommended to change to fresh sheets every 3-4 days.
Use the hottest wash setting that the product label lists – cotton can be cleaned on a hot wash (60°), whereas some other materials like polyester can only be washed in warm water.
If you have sensitive skin, make sure to use non-bio detergent, which is less likely to irritate your skin. Alternatively, consider rinsing the sheets twice to remove any residual detergent.
Tumble dry on low, or hang dry your sheets.
Pillow protectors and mattress protectors can be washed less regularly as they don’t come into direct contact with your skin, ideally they should be washed every three to four weeks.
Cleaning your bedding regularly will also help to keep your duvet, pillows, and mattress fresher for longer.
How often should I clean my… duvet?
Duvets should be washed every three to six months in order to decrease the build up of bacteria and potential allergens.
Synthetic fibre duvets should be washed in a large washing machine as per the care label instructions.
Feather and down filled duvets need to be dry cleaned so it may be worth keeping a spare clean duvet, so you don’t have the stress of taking the dirty duvet to the dry cleaners and collecting the same day.
How often should I clean my… pillows?
Pillows should be washed every 4-6 months as per the care label instructions.
However, despite regular cleaning, bacteria will build up regardless so it’s important to replace your pillow every two years. Not only will this mean you get to enjoy a clean and fresh pillow, but you’ll likely find it much more comfortable as well.
How often should I clean my… mattress?
In addition to bodily fluids and dead skin cells, on average, a mattress houses between 100,000 and 10 million dust mites – microscopic creatures that cause skin rashes, irritation and can potentially worsen allergy symptoms. It’s therefore vital to ensure you’re cleaning your mattress every six months.
If you suffer badly from asthma or allergies, you should clean your mattress more regularly – around once a month to help ease symptoms.
Traditional sprung mattresses can be cleaned by stripping the bed, vacuuming the surface of the mattress to remove dust and dead skin before spot-cleaning any spills or stains with a stain remover. Then simply air your mattress for a few hours to let the fabric breathe.
Memory foam mattresses can be spot cleaned with a damp (not wet) cloth or sponge, however it’s best to check the specific care label instructions.
How often should I clean my… mattress topper?
Whilst mattress toppers don’t come into direct contact with your skin, they still require regular cleaning to avoid the build-up of dead skin cells, body oils and sweat.
You should wash your topper once every three months, in line with the changing of the seasons to ensure it stays clean, fresh and continues to effectively protect your mattress.
For more information on Tempur, visit www.tempur.co.uk
-Ends-
Notes to editors:
- (1) The Sleep Council, 2021
- Please contact us should you be interested in receiving product for review or for competition prizes
For further press information, please contact:
Elsa Findlay | Jo Kendall | Julie Aguilera
Rooster PR
T: +44 (0)20 3440 8930
E: [email protected]
About TEMPUR
TEMPUR researches, develops, manufactures and distributes mattresses, pillows and other sleep products to improve the sleep experience worldwide.
TEMPUR mattresses and pillows are made from a formulation of the brand’s proprietary pressure absorbing TEMPUR Material. Born from NASA technology, TEMPUR Material was developed in the 1960s to protect astronauts during space flight by absorbing G-force pressure.
Tempur Material is the original pressure relieving mattress product and the precursor to all memory foams. Made up of viscoelastic – billions of ultra-sensitive open cells that exist between a solid and a liquid state – Tempur products provide the ultimate comfort and support, helping you to sleep better, longer and deeper.
Each TEMPUR product undergoes sixty-seven different quality checks. Offering superior quality, durability and value for money, TEMPUR is no.1 in customer satisfaction in the UK.
TEMPUR products can be purchased direct via the TEMPUR UK website, Dreams, John Lewis, Bensons for Beds, and Furniture Village or leading independent retailers or from any of 11 TEMPUR brand stores and outlets.
TEMPUR’s are the only mattress and pillow products officially recognised by NASA as improving quality of life. They are also certified by the Space Foundation.
TEMPUR is a subsidiary of TEMPUR Sealy International Inc.
