Joy Anyim
For some of us, one of the consolations we enjoy after a long and hectic day is the comfort of our beds, which almost makes us forget the day’s stress.
But such comfort does not come cheap, work has to be put in to ensure that such comfort is a hundred per cent.
The same amount of work you put into ensuring your physical looks are okay, should also be into your bedding – bed sheet, pillowcase and duvet.
Dirty bedding has on the skin exactly the same reaction as dirty clothes. Sometimes it could even be worse, hence, the need to wash and change them often.
There is a lot of funny stuff and contamination that can accumulate in your sheets over an extended period, including dead skin cells, body oils, drool, and, of course, dust mites.
These may cause acne, eczema, or even disrupt the skin ecosystem. So, preferably, washing a sheet every week, or washing your pillowcase every two to three days and the duvet, at least, once every six weeks will do your skin a whole lot of good.
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But some factors determine if you should wash your sheets or bedding often. Your lifestyle determines how often. However, specific factors as listed below may help your washing habit.
1. If you sleep with your pet on the bed.
2. If you share your bed with a friend or lover.
3. If you have asthma, allergies or you are sensitive to dust.
4. If you sweat excessively.
5. If you sleep naked.
6. If you have an open wound.
7. If you are sick with hay fever, or any health challenge.
The bottom line is to wash your bedding regularly with very hot water, and if possible also iron them to kill any germ that may still be in them.
Not washing your sheets regularly exposes one to fungi, bacteria, pollen and animal dander that are commonly found on sheets other bedding.
Other things found on sheets include bodily secretions, sweat and skin cells. This won’t necessarily make you sick, but could also trigger skin reactions.
But to make your sheets free from germs, you could also ensure you wash makeup from the face before going to bed, avoid putting on creams and oils before bed.
Also, a pillow should be thrown away after every two years maximum.
