If you thought dusting your bed cover every day would keep it clean enough for weeks without having to wash it, there's reason to think again.
We leave a lot more on our beds when we sleep on it than we know.
Mary Marlowe Leverette, a laundry expert told ATTN, "During sleep, we continue to perspire, and body oils and soil are released. It is possible to find saliva, urine, genital fluids, and faecal matter in the fibers. If the [linens] are not washed regularly, and the occupant has scratches or wounds, they can become infected. Athlete's foot and other fungi can be transferred from fabrics."
"Infrequent cleaning of sheets and pillowcases allows the fluids to seep into the pillows and mattresses, and those are MUCH more difficult to clean than tossing sheets in the washer," she added.
And that's not all.
Our body also sheds skin cells which in turn attract microscopic bugs that eat human flesh. These bugs also excrete on our beds and this could cause allergies or asthma in humans.
Washing bedsheets in hot water usually removes most of the dirt and grime.
And how often should we wash our bedsheets?
"Ideally, bed linens should be washed every week using the hottest water recommended for the fabric. If the weather is extremely hot, and the sleepers perspire heavily or the sleepers are ill, more frequent washings are recommended," Leverette said.
Our mattresses also happen to be a haven for microbes and one of the dirtiest places in our homes.
Philip Tierno, a microbiologist and pathologist at the New York University School of Medicine, told Tech Insider that the reason for our mattresses being filthy is gravity. Mattresses happen to be one good place where dust and debris in the air can easily settle on.
Apart from skin, bacteria and sweat, a number of other things including fungal spores, allergens and cosmetic can also be found on mattresses.
The report states, "Your mattress also provides a nice culture medium for fungi. Humans naturally produce 26 gallons of sweat in bed every year. This moisture combined with the heat of a sleeping body provides an 'ideal fungal culture medium' out of your mattress."