How Often Should You Wash?
It is one of those areas that it is often best not to enquire too closely. So, of course, someone has.
Just how often should you wash towels? And if no one can see them does it really matter?
Or, now that it is winter, the bed sheets?
Well you may be surprised to learn that we should change them far more often than we actually do.
Because even if they appear clean they can contain lots of harmful microbes that can make us ill.
Here's our guide.
Dishcloths
9/10 UK dishcloths tested in a Dettol study were deeply contaminated with germs. More than half harboured E. coli. Used dishcloths have 4 billion living germs, 6 times as much bacteria as toilet handles.
How often?
Rinse completely and air-dry after every use. Don't cover over bacteria-ridden kitchen taps or leave in the kitchen sink. Replace once-a-month.
How to clean them:
Each evening, rinse with an anti-bacterial washing cleanser or wash at 60C or more. Air or tumble dry.
Professional Tips:
- Use separate cloths for different tasks
- Never use the same cloth for raw meat and other surfaces
- Replace immediately if they smell or look dirty
- Consider using disposable wipes for high-risk areas
- Store dry cloths in a clean, ventilated area
Teatowels
These are one of the top causes of cross contamination. "Cloth towels could quickly and easily become contaminated at significant levels, including microorganisms that can lead to food-borne illnesses," Science Daily reported.
How often?
Change every day - and don't dry your hands on them!
How to clean them:
Launder at 60C or above, different to regular towels.
Hygiene Best Practices:
- Use paper towels for drying hands
- Have multiple teatowels in rotation
- Never use teatowels for cleaning up spills
- Wash immediately after contact with raw food
- Consider color-coding for different uses
Towels
Bath towels engross dead skin cells and natural bacteria from our bodies and warm, damp conditions mean this bacteria flourishes. Sharing towels can increase bacteria and viruses such as Staphylococcus aureus (which can cause skin infections), cold sores and Athlete's Foot.
How often?
Bath towels should be washed after every 3 uses, insists Philip Tierno (New York based microbiologist).
How to clean them:
Clean the sheets at a high temperature, 60C or more, and an anti-bacterial product.
Towels Hygiene Guidelines:
- Never share towels between family members
- Hang towels to dry completely between uses
- Use separate towels for face and body
- Replace towels every 2-3 years
- Consider using white towels to see when they need cleaning
Bedsheets
"Beds can become reservoirs of human cells, bacteria and bodily excretions. Humans shed half an ounce of skin each week - and a lot of that will be in the bed," says Dr Ackerley. Warm, especially moist environments are also ideal breeding grounds for dust mites, with the ordinary bed containing 10 million of them! Their faeces can activate allergic reactions.
The build-up of bacteria from your sweat and skin cells can become "significant" in as little as a week. Your mouth and nose are very close to those sheets so you're breathing in those spores. In hot weather we sweat more, creating the perfect conditions for bacteria and fungus to blowout.
How often?
Every morning, pull back the duvet and open the window to release moisture and humidity. Change your sheets each week.
How to clean them:
Wash at 60C to kill mites.
Bedding Hygiene Tips:
- Use mattress and pillow protectors
- Vacuum your mattress monthly
- Rotate your mattress every 3 months
- Wash pillowcases more frequently (every 2-3 days)
- Consider hypoallergenic bedding materials
Duvet and Pillows
Apparently, a 3rd of the weight of a two-year-old pillow is made up of dead skin and dust mite faeces. According to Johnson Cleaners: "Duvets can harbour live and dead dust mites, skin scales and fungus, which can lead to allergies such as rhinitis and infections such as conjunctivitis."
How often?
Duvets should be washed every few months, or at least twice a year, says Sara Wadsworth (from The Fine Bedding Company), and replaced every five years, pillows more frequently - every two to three years.
How to clean them:
If the duvet has synthetic filling, wash at 60C to destroy dust mites. Feather fillings need professional dry cleaning twice a year.
Duvet and Pillow Care:
- Use duvet covers and pillow protectors
- Air bedding regularly in sunlight
- Consider professional cleaning for large items
- Replace pillows every 2-3 years
- Choose hypoallergenic materials when possible
Additional Laundry Hygiene Tips
Washing Machine Maintenance
Keep Your Machine Clean:
- Run an empty hot cycle monthly
- Clean the detergent drawer regularly
- Leave the door open between washes
- Clean the rubber seal around the door
- Use washing machine cleaner tablets
Laundry Sorting
Proper Sorting Guidelines:
- Separate whites, colors, and delicates
- Wash heavily soiled items separately
- Use appropriate water temperatures
- Don't overload the machine
- Check care labels before washing
Drying and Storage
Proper Drying Techniques:
- Dry items completely before storing
- Use high heat for sanitizing when appropriate
- Air dry delicate items
- Store clean items in dry, well-ventilated areas
- Avoid storing damp items
Health Benefits of Proper Laundry Hygiene
Preventing Illness
Germ Reduction:
- Eliminates harmful bacteria
- Reduces risk of skin infections
- Prevents cross-contamination
- Minimizes allergic reactions
- Protects vulnerable family members
Allergy Management
Dust Mite Control:
- Regular washing kills dust mites
- Reduces allergen exposure
- Improves sleep quality
- Decreases respiratory symptoms
- Creates healthier home environment
Professional Laundry Services
When to Call the Experts
Consider Professional Services For:
- Large or heavy items (duvets, comforters)
- Delicate or expensive fabrics
- Stubborn stains or odors
- Regular maintenance schedules
- Time constraints
St. Anne's Laundry Services
Our professional laundry services ensure your household items are cleaned to the highest hygiene standards:
- Expert cleaning techniques
- High-temperature sanitization
- Proper handling of delicate items
- Convenient pick-up and delivery
- Quality guarantee
Related Cleaning and Hygiene Guides
- Ironing Services: You'll Never Have to Do Your Least Favourite Chore Ever Again - Professional ironing tips
- 7 Cleaning Secrets from Housekeeping Agency London - Professional cleaning techniques
- The Ultimate Guide to Luxury Home Cleaning - Professional standards for any home
- Eco-Friendly Cleaning Solutions - Sustainable cleaning methods
Professional Housekeeping Services
Everything is important to us - the way it looks, how it feels, and how it runs. Expect more with a housekeeper trained to the highest standards, and a dedicated account manager devoted to ensuring everything is done just the way you like it. Every one of our London housekeeping service rotas is custom built to take care of what you need, when you need it.
If interested in any of our Housekeeping services or have any general enquiries, don't hesitate to contact us on:
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Don't let poor laundry hygiene compromise your family's health. Our professional housekeeping services ensure your home maintains the highest standards of cleanliness and hygiene.