In the UK, 83.6% of people say that the comfort of their bed and bedding correlates to how well they sleep¹. Despite this, many of us aren’t looking after our bedding correctly, leading to poor bed hygiene and the undesirable effects this can have on overall wellbeing.

Below, experts from bamboo bedding brand Panda London reveal why bed hygiene is important and the best practices for creating a clean and comfortable sleep environment.

Why is bed hygiene important?
“Poor bed hygiene, such as long periods between washing bed linen, can cause a build-up of sweat, oils, skincare and haircare products and bacteria on sheets,” explains beauty and wellbeing expert Rose Mahon.

“This can be a trigger for acne breakouts, as the build-up is easily transferred from unwashed sheets to your skin and able to contribute to clogged pores. Bacteria can also lead to irritation of the skin, which can heighten eczema and dry skin symptoms.”

Dr Seeta Shah, a medical expert at Panda London, emphasises the importance of maintaining clean bedding for overall health and wellness.

“With most of us spending approximately seven hours in bed each night, our exposure to lingering bacteria on sheets is significant. Bedding can harbour a variety of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, which can pose serious health risks. This bacteria can lead to numerous health problems, ranging from mild skin irritations, such as dermatitis, to more significant concerns, like infections.

If you’ve recently been unwell, it’s imperative to wash your bedding more frequently to prevent the accumulation of pathogens and reinfection. Similarly, individuals who notice the onset of skin complaints should prioritise hygiene by laundering their bed linens and considering hypoallergenic materials to mitigate potential triggers.”

Dr Seeta also highlights the risks posed by dust mites and allergens, which thrive in bedding environments. “Bed linen is a common home for dust mites, which are a major trigger for asthma and allergy symptoms, including nasal congestion, sneezing, and itchy eyes. For allergy sufferers, this can lead to disrupted sleep and compromised respiratory health.

In addition to washing bedding more regularly, switching to bamboo bedding is particularly beneficial for those with allergies. Bamboo fabric is naturally hypoallergenic, breathable, and resistant to microorganisms and parasites like dust mites and bed bugs. This not only reduces irritation but also promotes a healthier sleep environment.”

Three rules for a great bed hygiene routine

Tamir Teitelbaum, director at Panda London, recommends following three simple rules to master bed hygiene and keep bedding clean and fresh.

1. Wash bedding every 1-2 weeks
A solid bed hygiene routine starts with washing linen every 1-2 weeks and more often when required. Manufacturer’s guidelines should be followed in the first instance to clean sheets effectively and keep them in the best condition, but most bamboo and linen bedding washes well on a 30-degree wash. Linen sheets benefit from a gentle detergent to prevent shrinkage and maintain softness.

Sheets should also be spot-cleaned as required for smaller stains or spillages. Massaging the area with a damp cloth and diluted detergent should lift any marks.

2. Avoid over-drying bedding
While it may be tempting to tumble dry your bedsheets after washing, it can contribute to skin irritation.

Excessive heat, such as that from the tumble dryer or direct sunlight, can cause damage to the fibres of bedding causing it to lose its softness. Instead, bed linen should be air-dried on a washing line or airer, but not in direct sunlight, to preserve its texture.

3. Store bedding appropriately between uses
After washing and drying bed linen correctly, you need to ensure it is stored appropriately, too.

Freshly washed bedding should be stored in a cool and dry place to prevent mildew and odours. Solutions like breathable storage bags can also be a great way to protect sheets from dust mites and other pests.

Another option is to use a pillowcase from the set itself, especially if the bedding is made of breathable material such as bamboo, linen, or cotton. This protects the sheets and keeps the matching set together in one place.

Tamir says, “Establishing a bed hygiene routine for washing bed linens not only ensures cleanliness but also prolongs the lifespan of your bedding products. Using a bed hygiene routine to its full advantage is crucial for creating a fresh and comfortable sleep environment that promotes optimal sleep and overall wellbeing.”

¹ https://pandalondon.com/blogs/sweet-dreams-blog/sleep-report-2024