Changing and washing bedding is a regular household task, but during periods of extreme heat, it's especially important to care for duvet covers and pillowcases properly to protect them and maintain good hygiene.
That's because, unless your home is heavily air-conditioned, chances are you're perspiring day and night. If your mattress retains a lot of heat or, even worse, your bedroom is on the top floor, you're likely sweating even more at night. Over time, this can lead to a range of problems, from damage to your bedding to potential health issues.
Why is hot weather problematic for bedding?
For one, the sweat and skin cells we shed at night can compromise the integrity of your sheets. "Sweat contains salts, oils and bacteria that break down fibres over time if left untreated. Body oils in particular can set into fabric permanently if not washed promptly and correctly," says Richard Lord, founder of online bedding retailer Lost Loom.
The other problem is that over time, built-up sweat boosts humidity in the room, making it more difficult for new sweat to evaporate, which defeats the purpose of breathable and moisture-wicking fabrics like linen or cotton.
"When the air is already heavy with moisture, sweat cannot evaporate as fast as in dry environments, which can reduce the cooling effect even though we may be sweating more than usual," explains Ana Carolina, a superintendent pharmacist at Pharmica.
Warm, damp bedding also created the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and house dust mites, which can trigger allergies and skin irritations.
"For many individuals, they cause no symptoms or health complications. For others, however, they can contribute to allergic rhinitis – where symptoms are similar to hay fever – and they are also a recognised trigger for eczema flare-ups and asthma symptoms," Ana says.
So, changing and cleaning your bedding regularly during a heatwave is in your best interest. Below, bedding expert Richard explains how to wash, store and protect linen bedding.
How to wash bedding
"Wash linen bedding at 40 degrees rather than a high temperature," he says. "High heat can weaken and shrink natural fibres, and it is not necessary to sanitise properly washed bedding."
That said, if you struggle with dust mite-related allergies, it's advisable to wash bedding at a higher temperature. "House dust mites are killed at higher temperatures, typically around 60°C, so a hotter wash is more effective for anyone who is particularly sensitive to them," says Ana.
In both cases, it's recommended to use a gentle, plant-based detergent and avoid fabric softeners as they coat fibres and reduce the bedding's breathability over time. For any persistent yellowing from sweat, a pre-soak in cool water with a small amount of white vinegar before washing helps lift the residue without damaging the fabric.
The right way to dry bedding
With the current temperatures, it makes sense to skip the dryer and let your bedding dry naturally. "Air drying is always preferable for natural fibre bedding. Line drying in fresh air is both gentler on the fabric and more effective at removing any residual odour than tumble drying," says Richard. "Give it a good shake before hanging or drying to restore the softness of the weave."
How to store bedding
Once clean and fully dry, store your bedding in a cool, well-ventilated space.
"Avoid airtight plastic boxes or bags as these trap moisture and create the conditions for mildew, particularly if bedding has been through an intensive summer of use," the bedding expert says. "A breathable cotton storage bag or a linen cupboard with decent air circulation is ideal."
How to protect bedding going forward
You've wiped the slate clean – now what? Richard recommends rotating two or more sets to extend the fabric's life cycle. "It allows each set to air and recover fully between uses rather than being washed and put straight back on the bed," he explains. "A mattress protector also reduces the amount of sweat that reaches the bedding itself, which makes laundering easier and prolongs the quality of the fabric significantly."
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Wanda Sachs is the Multiplatform Writer for Country Living and House Beautiful, exploring the latest in gardening, wildlife and sustainable living alongside interiors and property. She is particularly interested in human-interest stories, the intersection of design and pop culture, and the evolving relationship between urban and rural life. Previously, she served as Associate Editor at The Berliner in Berlin, where she reported on culture and fashion. Wanda studied English and German at the Goethe University Frankfurt and Exeter University.
