Part of the regular household chores is changing your bed linen as well as towels, dishcloths and more. But do you change them often enough? Have a look at this expert advice to see when you should make the switch and what could happen if you don't. Bedsheets The average bed contains more than 10million dust mites that feast on dead skin cells as well as bodily excretions like sweat. What to do? The best advice that that each morning the duvet should be pulled back and the window opened to allow the release of moisture and humidity. You should also change your sheets each week . Bathroom towels Like your bed, bath towels absorb dead skin cells and natural bacteria from our bodies and warm, damp conditions mean these bacteria thrive. Towels should never be shared as this can lead to the spread of skin infections, cold sores and Athlete’s Foot. What to do? They should be washed after every three uses, recommends Philip Tierno, a New York-based microbiologist. Pyjamas More than two weeks is the time most men and women wear their pyjames for without changing them, according to statistics. Prof Sally Bloomfield, consultant in hygiene and infectious disease prevention, said: “Pyjamas are worn right next to the skin – and we shed skin cells filled with micro-organisms at a vast rate.” What to do? Pyjamas should be changed at least once a week, according to Prof Bloomfield. Underwear This is gross but more than a quarter of men and seven per cent of women wear underpants for two days before washing them, according to a Kelkoo survey. Two days! Not washing your briefs often enough can cause health problems including urinary tract infections and thrush. What to do? Dr Lisa Ackerley, visiting professor of environmental health at the University of Salford, says underwear should be changed every day without exception – and replaced every year. Toothbrush The average toothbrush contains around 10m germs – even potentially fatal viruses, such as Hepatitis C, have been found on them, so they should never be shared. What to do? Toothbrush heads need to be changed every three months or after illness. Teatowels Tea towels can become some of the most germ-ridden objects in the house. They are one of the leading sources of cross-contamination too. What to do? They should be changed each day and you should have a separate towel for drying your hands. Dishcloths Nine out of 10 UK dishcloths tested in a Dettol study were heavily contaminated with bacteria. More than half harboured E.coli. Used dishcloths contain 4bn living germs, six times as many bacteria the average toilet handle. What to do? Dishcloths should be rinsed out thoroughly and air-dried after every use. They should not be left draped over taps or left in sinks and should be replaced monthly. Source
