Hayfever season is here, and around 16 million Brits suffer with its pesky symptoms every year as the pollen count increases.
Pollen can get onto anything and everything, including slotting itself into the fibres of our clothes – and our bedding. This is why hayfever sufferers, especially those enduring constant sneezing, itchy eyes and general irritation, should ensure theirs is washed immediately.
Not only that, washing your bedding is crucial for maintaining hygiene. Unwashed bedsheets can accumulate a lot of bacteria, including microscopic organisms like dust mites and other allergens that can trigger allergies, skin problems and asthma. These allergens thrive in most environments, which is why it’s even more important to wash your bedding during the warmer months when humidity increases. This includes sheets, pillowcases, and blankets.
According to clearing expert Joyce French at HomeHow.co.uk, he explained: “Regularly washing bedding is always an important task, but particularly so during hay fever season to keep symptoms at bay and allow for restful sleep. Wash your sheets, duvet covers, and pillowcases in a hot wash once a week – hot water is crucial for killing dust mites and eliminating allergens.”
Generally, it’s recommended to change bed sheets at least once a week. However, in some cases, it can be extended to two weeks when it’s considered acceptable. For example, if you don’t sweat excessively or have any pets that sleep in the bed. If you’re prone to allergies, it’s better to be on the side of caution and wash your bedding more frequently – better be safe than sorry!
Choosing the right fabrics for your bedding – as well as your nightwear – plays a significant role in improving your sleep quality when dealing with allergies. On the other hand, synthetic fabrics, like polyester, tend to trap moisture and heat, which creates the ideal environment for dust mines.
As explained by Secret Linen, natural fibres such as cotton, linen, and bamboo are much more breathable, allowing air to flow and becoming “less hospitable” to dust mites. Moreover, these materials help regulate body temperature, avoiding sweat buildup and keeping your skin comfortable throughout the night, ensuring a good sleep.
By changing your bedsheets regularly – as well as your pyjamas – you can rest assured of having a good night’s sleep, away from any allergies that these can bring. Now that spring time has arrived, and summer is around the corner, it’s important to avoid these at all costs.
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