Whether you’re a night owl or an early bird, let’s face it, we spend a lot of our time in our bed and bedroom, meaning we want our personal space to be two things: clean and comfortaable.

However, it appears most of us get it wrong when it comes to proper linen and mattress care, which can cause an array of problems for our comfort, hygiene and health.

Moreover, taking proper care of your sheets, pillows and the like will ensure the longevity of your linen, saving you some money in the long run.

#1: Stop washing your sheets on the hottest cycle

While we have been told time and time again to wash our sheets on the hottest cycle, you should not exceed 40 degrees. You may be thinking “the hotter the temperature, the more germ killing power it has” but in actual fact all you are doing is shrinking your sheets.

#2: Stop using heavy detergents on your best bed linen

Again, whilst you may be thinking you’re killing more germs with heavy duty detergents, you’re actually causing damage to your sheets and to your skin if it is sensitive.
If you are washing your sheets regularly, they’re not as dirty as you may think – therefore a gentle detergent is suitable.

#3: Replace your sheets every 18 to 24 months

So you’ve gone out and splashed a lot of cash on some new sheets in the hope that quality equals longevity. Whilst buying a good quality sheet can improve your comfort, all sheets should be replaced within the 18 to 24 month mark – sleeping on them every night in conjunction with regular washing is bound to make them wear!

#4 Don’t rely on ‘big name brands’

When it comes to your mattress and bedding you may think brand names are best, this is not always the case, despite what any convincing salesperson may tell you. Do your research on materials, warranty and product reviews and decide what suits you best before going bedroom shopping. If you need to cater for things such as back and neck problems, allergies or sleeping difficulties, it may be best to consult a medical professional for their recommendations.

#5 Ignore the ‘lifetime warranty’ guarantee

Whilst you might be thinking you’re nabbing a great deal with that all alluring ‘lifetime warranty’ on mattresses, it is recommended that mattresses be changed every 7 to 10 years. After this time period, experts say your mattress is providing next to no comfort or benefits.