Don’t make your bed, just give it a good old airing!
AN UNMADE bed is traditionally regarded as a sign of a slovenly lifestyle.
But house proud people are in for a shock – because making your bed first thing in the morning is actually bad for you.
Tucking in the sheets and straightening the duvet immediately after you jump out of bed is not healthy, experts warned yesterday.
On average the human body loses around half a pint of water every night during sleep. But because homes are central heated far less of this water evaporates than it used to do.
Tucking in the sheets and straightening the duvet first thing after getting up is only making the situation worse.
Instead, experts from the respected Good Housekeeping Institute suggest it is far better to turn down the duvet to air the bedding and help trapped moisture to escape during the day.
The habit of making the bed first thing in the morning dates back centuries. But people are being urged to turn their backs on this daily routine.
In its latest report, the institute says: “If your parents instilled in you the value of making your bed each morning, they might have helped you form bad habits.
“Straightening the duvet and tucking in sheets when you get up might actually be bad for your mattress.
“We each lose up to half a pint of water every night as we sleep – more if we are unwell or if the bedroom is hot.
“Some of this is exhaled as water vapour but some leaves our bodies as sweat, which can soak straight into bedding. By making the bed, we risk trapping this moisture instead of allowing it to evaporate.
“This creates the perfect conditions for dust mites to multiply and can encourage stains to form on the mattress.
“A better idea is to air the bed by turning back the duvet and sheets when it’s time to rise and shine.”
The report also suggests using a machine-washable mattress protector for extra peace of mind.
It says it is a good idea to vacuum your mattress every two months and also run the Hoover under and behind the bed to clear up any dust and dirt, which could encourage the Launder pillows and allow to dry in the sun as UV light helps kill bacteria Deodorise mattress by sprinkling baking soda on it. Leave for at least 30 mins before vacuuming dust mites to breed. These microscopic organisms feed off house dust and moisture in the air.
Many people are allergic to them and their presence in large numbers can trigger asthma attacks and make eczema and other skin disorders worse.
Tips to combat them washing sheets regularly. include