Happy Beds create the ultimate ‘Bedding Calculator’ uncovering when YOU should replace your pillows and duvet

We all know that a clean and fresh sleeping environment is key to getting the rest you deserve. But who can remember the last time they cleaned or replaced their bedding items? That’s where Happy Bed’s Bedding Calculator steps in, making life easier and your sleep environment squeaky clean!

Get ready for these eye-opening features:

• Simple and Easy: Their user-friendly interface makes using the Bedding Calculator a breeze. Just enter the date you last cleaned or replaced your pillows, bedding, and other essentials, and let the magic begin!
• Personalised Recommendations: Their smart algorithms and industry expertise generate a customised schedule just for YOU. Say goodbye to second-guessing when to refresh your pillows, bedding and more!

Wake-up call: Sleep expert shares why it’s important to regularly wash your bedding

As part of the calculators results depend on how often you wash your bedding, Rex Isap, the CEO at Happy Beds has also shared his advice on why it’s important to keep your bedding hygienic through regular washing.

Commenting on this, he said: “Sorry to shatter the illusion that your bed is this glorious cosy, fresh place, but your bedding is often filled with sweat, dead skin and dust mites. In case you don’t believe us, a study in 2022 saw volunteers swabbing their sheets over four weeks. In just four weeks, a pillowcase was found to have 39 times as much bacteria as a pet bowl, whilst sheets have 5.4 times more bacteria than a toothbrush holder. If that doesn’t make your skin crawl, then we don’t know what will!

“As if that’s not horrifying enough, the statistics that show how often people in the UK wash their bedding makes for some alarming reading; another study, 62% of single women changed their bedding every two weeks, compared to only 29% of single men and 17% of people in relationships. Alarmingly, 45% of single men only changed their sheets once every three-to-four months. Imagine how much sweat and dirt has accumulated after that long! Now it’s clear why we needed to create the Bedding Calculator”

Image supplied by Happy Bed’s

The dirty truth: how often should you wash your…

Bedding?

Changing bedding can be a hassle, but duvet covers, sheets, pillowcases and top sheets should be washed at least once every two weeks if you wear pyjamas or shower before bed. Wash your sheets more frequently if you suffer from allergies, have an infection, sleep with no clothes on, or go to bed without showering.

You should wash your bedsheets in a hot wash, but check the care label to see the hottest temperature at which you can wash your bedding. The hotter you wash your sheets, the more germs are removed, meaning that your bedding will be properly clean and free of germs. But to keep your super soft bedding in tip-top condition, refer to the care instructions on your sheets before washing.

Pillow?

Studies have shown that a third of the weight of your pillow could be due to “dead skin, dust mites and bugs”. Gross! Regular washing can prevent this. You should wash your pillows at least every three months on a hot wash to kill that bacteria, but always remember to check your product care guides.

Duvet?

Did you know that if you don’t wash your duvet at least once per year, there could be up to 20,000 dust mites in it? Due to the skin cells and bacteria that can build up on your duvet, washing twice a year is recommended. Of course, more is recommended if you tend to sweat a lot, spill on your duvet, share a bed with your pet and other factors that can affect the cleanliness of your duvet.

You can time your duvet washing with the change in seasons if you swap your winter duvet for a summer duvet and vice versa. Washing your duvet this often should also help if you suffer from allergies or share your bed with your pets.

Mattress?

Now, mattresses are more tricky. If you’ve got a mattress protector, great. You should be using one and washing it around every two months following the care instructions. But what about the actual mattress?

Now you can’t pop this in your washing machine, nor can you take it to the dry cleaners, so how can you make sure you’re keeping your mattress clean? Well, it’s pretty easy. Remove all your bedding, and after checking manufacturer guidelines, hoover your mattress surface on the lowest setting to remove dust and any other surface dirt. You can then treat the mattress with upholstery cleaner if needed.

To remove any odours clinging to your mattress, sprinkle some bicarbonate of soda over the mattress. Try to leave it for 24 hours before vacuuming again; this should absorb any unwanted scents! You should replace your mattress every 8 years to get the best support possible and the most hygienic night’s sleep.