Correct temperature for washing bed sheets and towels to kill bugs and all their eggs

When it comes to laundry, many of us will follow common advice to wash clothes at lower temperatures to save energy. But while this works perfectly fine for your everyday wardrobe, your bedsheets and towels are in an entirely different category.

These household items come into prolonged, direct contact with your skin and body fluids, creating the perfect environment for bacteria, dust mites, sweat, and dead skin cells to accumulate. If you keep your bedroom, bedsheets and mattress clean and hygienic, then you are less likely to suffer from an infestation of bed bugs or dust mites, according to experts.

Mattress experts at John Ryan by Design say that bedsheets require a more thorough cleaning process than typical clothing.

"Whilst there's been a big drive to reduce washing temperatures for clothes, down to 30 degrees bedsheets are in a different category," the experts said.

We spend roughly seven to nine each night in bed, covered in duvets and sheets that absorb everything from sweat to natural oils. Over the course of a week, that's 49 to 63 hours of direct contact - far more than any other fabric in your daily life.

Experts advise: "When washing bedding you want to wash at 60 degrees on a long wash ie two hours plus to make sure that any sweat, dander, dust or other nasties are killed and then removed."

A 60°C wash is generally the recommended temperature for both bed sheets and towels. This level of heat is hot enough to break down oils, kill germs, and remove allergens - all while keeping most cotton and polyester blends safe from damage.

Towels, like bedsheets, are used frequently and stay damp for long periods - another breeding ground for bacteria. Washing towels at 60°C helps eliminate germs and prevent that unpleasant "musty" smell that can linger after a few uses.

If you want extra reassurance, occasionally add a disinfecting laundry additive or white vinegar rinse to help neutralise odours and kill stubborn bacteria.