Bedding: once a week

Bedding: once a week

Every day we lose millions of skin cells, a significant portion of them – in bed. At night, the body releases an average of about a liter of sweat, which attracts mites. These microscopic creatures are not harmful by themselves, but their secretions contain allergens that can cause itchy eyes, nasal inflammation, or asthma. Recent public opinion polls have shown that one in ten respondents washes their bed linen once a month, and more than a third do it once every two weeks.

Experts advise washing sheets, duvet covers, and pillowcases once a week at a temperature of at least 60 degrees Celsius to eliminate all bacteria. It is also good to dry bedding in the sun whenever possible, as sunlight effectively deals with microorganisms.

Well, for the final solution to this question, it is good to iron the bed linen with a hot iron.

Pillows: every 3 months

The filling of your pillow acts like a sponge, absorbing sweat and over time becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and mites. Scientists have discovered that these microorganisms, their excrement, and dead cells can make up to one-third of the weight of a pillow. And an unwashed pillowcase can contain an average of 16 types of yeast.

Therefore, experts recommend washing pillows in the washing machine every 3 months at a temperature of 60 degrees Celsius. When doing so, use a liquid detergent (powder can leave stains) and run the rinse cycle twice. When tumble drying, you can add two tennis balls, which will help prevent the filling from clumping.

Mattress: every six months

Just like pillows, mattresses are a breeding ground for bacteria, dust mites, yeast, and even mold spores.

In addition, according to experts, these dangerous microorganisms can live in the mattress filling, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), norovirus, and bacteria of the genus Campylobacter (which are the cause of acute intestinal infections). In particular, norovirus is capable of surviving inside a bed for up to 6 weeks.

Therefore, it is necessary to clean your mattress at least once every six months.

You can vacuum it or treat it with steam, then ventilate it well. The upholstery should be wiped with a damp cloth soaked in a special shampoo, then turn the mattresses for drying. If the cover material allows for machine washing, doing so is also beneficial

Pajamas: after the second use

Pajama pants or shorts should be washed after two nights spent in them, and the top part can be sent for washing a little less frequently.

"It is very important that your sleepwear is fresh and clean, free of sweat and secretions," said one of the experts.

Kitchen towels: after each use

Kitchen towels and dishcloths are the most dangerous hotspots for bacterial contamination in the kitchen. Optimal temperature for bacterial growth – approximately 37 degrees Celsius, and dirty towels hanging near the stove are an excellent incubator for bacteria. Research conducted in 2014 by scientists at Arizona State University showed that 25% of kitchen towels are infected with pathogenic bacteria, such as E.coli