{"id":47254,"date":"2026-04-27T09:51:00","date_gmt":"2026-04-27T09:51:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wecasa.co.uk\/mag\/?p=47254"},"modified":"2026-04-23T09:13:50","modified_gmt":"2026-04-23T09:13:50","slug":"bedding-wash-temperature-summer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wecasa.co.uk\/mag\/bedding-wash-temperature-summer\/","title":{"rendered":"Washing Bed Sheets in Summer: The Ultimate Temperature for a Clean Bedding"},"content":{"rendered":"<span class=\"span-reading-time rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\">Reading Time: <\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\"> 6<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">minutes<\/span><\/span>\n<p>When the warmer months arrive, your bedding becomes a magnet for sweat, pollen, and bacteria. But what&#8217;s the right <strong>bedding wash temperature<\/strong> in <strong>summer<\/strong> \u2014 and does it really matter whether you choose 30\u00b0C, 40\u00b0C, or 60\u00b0C? Getting it right means fresh, hygienic <strong>sheets<\/strong> without damaging delicate <strong>fabric<\/strong> or wasting <strong>energy<\/strong>. Here&#8217;s everything you need to know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"687\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wecasa.co.uk\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/bedding-wash-temperature-summer-1024x687.jpg\" alt=\"bedding wash temperature summer\" class=\"wp-image-47269\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wecasa.co.uk\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/bedding-wash-temperature-summer-1024x687.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.wecasa.co.uk\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/bedding-wash-temperature-summer-300x201.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.wecasa.co.uk\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/bedding-wash-temperature-summer-768x515.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.wecasa.co.uk\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/bedding-wash-temperature-summer.jpg 1264w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Temperature to Wash Bedding in Summer?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The ideal <strong>bedding wash temperature<\/strong> in <strong>summer<\/strong> depends on two things: <strong>hygiene<\/strong> and <strong>fabric<\/strong> type. As a general rule:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>40\u00b0C<\/strong> is the sweet spot for most regular <strong>summer<\/strong> washes. It&#8217;s warm enough to remove <strong>sweat<\/strong>, body oils, and light stains without being harsh on fibres.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>60\u00b0C<\/strong> should be used every two to three weeks to kill <strong>bacteria<\/strong> and <strong>dust mites<\/strong> that thrive in warm, humid conditions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>During <strong>summer<\/strong>, you produce more <strong>sweat<\/strong> overnight \u2014 which means your <strong>sheets<\/strong> collect more moisture than in winter. A 40\u00b0C <strong>wash<\/strong> with a quality <strong>detergent<\/strong> handles everyday grime nicely, while a periodic 60\u00b0C <strong>cycle<\/strong> keeps things truly sanitary. Always check the <strong>care label<\/strong> on your <strong>bedding<\/strong> before adjusting the <strong>temperature<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Should You Wash Bed Sheets on 40 or 60?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This is one of the most common dilemmas. Here&#8217;s a quick comparison:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Factor<\/th><th>40\u00b0C wash<\/th><th>60\u00b0C wash<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Removes everyday dirt<\/td><td>\u2705 Yes<\/td><td>\u2705 Yes<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Kills bacteria and dust mites<\/td><td>\u274c Not fully<\/td><td>\u2705 Yes<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Safe for most fabrics<\/td><td>\u2705 Yes<\/td><td>\u26a0\ufe0f Check care label<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Energy cost<\/td><td>Lower<\/td><td>Higher<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Risk of shrinkage<\/td><td>Minimal<\/td><td>Slight risk with cotton<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Recommended frequency<\/td><td>Weekly<\/td><td>Every 2\u20133 weeks<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>For a standard weekly <strong>wash<\/strong>, 40\u00b0C does the job. If someone in your household has allergies, has been unwell, or if your <strong>bedding<\/strong> hasn&#8217;t been cleaned in a while, a 60\u00b0C <strong>wash<\/strong> is the smarter choice. It&#8217;s the <strong>temperature<\/strong> that experts recommend for eliminating <strong>dust mites<\/strong> \u2014 a real concern during the <strong>summer<\/strong> months when windows stay open and <strong>pollen<\/strong> counts soar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&#8217;re unsure about the right settings for your machine, our guide on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wecasa.co.uk\/mag\/how-to-use-a-washing-machine\/\">how to use a washing machine<\/a> breaks it all down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is 30 Degrees Hot Enough to Wash Bedding?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A 30\u00b0C <strong>wash<\/strong> is the most <strong>energy<\/strong>-efficient option and works perfectly well for lightly soiled <strong>bedding<\/strong> made from delicate <strong>fabric<\/strong> like silk, satin, or linen. It also helps preserve colours and prevent <strong>shrink<\/strong>age.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, 30\u00b0C won&#8217;t kill <strong>bacteria<\/strong> or <strong>dust mites<\/strong>. In <strong>summer<\/strong>, when you&#8217;re sweating more and allergens are at their peak, 30\u00b0C alone isn&#8217;t enough for your main <strong>sheets<\/strong> and pillowcases. Think of it as a gentle refresh between deeper cleans \u2014 not a substitute for a proper <strong>hygiene<\/strong> wash.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is 40 Degrees Hot Enough to Wash Bedding?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes \u2014 for routine cleaning. A 40\u00b0C <strong>cycle<\/strong> effectively removes <strong>sweat<\/strong>, body oils, and light staining. It&#8217;s the <strong>temperature<\/strong> most UK households use for their regular <strong>bedding<\/strong> <strong>wash<\/strong> and is gentle enough for <strong>cotton<\/strong>, polyester, and poly-cotton blends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That said, if you want to tackle <strong>bacteria<\/strong> and <strong>dust mites<\/strong> properly, you&#8217;ll still need to bump up to 60\u00b0C periodically. A practical approach: wash your <strong>sheets<\/strong> at 40\u00b0C weekly, and do a 60\u00b0C <strong>wash<\/strong> once a month (or more in <strong>summer<\/strong>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Temperature Kills Dust Mites in Bedding?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Dust mites<\/strong> are destroyed at 60\u00b0C and above. This is why experts \u2014 including the NHS and Good Housekeeping \u2014 recommend washing <strong>bedding<\/strong> at this <strong>temperature<\/strong> regularly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>During <strong>summer<\/strong>, dust mite populations increase because they thrive in warmth and humidity. If you or a family member suffers from hay fever or asthma, a fortnightly 60\u00b0C <strong>wash<\/strong> is a non-negotiable part of your <strong>bedding<\/strong> care routine. Pairing this with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wecasa.co.uk\/mag\/how-to-clean-a-mattress\/\">regular mattress cleaning<\/a> will make a noticeable difference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Will a 60 Degree Wash Shrink Bedding?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It can \u2014 but it&#8217;s largely avoidable. Here&#8217;s how to minimise the risk:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Check the care label<\/strong> first. Most <strong>cotton<\/strong> and synthetic <strong>sheets<\/strong> can handle 60\u00b0C.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Avoid overloading the machine \u2014 give your <strong>bedding<\/strong> room to move freely during the <strong>cycle<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Don&#8217;t <strong>tumble dry<\/strong> on high heat. Air drying or a low-heat <strong>tumble dry<\/strong> setting prevents <strong>shrink<\/strong>age.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Remove <strong>sheets<\/strong> promptly once the <strong>wash<\/strong> finishes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Delicate <strong>fabric<\/strong>s like silk or bamboo should never go above 30\u201340\u00b0C. For those, stick to cooler washes and consider a dedicated <strong>detergent<\/strong> for fine textiles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Often to Wash Bedding in Summer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In <strong>summer<\/strong>, washing your <strong>sheets<\/strong> once a week is the minimum. Here&#8217;s a helpful guide based on conditions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Situation<\/th><th>Recommended wash frequency<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Normal summer weather<\/td><td>Once a week<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Heatwave \/ heavy sweating<\/td><td>Twice a week<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Allergy sufferers (pollen\/dust mites)<\/td><td>Twice a week<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Guest bedding (after each stay)<\/td><td>After each use<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Duvets and pillows<\/td><td>Every 2\u20133 months<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The hot weather causes more skin oils to transfer onto your <strong>sheets<\/strong>, and open windows bring in <strong>pollen<\/strong> and dust. If you&#8217;ve been wondering <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wecasa.co.uk\/mag\/how-often-should-you-wash-your-bed-sheets\/\">how often you should wash your bed sheets<\/a>, <strong>summer<\/strong> is the season to step up your routine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Don&#8217;t forget about your pillows and duvet either. Learning <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wecasa.co.uk\/mag\/how-to-wash-pillows\/\">how to wash pillows<\/a> properly helps prevent the build-up of allergens where you rest your head.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Best Temperature to Wash Cotton Sheets<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Cotton<\/strong> is the most popular <strong>bedding<\/strong> material in the UK, and it&#8217;s fairly forgiving:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>40\u00b0C<\/strong> for regular weekly washes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>60\u00b0C<\/strong> for deep cleans and <strong>hygiene<\/strong> washes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>30\u00b0C<\/strong> for coloured or printed <strong>cotton<\/strong> to protect the design<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Avoid washing <strong>cotton<\/strong> <strong>sheets<\/strong> above 60\u00b0C unless the <strong>care label<\/strong> explicitly says it&#8217;s safe \u2014 anything higher can weaken fibres over time. After washing, line drying in the <strong>summer<\/strong> sunshine is the most <strong>energy<\/strong>-efficient way to dry them, and the UV rays provide a natural antibacterial boost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Wash Summer Bedding After Storage<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Pulling your lighter <strong>bedding<\/strong> out of storage for the season? Always give it a thorough <strong>wash<\/strong> before use. Even stored <strong>sheets<\/strong> collect dust, musty odours, and potentially mould spores.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Synthetic <strong>bedding<\/strong> can usually be washed at up to 60\u00b0C.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Natural-fill duvets (down, feather) should be washed at 40\u00b0C on a gentle <strong>cycle<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Always check the <strong>care label<\/strong> \u2014 some items are dry-clean only.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Before storing your winter <strong>bedding<\/strong> away, give it a fresh <strong>wash<\/strong> too. Properly <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wecasa.co.uk\/mag\/how-to-sort-laundry\/\">sorting your laundry<\/a> before loading the machine ensures each item gets the right treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Summer Bedding Care Tips: Keep Things Fresh Between Washes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You don&#8217;t have to <strong>wash<\/strong> your <strong>sheets<\/strong> every single day to keep them feeling clean. Try these tricks:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Air your bed<\/strong> every morning \u2014 pull back the duvet for at least 20 minutes to let moisture evaporate.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Shower before bed<\/strong> to reduce the amount of <strong>sweat<\/strong> and oils transferred to your <strong>bedding<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Rotate between two sets of sheets<\/strong> so you always have a fresh pair ready.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Use a mattress protector<\/strong> \u2014 it adds an extra barrier against <strong>sweat<\/strong> and <strong>dust mites<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Keep your washing machine clean<\/strong> to prevent musty smells transferring to your <strong>bedding<\/strong>. A quick monthly maintenance <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wecasa.co.uk\/mag\/how-do-you-clean-a-washer\/\">wash of your washing machine<\/a> works wonders.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Energy-Saving Bedding Wash Temperature<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>With <strong>energy<\/strong> bills a concern for many UK households, it&#8217;s worth noting that every 10\u00b0C increase in <strong>wash<\/strong> <strong>temperature<\/strong> costs noticeably more electricity. Here&#8217;s how to balance <strong>hygiene<\/strong> and savings:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Use 40\u00b0C as your default <strong>bedding<\/strong> <strong>wash<\/strong> <strong>temperature<\/strong> in <strong>summer<\/strong> \u2014 it cleans well without excessive <strong>energy<\/strong> use.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reserve 60\u00b0C washes for when they&#8217;re genuinely needed (allergy flare-ups, illness, deep cleans).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wash full loads rather than half-empty machines.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Line dry whenever possible \u2014 the <strong>summer<\/strong> sun does the work for free.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Choose a quality <strong>detergent<\/strong> that performs well at lower <strong>temperature<\/strong>s.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If you treat your <strong>towels<\/strong> the same way, learning <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wecasa.co.uk\/mag\/how-to-wash-towels\/\">how to wash towels<\/a> at the right <strong>temperature<\/strong> will help cut costs across your whole laundry routine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">FAQ<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is it better to wash bedding at 60 or 90?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A 60\u00b0C <strong>wash<\/strong> is sufficient to kill <strong>bacteria<\/strong>, viruses, and <strong>dust mites<\/strong>. Washing at 90\u00b0C is rarely necessary for household <strong>bedding<\/strong> and can damage fibres, cause excessive <strong>shrink<\/strong>age, and increase <strong>energy<\/strong> costs. Stick to 60\u00b0C for your deep cleans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is 60 degrees too hot to wash bedding?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>No \u2014 60\u00b0C is actually the recommended <strong>temperature<\/strong> for a thorough <strong>hygiene<\/strong> <strong>wash<\/strong>. Most <strong>cotton<\/strong> and synthetic <strong>sheets<\/strong> handle it perfectly well. Just always check the <strong>care label<\/strong> first, and avoid 60\u00b0C for silk, satin, or delicate <strong>fabric<\/strong>s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What temperature should you wash bedding in the UK?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>UK experts generally recommend 40\u00b0C for routine washes and 60\u00b0C for periodic deep cleans. In <strong>summer<\/strong>, when <strong>sweat<\/strong> and <strong>pollen<\/strong> levels are higher, aim for 60\u00b0C at least every two to three weeks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is it okay to wash sheets once a month?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It&#8217;s not ideal. Health experts recommend washing <strong>sheets<\/strong> at least every one to two weeks \u2014 and weekly during <strong>summer<\/strong>. Monthly washes allow <strong>bacteria<\/strong>, <strong>dust mites<\/strong>, and allergens to build up to uncomfortable (and unhygienic) levels.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Does 40 degree kill bacteria?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>While a 40\u00b0C wash is excellent for removing everyday dirt and body oils, it doesn&#8217;t kill all bacteria on its own. To truly banish germs, you should pair this temperature with a high-quality biological detergent or a laundry sanitiser. For a total hygiene reset during those sweaty summer months, we recommend bumping the dial up to 60\u00b0C every few weeks to ensure your sheets stay perfectly fresh.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can you wash bedding at 30 degrees in summer?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You can, but it&#8217;s best reserved for delicate <strong>fabric<\/strong>s or lightly used <strong>bedding<\/strong>. In <strong>summer<\/strong>, 30\u00b0C won&#8217;t remove the extra <strong>sweat<\/strong>, oils, and <strong>pollen<\/strong> that accumulate. Use 40\u00b0C as your minimum for regular <strong>summer<\/strong> <strong>sheets<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Does washing bedding at higher temperatures use more energy?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes. The higher the <strong>temperature<\/strong>, the more electricity your washing machine uses. A 60\u00b0C <strong>wash<\/strong> costs roughly 50% more than a 40\u00b0C <strong>cycle<\/strong>. Balance <strong>hygiene<\/strong> needs with <strong>energy<\/strong> savings by alternating between the two.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p><span class=\"span-reading-time rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\">Reading Time: <\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\"> 6<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">minutes<\/span><\/span>When the warmer months arrive, your bedding becomes a magnet for sweat, pollen, and bacteria. But what&#8217;s the right bedding wash temperature in summer \u2014 and does it really matter whether you choose 30\u00b0C, 40\u00b0C, or 60\u00b0C? Getting it right means fresh, hygienic sheets without damaging delicate fabric or wasting energy. Here&#8217;s everything you need [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":47269,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[698,731,733],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-47254","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-housework","category-bedroom-cleaning","category-laundry-hacks"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wecasa.co.uk\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/47254","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wecasa.co.uk\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wecasa.co.uk\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wecasa.co.uk\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/12"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wecasa.co.uk\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=47254"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.wecasa.co.uk\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/47254\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wecasa.co.uk\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/47269"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wecasa.co.uk\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=47254"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wecasa.co.uk\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=47254"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wecasa.co.uk\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=47254"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}