Lab tests found that swabs from pillowcases unwashed for a week harbored 17,000 times more colonies of bacteria than samples taken from a toilet seat.
Ideally, the recommended washing cycle for sheets is weekly or at minimum every other week.
Here are 4 reasons why washing your sheets and bedding more often is necessary:
1. Dust Mites
We shed up to 500 million skin cells per day. Most shed off while rolling around in bed. These dead cells pile up in between wash cycles. Dust mites love skin cells, in fact it is one of their favorite things to feast on. While chowing down on the skin cells the mites leave behind their little droppings. These droppings can trigger allergies and asthma. The droppings can also cause eczema to flare.
2. Pet Bed
Many people allow their cats or dogs to snuggle up with them in bed, and there are a bunch of benefits to sleeping with your pets, such as reduced stress, better quality sleep, and it can lower blood pressure. However, dog and cat hair and dander are the dessert buffet to dust mites. Additionally, pets can also pass on ringworm of the scalp, a nasty fungal infection, and their other fungal infections can translate to itchy and irritated skin for you.
3. Facial Breakouts
Dirty pillowcases can cause your facial acne to be worse than normal or even cause acne when you are not prone to acne. The embedded dirt, dead skin and other bacteria can clog your pores, causing acne.
4. Illness
If you have been sick or your partner has been ill, it is important to wash your sheets and bedding right away to kill any lingering germs. Bacteria and viruses can live on soft surfaces for minutes and even hours. In fact, the flu virus can live on tissues for up to 15 minutes, but some stomach bugs can lift on fabrics up to 4 hours.
Proper Washing for Bedding
Bedding should be washed in the hottest water possible suggested on the care label. Items should then be dried in the dryer, as dryer heat can kill germs that could potentially survive the wash.
Better yet, using the San-O3-Wash system found at Soap Opera Laundromat will absolutely ensure your bedding is clean and bacteria-free. The Aquawing System (San-O3-Wash) is the only system on the market that's clinically proven by two independent laboratories to eliminate more than 99 percent of super bugs in the wash with use of patented Interfusor.
Washing Schedule for Bedding/Pillows – Pillows should be washed at least twice a year.
Sheets – Launder sheets weekly.
Comforters/Blankets/Duvet Covers – Launder every 1 to 2 months. (If you do not use a top sheet these items should be washed every time you wash the sheets.)
Mattress Pad – Wash four times per year.
Soap Opera Laundromats can Help!
Not only do our 3 full-service locations have the San-O3-Wash system, but we have oversized washers and dryers to fit your largest comforters and mattress pads. Additionally, during the month of March you can save $5.00 off a comforter cleaning. See our full website for more information.