Don't let the bed bugs bite
New research out today reveals that whilst an unsavoury 42 per cent of the British population regularly enjoy a bite to eat in bed, one in six people (17 per cent) leave it at least a month to change their bed covers - with over 500,000[1] Brits washing their bedding just three times a year.
The research[2], conducted by Sheilas’ Wheels home insurance, found that Londoners are the worst culprits when it comes to unwashed bedding with nearly a quarter of those polled (24 per cent) leaving it at least a month before washing their bed linen. The capital was closely followed by Brits in the North East (22 per cent) and the South West (21 per cent).
Despite the average person forking out up to £1,020[3] on their beds, it’s a surprise that we’re not all washing our bedding on a regular basis - especially when as many as 10 million[4] bed bugs and dust mites sleep alongside you every night.
Dr Lisa Ackerley, Environmental Health Practitioner, comments: "It’s estimated that ten per cent of the weight of a two year pillow is comprised of dead skin and dust mites - so it’s no surprise that your bed can become a minefield of bacteria, viruses, sweat and hair which can cause or exacerbate asthma.
Washing your bedding takes time and effort but to reduce levels of unwanted organisms and mites, you need to wash your bed linen at least once a fortnight - preferably once a week."
Under 25s were found to have the dirtiest bed sheets with one in 10 (11 per cent) polled admitting to washing theirs only six times a year. In contrast, house-proud over 55s air their dirty laundry on average three times a month.
Jacky Brown at Sheilas’ Wheels home insurance comments: "With the cold weather making our beds more irresistible than ever, Brits are spending more than 49 hours a week sleeping in - and I’m sure this weekend will be no exception.
The bed is one of the most used and expensive items in the home - so it’s astonishing that more Brits aren’t keeping it clean. With many beds being used as an alternative to the kitchen table for a place to breakfast or snack, it is crucial homeowners have accidental damage cover in the event of a major spillage."
Regions with the dirtiest bed sheets:
1. London (24 per cent)
2. North East (22 per cent)
3. South West (21 per cent)
4. East Midlands (19 per cent)
= 4. South East (19 per cent)
6. North West (18 per cent)
= 6. West Midlands (18 per cent)
8. Wales (17 per cent)
9. Eastern England (16 per cent)
10. Scotland (15 per cent)
11. Yorkshire (13 per cent)
12. Northern Ireland (8 per cent)
Note: per cent based on those washing their bedding just once a month or less frequently
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Notes to Editors:
[1] 515,686 (one per cent). Source: Office of National Statistics. Total UK adult (over 18s) population is 51,568,600.
[2] Sheilas’ Wheels used the independent online research company Fly Research who surveyed 1,029 men and women from across the UK, aged 18 and over, between the 3rd and 8th February 2010.
[3] £1,020.50. Average sets of bed linen (3.5) x average cost of bedding (£93) + average cost of bed (£695).
[4] Source: Environment, Health and Safety Online.
About Dr Lisa Ackerley:
Dr Lisa Ackerley is a Chartered Environmental Health and Food Safety Consultant working with the UK Hygiene Council. Dr Lisa Ackerley is Managing Director of Hygiene Audit Systems, an independent and innovative consultancy of 20 years which specialises in food safety and health and safety.
http://www.hygieneauditsystems.com/lisa.html
About Sheilas’ Wheels:
Sheilas’ Wheels was launched in October 2005 to offer women drivers cheaper car insurance and product enhancements including £300 handbag cover - for bags stolen from the car (comprehensive cover only), competitive breakdown recovery rates, a dedicated counselling line run by trained professionals to help customers cope with driving issues such as road rage (comprehensive cover only) and a network of female-friendly repairers. In February 2008, the brand moved beyond car insurance to offer home insurance and in January 2010, it moved to also offer travel insurance.
