Best temperature to wash bed sheets to ‘reduce fading’ and help them ‘last longer’

Bed sheets can carry germs, bacteria and dirt if they’re not regularly cleaned.

Sweat, saliva, dead skin particles, skin oils and even food particles make bed sheets the perfect environment for bacteria and viruses to thrive.

Lab tests have shown that pillowcases that are not washed for a week harboured 17,000 times more bacteria colonies than toilet seat samples, according to WebMD.

Sleeping on dirty bedding could also cause skin breakouts, allergies and even fungal infections.

With this in mind, Gareth Coxall, marketing and creative director at Terrys, has shared the “best” temperature to wash bed sheets to make them “last longer”.

READ MORE: Bedding expert shares how often to wash sheets for ‘good hygiene’

For washing non-white bed sheets, homeowners only need to wash sheets at 40°C.

Gareth explained: “Before washing your bedding, always remember to take a look at the label on your sheets, where the manufacturer may recommend a specific setting to keep your bedding in great condition.

“Usually, we’d recommend 40C for non-white sheets, to reduce shrinkage and fading, and help them to last longer.

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“You can help protect them further by using a mild detergent and washing on a gentle cycle.”

However, when washing white sheets, homeowners need to opt for a warmer wash to keep them looking “bright and crisp”.

The bedding expert continued: “A hot setting is best for white sheets in order to keep them looking bright and crisp.

“Set the wash on the highest level appropriate for the material (this information should be on the label).

“Don’t wash your white sheets with other coloured items, no matter how many times those red socks have been through the wash already - no one wants any dye-running accidents.”

Certain materials such as linen may need to be washed on a different setting. Always check the care label before washing sheets to avoid damage.