A recent survey by SilentNight has revealed that one in five Britons sleep on pillows so dirty that a quarter of their weight is made up of dead skin cells and dust mites. The research also found that one fifth of people have not washed their pillows in five years.
Dr Lisa Ackerley, known as The Hygiene Doctor, warns that many people suffering from runny noses or coughs may not realise dust mites are the cause. These mites can also trigger asthma and eczema. She advises washing pillows every six months to a year, either in a washing machine or by using pillow protectors that can be washed more frequently.
Duvets should be washed twice a year, while mattresses need cleaning every month using a vacuum cleaner. Flipping the mattress monthly and using a mattress protector, washed weekly with bed sheets, is also recommended. Dressing gowns and slippers should be washed weekly, as slippers can become a breeding ground for germs due to prolonged wear.
For shower curtains, Dr Ackerley suggests having two to swap and wash weekly with towels, using half a cup of vinegar and half a cup of baking soda on a gentle cycle. Sponges and cloths can be cleaned in a dishwasher or washing machine at 60 degrees, or by soaking in boiled water with laundry detergent.
