Cleaning expert shares exactly how often pet owners should be washing their bed linen

From skin health to allergy prevention, maintaining clean bedding is vital - and it's especially important for anyone who shares a bed with a four-legged friend.

Woman in bed with her dog

Regular washing makes your bed a safer place for both you and your pet (Image: Getty)

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it's all too easy to let household cleaning routines slip through the cracks, particularly when it comes to keeping bedding pristine and freshly laundered. 

For those who find this scenario all too familiar, one guru has come forward with his top tips on why this task should climb to the top of your domestic duties list, urging us to be more vigilant.

Daniel Ufland, the brains behind the online interior styling hub Flitch, insists that fresh bed linen is crucial not just for a cosy night's sleep but also plays a pivotal role in maintaining skin health, staving off allergies, and enhancing overall wellness. With this in mind, the Flitch squad have sounded the alarm for pet owners to sharpen up their laundry routines.

Their advice is clear: "If you have pets and those pets sleep under the covers with you, your sheets likely need more attention."

They point out: "Pets have hair, dander, and dirt from outside and unlike humans, they do not shower frequently. These substances can easily accumulate on your sheets, leading to increased allergens and hygiene concerns," reports the Mirror.

Washing in the machine

Do you know how often you should be washing your bed linen? (Image: Getty)

Regular laundering of your bedclothes is key to ensuring a hygienic and snug sleep haven for you and your furry friends.

The specialists recommend: "Washing your bedding every three to four days helps keep these contaminants at bay," highlighting its importance, particularly for those allergic to pet dander.

Daniel Ufland, Co-Founder of Flitch, emphasised: "A clean sleeping environment not only increases comfort but's vital for maintaining your overall health. Regularly washing your sheets helps prevent the buildup of bacteria, allergens, and irritants that can affect your sleep and well-being. By incorporating frequent washing into your routine, you're taking an easy yet impactful step toward better health."

Cat sleeping on a bed

How often you wash your bedlinen can affect your health and wellbeing (Image: Getty)

For households without pets, Ufland advises a sheet wash at least once every one to two weeks.

"This timeframe helps eliminate the buildup of skin oils, sweat, and dead skin cells that naturally occur while you sleep."

Maintaining this routine is crucial for promoting overall hygiene and preventing an environment where bacteria and allergens can infiltrate and thrive.

The bedding expert also suggests that people with allergies or asthma should wash their bedsheets weekly, to help minimise exposure to dust mites and pollen. Anyone who suffers from skin conditions should consider washing as often as twice a week to remove sweat and dirt that could cause flare-ups.

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