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Hygiene in the Bedroom

5 Mistakes Almost Everyone Makes When Washing Their Bed Linen

You might think that there is not much to consider when washing bed linen - but that is wrong. In fact, some common mistakes should be avoided at all costs
You might think that there is not much to consider when washing bed linen - but that is wrong. In fact, some common mistakes should be avoided at all costs Photo: Getty Images

December 30, 2024, 4:26 pm | Read time: 3 minutes

Good bed hygiene is particularly important as it promotes our well-being and contributes to restful sleep. For a clean bed, regular washing of bed linen is a matter of course. However, to ensure that your bed linen is actually hygienically clean, you should be aware of and avoid a few common mistakes.

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Mistakes can happen even with seemingly simple household tasks such as washing the bed linen. Everything is quickly stuffed into the washing machine, detergent is added, and a program is selected. Although the process essentially consists of these steps, some mistakes can be made that affect both the hygiene and the lifespan of the bed linen. myHOMEBOOK explains what is important.

Mistake #1: Not Washing Bed Linen Often Enough

Let’s be honest: How often do you actually change your bed linen—weekly, bi-weekly, or only monthly? If it’s the latter, it’s time to urgently reconsider your cleaning routine. Experts recommend changing your bed linen every two weeks. Bed linen collects sweat, dander, and hair, which provides ideal conditions for mites. For a clean bed and a restful sleep, bed linen should, therefore, be washed every 14 days.

By the way: If you sweat a lot, for example in summer, you should even change your bed linen once a week.

Mistake #2: Washing Bed Linen at Incorrect Temperatures

A common mistake when washing bed linen is choosing the wrong temperature. If it is too low, germs and mites are not killed; if it is too high, delicate fabrics can be damaged. Satin and blended fabrics are particularly sensitive to high temperatures. The solution: Always check the care label. If there are no specific instructions, the bed linen can usually be washed at 60 degrees Celsius.

Mistake #3: Overfilling the Washing Machine

When you make your bed, you quickly end up with a huge pile of laundry: sheets, comforter covers, and pillowcases – sometimes even twice. However, the size of the drum is crucial when washing. The washing machine should be filled to a maximum of three-quarters so that the bed linen can move freely and be thoroughly cleaned. If the drum is too small for the entire load, it is better to split the laundry into two wash cycles.

Mistake #4: Ignoring the Bed Linen’s Material

As with clothes, you should also pay attention to the material of bed linen. Different materials react differently to washing temperatures, detergents, and drying methods. Ignoring these requirements can lead to deformation, loss of color, or damage. Materials such as silk, satin, and linen are particularly sensitive. They require mild detergents and low temperatures between 30 and 40 degrees Celsius.

Microfiber bed linen, on the other hand, should be washed without fabric softener, as this can clog the fibers and impair the function of the laundry. A mild detergent is the better choice here. Cotton bed linen is much more robust and can easily be washed at temperatures between 60 and 90 degrees Celsius.

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Mistake #5: Failing to Turn and Close Bed Linen Before Washing

If you’re missing a sock after the wash, check inside the duvet cover—smaller clothing items often end up hiding there. To avoid this, you should always close the bed linen before washing. This not only protects against lost items of clothing but also prevents open zippers or buttons from being damaged or damaging other textiles during the wash cycle. You should also turn the bed linen inside out. This protects colors and patterns and makes it easier to cover pillows and blankets later on.

This article is a machine translation of the original German version of MYHOMEBOOK and has been reviewed for accuracy and quality by a native speaker. For feedback, please contact us at info@myhomebook.de.

Topics Cleaning
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