Sunday, January 3, 2021

What are the dangers of not washing the sheets

 What are the dangers of not washing the sheets

The bed is that cozy space where each person spends a large part of their life - at least 49 hours a week if they sleep seven hours a night - but how hygienic is the resting place? Sleeping in a freshly made bed is always pleasant, but not everyone finds it necessary to wash their sheets regularly.

Lisa Ackerley, a hygiene specialist, revealed to the Daily Mail newspaper that if the sheets are not washed weekly , the people who sleep in that bed could be putting themselves at risk of contracting serious viruses and infections. "Think of all the things you do in bed," Ackerley said. Apart from being the place where you sleep, the bed often becomes the work or study surface, the space to eat, have sex, support clothes or even the resting place of pets.

- What are the dangers of not washing the sheets and Bed Sheets Product

"Depending on the activities the bed is used for and also how clean one is when going to bed (and the fact that sleepwear is used), the bed can be a lot dirtier than we think, causing damage in our health ", warned the specialist.

Germs, bacteria, fungi, and viruses


Humans have all kinds of bacteria and fungi in their body that do not threaten their health and are necessary, but the bed is a great place for them to reproduce, especially if you take into account all the moisture that accumulates in the bed when sleeping, saliva, sweat, skin cells and everything that enters, from food to particles of fecal matter for not sanitizing the hands.

One such bacteria that can be spread on bed sheets is Staphylococcus aureus , which is commonly found on human skin or in the nose of a healthy person. Diseases such as skin or wound infections, urinary tract infections, pneumonia, and bacteremia (bloodstream infection) can develop if these bacteria enter the body. These bacteria will accumulate very easily on sheets that are not washed for several weeks and can cause infections in wounds or small cuts on the skin of the person who sleeps in that bed.

Athlete's foot


If some of the people who sleep in a bed (in the case of a married couple) have athlete's foot, being a highly contagious infection, it is most likely that they immediately suffer from the condition. Even if the person is under treatment, they need to think carefully about where the bacteria may have left their mark and clean everything, including bedding, rugs, towels, socks, slippers, and shoes.

In this case, it is recommended to wash the sheets at a high temperature to eliminate the fungus in the washing machine. At low temperatures not only will it not be removed but it is likely to spread.

Yeast infections


Anyone can "catch" a skin fungus infection just by sleeping in a bed with unwashed sheets. This can cause problems in the folds of the skin where moisture can lodge. Litter is a great breeding ground for such yeasts. To avoid them, it is enough to wash the sheets frequently and with hot water.

Virus


When a person has a cold or flu (or another type of viral illness) they need to wash and change the bedding more frequently to protect those who sleep in that bed and not aggravate their own health. The virus is spread by both sneezing and mouth-to-mouth contact, so dirty tissues in bed have to be avoided at all costs. It is necessary not to rest dirty tissues on these surfaces.

Dust mites


Dust mites ( Dermatofagoides pteronyssinus ) are microscopic organisms that feed primarily on dead skin, reason enough that sheets, armchairs, and rugs are their preferred domain. While they do not transmit disease, they can cause allergy problems.

In the excrement of these organisms, there is an enzyme that causes allergies that can lead to conditions such as asthma and rhinitis. According to ENT doctors, this can cause sinusitis and ear problems as well.

It is estimated that humans shed about 10 grams of skin a day, so the bed houses a great concentration. It is even believed that 10 percent of the weight of a two-year-old pillow may be made up of dust mites and their droppings. The solution is to leave the bed ventilated as long as possible before putting it back together, exposed to sunlight for as long as possible and, of course, frequently wash the sheets.

The keys to a healthy bed


1. First, get rid of the dust. Properly vacuuming the room and cleaning the mattress and duvet from time to time is very important.

2. Using pillow and mattress protectors is a common practice but will be extremely necessary to sleep in a clean bed. A good idea is to spray the fabrics with disinfectant.

3. Wash bedding above 60 degrees centigrade. Those temperatures kill all bacteria, but, with more delicate fabrics, a lower temperature is recommended and spray with sanitizer spray afterwards. Bacteria grow best at human body temperature, so a 30 or 40 degree wash will do nothing or make things worse.

4. Wash sheets and pajamas once a week or more frequently.

5. Take a bath before going to sleep and go to bed always with clean hands.

6. If you share a bed with pets it is useful to get a blanket for them to lie down to be washed every week at least.

7. If someone is sick, intensify cleaning and wash clothes more frequently.

Summer bed sheets: 5 keys to choosing the softest and freshest

 Summer bed sheets: 5 keys to choosing the softest and freshest

Trying to fall asleep during hot summer nights is easier if you have soft, cool sheets . Certain fabrics help make the feeling of overwhelm produced by high temperatures more bearable. Not everything depends on the fiber chosen, but also on the resulting fabric, in addition to aspects such as its thickness. We give you five tips to choose the best summer sheets .

- Summer bed sheets: 5 keys to choosing the softest and freshest and Bed Sheets Product

Thread count is essential if you want quality sheets. On the other hand, natural fibers are the best: avoid polyester sheets.
The number of threads per square inch (6.45 cm²) has been synonymous with quality sheets for years. The higher the density, the better. However, this key is more of a marketing tool than a good truth. If sheets are thread-heavy but made from bad cotton, they will be heavy, stiff and excruciatingly hot. If what you want are fresh sheets for the summer , you will have to spend a little more.

As for fibers, natural ones are the best, and specifically, cotton is the king of vegetable fibers, but not of any kind. The longer the fibers, the better. The Egyptian is the most emblematic and is considered a luxury. Some Egyptian cotton sheets are a sure hit. Likewise, for some time, the Peruvian, also called pima or supima cotton, has been competing with it. If we talk about animal fibers, silk sheets  in summer are the coolest, but if you sweat a lot, forget it because they do not absorb moisture.

Which sheets are cooler? The best summer sheets are the ones that are made from soft fabrics. Have you tried percale sheets?
Fiber is one thing and fabric is another. Most 100% cotton sheets are percale. It is a flat and matte fabric, in which the vertical (warp) and horizontal (weft) threads intersect in a uniform and repetitive way. The result is firm and smooth to the touch. The satin fabric is also very soft, in addition to having a very characteristic shine, but it is warmer for the summer. Among the brand sheets of the most prestigious firms you will find examples.

The synthetic sheets will not help you sleep better. Good quality cotton isn't cheap, but sturdy sheets are a good investment. There is the possibility of opting for a 50% cotton blend with polyester, with the advantage, in addition to the price, that they will wrinkle less, but freshness will be lost. Synthetic fibers, such as polyester or acrylic, do not breathe well and are rougher. The sheets of polyester are not recommended.

Cool summer sheets should have been made without chemicals. Look for organic cotton sheets and organically grown
If you have allergy problems, then you will have to be very careful when choosing the sheets. The same if your children suffer from asthma or have a respiratory problem. The sheets for the children's bed must be of the best quality. It is vital that no chemicals have been used during the manufacturing process, something very common so that the fabrics do not shrink or have fewer wrinkles when they are removed from the washing machine. To be sure, it is best to make sure that it is organic cotton sheets , grown without pesticides or toxic insecticides.

When it comes to buying fresh sheets that allow you to fall asleep when the night temperature is not good, the truth is that you have several options. In addition to those mentioned above, you have linen sheets , whose power to neutralize odors has been extensively tested. Similarly, bamboo sheets are popular with buyers with a high awareness of sustainability and the environment.

How to take care of the bed sheets in your house?

 How to take care of the bed sheets in your house?

If you want your sheets to maintain their softness and color for a long time, it is important that you follow these tips that will teach you how to care for your sheets in a simple and practical way.

- How to take care of the bed sheets in your house and Bed Sheets Product

Follow these tips on how to care for your sheets and discover how your bedding set can give you more rest.

Use tips
We advise you to wash your bedding set before using it for the first time, some may have a little stiff fabric, due to residues of sizing or starch. If you don't want to iron the sheets, we recommend straightening and folding them just out of the dryer or washing machine, and before they get cold.

Maintenance tips
There are some basic tips on how to take care of the sheets in your house and give them proper maintenance:

  • Cotton sheets should be machine washed in warm water, and there is no need to use fabric softener or bleach.
  • Polyester sheets are washed in cold or lukewarm water and can be tumbled dry, no ironing required.
  • So that the color or pattern of your sheets does not wear or fade, do not use bleach.
  • Do not mix sheets with knitwear, such as sweaters or socks, as these shed lint that clings to the fabrics.
  • Dampen the sheets before ironing them on medium heat.



Avoid mites

  • Dust mites live in your home, they are the main cause of allergy, rhinitis and asthma in the world.
  • Eliminate them with Acar Klean, it is 100% effective, its action is fast and it has a residual effect.
  • It is important to ventilate the pillow on a weekly basis, thus avoiding the impregnation of unpleasant odors.
  • Remove the bedding and apply it directly to the mattress for only 10 seconds and to the pillow for 5 seconds.


Find the solution for mites here

You already know how to take care of the sheets in your house, now share this content with your family and friends who may need help in keeping their bedding intact.

Essential care for your summer bed sheets

 Essential care for your summer bed sheets

The summer sheets are made of fresh and breathable fabrics. For this reason, they are often made of 100% cotton or other natural fabrics such as linen. This type of fresh and pleasant fabrics need certain special care to stay beautiful and in good condition.

As we have said on other occasions, today you can also opt for synthetic or mixed fabrics, since their good quality makes them offer high performance and are much easier to iron and care for.

- Essential care for your summer bed sheets and Bed Sheets Product

Tips for taking care of your summer sheets

Here are some basic tips for summer bedding care , some of which can be applied throughout the year:

  • Bedding should be washed once a week , except in warmer places or when the person is very prone to sweating, in which case they can be washed twice a week. This is sufficient in practically all cases and washing your sheets more frequently will only speed up their wear process.
  • Labels must be looked at carefully. The manufacturer is the one who knows his product best and, therefore, the one who can best indicate how to wash it. The label will generally indicate information as important as whether the sheets can be machine washed, tumble dried or what is the maximum water temperature they tolerate.
  • If there is a complicated stain you should not try to remove it by increasing the temperature of the water. It is best to soak it with a stain remover that is respectful of delicate fabrics and does not contain bleach. After this, they can be washed as marked on the label.
  • Linen and cotton often shrink in the first few washes . Manufacturers know this and that is why the sheets of these fabrics are usually larger than those made of synthetic fabric that does not undergo changes. You should not worry if this happens, it will only happen in the first and second wash, then the fabric will remain intact. To prevent them from shrinking too much, it is recommended not to use the dryer, but to let them air dry.
  • It is recommended that the bedding is washed separately . This is so because certain fabrics can cause friction to occur and end up forming the dreaded balls. If the washing machine is not filled and you want to take advantage of the washing, it can be completed with cotton underwear or other similar garments, avoiding mixing sheets of natural fabrics with synthetic garments.
  • If you dry your sheets in the open air, avoid direct sunlight as it can cause the colors to be damaged or even the sheets to end up stiff, depending on the fabric from which they are made.
  • To iron the sheets you must take into account the manufacturer's instructions. In the case of cotton or other natural fiber sheets, it is recommended that the fabric is slightly damp as this facilitates ironing. You can choose to collect the clothes from the clothesline before everything is dry, but the easiest thing is to use ironing water.
  • Ironing water helps to remove wrinkles from sheets and, in addition, it usually has a mild aroma that makes clothes feel fresher and more pleasant.
  • While natural fabrics tend to need much more heat, synthetic fabrics are ironed at a lower temperature, so it is advisable to start with synthetic bedding and subsequently increase the heat of the iron to work with cotton.
  • Where your clothes are stored is also important. For your summer sheets to be impeccable, you should store them in a dry and well-ventilated place , such as a closet or drawers. But never in plastic, like the famous boxes that are used to put under the bed.
  • A good trick is to put tissue paper in the drawers or shelves where the bedding will be stored, as this will absorb any humidity from the environment, preventing the clothes from ending up moldy or smelling.
  • To finish, we are going to give you a trick that does not have to do with the care of the sheets, but with how to take care of yourself with them. This is a trick that models use to make their hair look great: silk pillowcases. Cotton pillowcases and especially synthetic ones, have the problem that they can frizz the hair due to friction and thus favor it to break or look electric in the morning.



Silk, on the other hand, avoids these problems and protects it, especially when it is more delicate because dyes have been used. In addition, the silk covers avoid the typical wrinkles that form on the face when sleeping, so for many people they are another beauty treatment.

How to wash white bed sheets that have turned yellow?

 How to wash white bed sheets that have turned yellow?

When we choose white clothing, whether it is clothing such as sheets , towels or tablecloths, we do it precisely for that: because we love white. When that color fades, as is the typical case with yellowish white sheets , we quickly start asking for advice, looking here and there with a single premise in mind, how to wash yellowish sheets ?

Well, the good news is that there mu c hos methods and products that will help us fight the yellowed white sheets and return them to their original white. Pay attention that we are talking about methods and products, this means that not all products for washing yellowish white sheets are applied in any way, but there are methods and times that we have to respect.

- How to wash white bed sheets that have turned yellow and Bed Sheets Product

How to dry your yellowish white sheets to regain their original color?
Before going to the products themselves and the details of when and how to apply them, I will start with a basic premise, linked to drying rather than washing and is as old as it is effective: whenever you have the opportunity to dry your yellowish white sheets in the sun , any method you apply will be strongly enhanced, in relation to machine drying. I know ... not all of us have that possibility, especially if we live in small spaces in big cities, but I don't want to stop mentioning it, because sooner or later we will go on vacation or we will meet a family member who does have that possibility and it is worth it. It's worth asking them for that little favor.

When we choose white clothing, whether it is clothing such as sheets , towels or tablecloths, we do it precisely for that: because we love white. When that color fades, as is the typical case with yellowish white sheets , we quickly start asking for advice, looking here and there with a single premise in mind, how to wash yellowish sheets ?

Well, the good news is that there are many methods and products that will help us to combat yellowish white sheets and return them to their original white. Pay attention that we are talking about methods and products, this means that not all products for washing yellowish white sheets are applied in any way, but there are methods and times that we have to respect.

4 tricks to recover the white in your yellow sheets

  • Now yes: What are the products that I can mix with common laundry detergent or soap, in order to improve the washing of my yellowish white sheets ?
  • Sodium bicarbonate . Ideally, add half a cup to the measure of the detergent you use in your regular wash. If you want to use bleach anyway, reduce it to half the usual measure.
  • Distilled white vinegar (half a cup), you add it to your regular detergent amount. Don't worry about the strong smell, it will disappear when the yellowish-white sheets dry (the good news is, they won't be so yellow by then!)
  • Add a half cup of hydrogen peroxide (the 3% readily available in stores and pharmacies) to the detergent in your regular wash.
  • Lemon juice : add a quarter or a half cup to your usual detergent.


All the aforementioned in relation to adding something to your usual detergent. But I add other possibilities: the treatments before the final regular wash that you usually do. My favorite is to soak for a whole night, I do it like this: in four liters of very hot water, I add half a cup (if I can a little more) of lemon juice. You let it sit overnight, rinse and the next day you do the regular wash. Your yellowish white sheets will stop being yellow and will return to that whiteness that you love.



The tricks to make the PERFECT bed


You know that wonderful feeling you get when you get between the sheets of a hotel bed? Well, it has a trick and we are going to teach you how to make the bed like a true professional.

1. Air the mattress

But before airing it out, you have to make an important decision: what is the best mattress for you? If you are one of those who prefer spring, there are pocketed springs in which each element is integrated into a fabric shell to offer individual movement and thus avoid feeling the movements of those who sleep next to you. ...

How to wash a down or down comforter

10 tips so that your sheets are always impeccable

An expert tells you his tricks when it comes to keeping the bedding as the first day.

Tips for the care of sheets

Having sheets in excellent condition, elegant and attractive is not an impossible task, you just have to know some tricks that can facilitate this task. The comfort of clean and soft sheets is unmatched, and although we only use them to sleep, it is always more pleasant that they are white and not opaque.

For a good care of sheets, it is advisable to use warm water in their washing, if we are washing cotton sheets, then we must sanitize them separately with detergent, but not in much quantity. Dark-colored sheets should be washed with warm water, and if we need to bleach sheets, the most advisable are oxygen bleaches. If we want a more homemade technique, we can use vinegar or lemon juice mixed with water. ...

7 tips to avoid the presence of mites in your bed sheets

 7 tips to avoid the presence of mites in your bed sheets

Our bed is a place of rest, it is perhaps the place where we can be most comfortable. However, not carrying out some hygiene measures can turn it into a source of threats to our overall health.

Our bed sheets, as well as pillowcases, can easily become home to multiple species of mites and fungi , which can quietly affect our health and quality of life.

- 7 tips to avoid the presence of mites in your bed sheets and Bed Sheets Product

According to a recent study, people produce about 99 liters of sweat per year while we sleep. The moisture generated by sweat, plus the heat, make sheets and pillowcases the ideal environment for the development of harmful microorganisms .

What's more, it is estimated that pillows older than a year and a half can harbor up to 16 different species of fungi, or even more.

“You carry fungal spores, bacteria, animal dander, pollen, dirt, lint, coloring material, and all kinds of body excrement with you to bed, including sweat, vaginal and anal excretions, urine, skin cells,” said Philip. Tierno, a microbiologist at New York University, in the United States.

According to the specialist, the first warning sign about the presence of mites and fungi in the bed is sneezing, since you begin to breathe microbes. Two weeks of build-up can cause sore throats in people, especially those with allergies and asthma , he said.

But don't worry, there are several tips that you can carry out to keep your bed free of these annoying microorganisms, such as:

1 Wash the sheets and pillowcases once a week . It takes seven days for all this mass of microorganisms to acquire a significant size.

2 Wash the sheets separately from the rest of the clothes .

3 Before washing, check that they have no stains . If there are any, use a specific sheet stain remover, or soak them for about 20 minutes before washing them.

4 Lay the sheets outside . The sun's UV rays will act as a natural disinfectant to kill mites and fungi.

5 Ventilate the room where you sleep well after waking up.

6 Change sheets and pillowcases regularly .

7 Vacuum the surface of the mattress , thus you will eliminate accumulated dust and prevent the proliferation of mites.

Tips for washing bed sheets

 Tips for washing bed sheets

Think how much you like to snuggle in bed at night with your sheets. Soft, with a good smell, freshly ironed and with a pleasant texture for our skin. Although sometimes we forget, the sheets are a very important part of falling asleep the first time and not having to count sheep.

- Tips for washing bed sheets and Bed Sheets Product

Wash the sheets frequently

That is why it is very important to wash the sheets frequently. Experts recommend doing a laundry with sheets once a week, or every 15 days at the most. Not only to sleep in good conditions, but also to avoid being in contact with the mites and bacteria that accumulate over the nights. This is because our skin, even after showering, shed remains of dead skin, and mites and allergens are always present in the environment.

It is as important to change them every one or two weeks, as it is to wash them with a suitable program and temperature.

What temperature is suitable for washing the sheets?

Usually, the sheets do not have difficult stains but it is important to wash them with warm or hot water, between 40 and 60ºC. In this way, bacteria and mites are eliminated and the remains of dirt disappear. We also recommend that before putting the laundry, you check the labels  because they may require some special care. In this way, your sheets will remain as new wash after wash.

Which washing machine program do I choose?

Select a program suitable for the fabric of the sheets . Normally they are made of cotton, so by selecting the "cotton" program and a temperature of 60ºC , the sheets will come out completely clean. If your composition is more delicate fabrics, choose a special program in order to avoid damaging the fibers.

How much detergent do I add to each wash?

Be sure to adjust the amount of detergent to the load. Do not add more than necessary because the washing machine will need additional rinses, and there may be traces of detergent that will make the sheets not so soft.

Can I put a laundry with sheets and other clothes?

Our recommendation is that, since the sheets take up a lot of space, wash them by themselves and do not put other clothes in the laundry. For a good washing result, there needs to be space in the washing machine for the clothes to move freely.

How to dry the sheets?

When the washing process is finished, do not leave the sheets in the drum for a long time, they will accumulate moisture and may wrinkle. For these cases it is very useful to program the washing machine . If you have one of our washers with this function, you just have to select the time you want the washing machine to finish, and don't worry about it completely. It will end when it suits you best, so you can organize your time however you want.

Can the sheets be put in the dryer?

To dry them, you have two options:

  • Use the dryer to have them dry in a short time and make the bed again. It is the most comfortable option if you do not have much time, it is raining or you do not have space to spread them. Select a short, low-temperature program for better fabric care.
  • Tend them outdoors avoiding direct sunlight, so that if they are colored they do not lose it, and if they are white they do not acquire a yellow tone. Pick them up when they are dry and don't wait too long so they don't get too rough.
  • When you make the bed again, add a few drops of perfume in the corners that keep the good smell and help you to rest peacefully.