Opinions

is one of those things we all take for granted. Just like clothing, we use our , pillows and blankets every single day. But unlike clothing such as underwear or t-shirts, most people don't wash their bedlinen every day. So how often should we be washing our bedlinen? Everyone has different opinions on this divisive topic, but we've got a cleaning expert in to have the final say.

Sheets

First, and most importantly, let's talk about sheets. We sleep in the same sheets every night, so our sheets can become a haven for bacteria, collecting dead skin cells and bacteria. On a warm night we sweat during our sleep, making our beds the ideal breeding ground for dust mites and other microbes, which can be especially troublesome for allergy sufferers.

Weekly Changes

It's best to change bed sheets and pillow cases at least once a week. A great idea is to get into a habit and strip the bed first thing Saturday morning, to let the mattress breathe. In between weekly sheet changes, pull back the doona each morning to release any moisture built up overnight.

Bigger Items

It's also important to think about how clean your are. Although they don't have as much skin contact as sheets, they are still constantly harbouring dust mites and dead skin. Doonas should be washed at least twice a year. Pillows and doonas with natural fillings such as down or feathers may not be able to be machine washed, so consider dry cleaning options.