When it comes to our bedding, we know that we’re supposed to give them a laundry session at least once a week – sometimes more for those who sweat in their sleep, those with pets and anyone else who ends up with sheets that are dirtier or more likely to accumulate germs each night. But, it’s not just about how frequently we wash our sheets, pillowcases and comforters – it is also how we wash them. In most cases, we are instructed to wash our bedding in hot water, but why is this the rule of thumb?
#1: It Does the Best Job at Cleaning
The bottom line is that hot water cleans the most effectively. It does a great job at removing dirt, oils, skin cells, odors and everything else that we don’t want to be sharing our bed with each night. Hot water is also the best at disinfecting our bedding, and we know that bacteria can develop if our sheets get sweaty at night.
#2: It Kills Dust Mites, Removes Pollen and Other Allergens
Not only that, but hot water helps kill dust mites, which are a common issue when it comes to bedding. Since dust mites are such a common allergen, washing sheets with hot water can be a necessity to reduce allergy symptoms. Plus, hot water can help remove pollen and other common allergens that can accumulate in our bedding materials each day.
#3: Most Bedding Can Handle Hot Water Better Than Most Clothing
Usually, our bedding is sturdier and more resilient than the clothing that we wear. We know that hot water can deteriorate certain clothing fabrics, causing them to wear down little by little with each washing session. Bedding is usually made from thicker, stronger fibers that can withstand the high temperatures of 130 or higher, which your washing machine has a specific setting for.
#4: Know Your Material
Now, we do need to point out that hot water may not be safe for all bedding. It’s important to read the label on your bedding to know what temperature setting is best for them, according to the manufacturer. More common materials like cotton and linen usually do just fine with hot temperatures, but you may have bedding that’s made from an entirely different material which can’t handle such high heat. This is common among a lot of synthetic materials that are more likely to deteriorate with repeated washings in hot water.
#5: Be Aware of Setting Stains
Yes, if your bedding is stained, hot water may actually be the last thing that you want to use. Stains including blood, pet urine, wine, coffee and many others can be “set” if exposed to hot water, as the stain is essentially “cooked” into the fibers of the material. If you stain your bedding, look up the best way to remove the stain according to that material and the type of stain itself, because many stains actually need to be dealt with in cold water.
