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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Lifestyle
Shauna Bannon Ward & Cathal Ryan

Bedroom item you never clean that is a breeding ground for bacteria

An expert in cleaning has warned people that one bedroom item that is never cleaned can be a “breeding ground” for bacteria.

Brian Dillon, a bedroom interior expert at the luxury bed company Crafted Beds, explained to RSVP the three dirtiest things in your bedroom that could result in you getting sick.

One bedroom item, the mattress, is potentially host to millions of bacteria, and despite how much time we spend on our bed - we don’t really think about how dirty it can get.

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Brian told RSVP: “Your mattress is a breeding ground for dirt and bacteria. The average person sheds around 10 grams of dead skin cells each week, which is more than enough to feed a million dust mites.

“These tiny creatures thrive in warm, humid environments like our beds, and can cause a range of health problems including allergies, asthma, and eczema."

Brian explained that in a recent study, it was found that an average mattress contains almost 10 million bacteria.

"This is because our bodies produce sweat, oils, and other bodily fluids while we sleep, which all contribute to the growth of bacteria," he explained.

The bedroom expert added that it is a good idea to clean your mattress at least once every six months.

"This will help to remove any dirt and bacteria that has built up over time," he says. "You can also invest in a mattress protector, which will help to keep your mattress clean and hygienic in between cleans."

“The best way to clean a mattress is to vacuum it thoroughly, using the upholstery attachment to remove any dirt and dust,” he added.

"You can also spot-clean any stains using a mixture of baking soda and water, or a mild detergent, just be sure to let the mattress dry completely before putting any bedding back on."

He also explained that cleaning your pillows and duvets is also important: "Like mattresses, pillows and duvets can harbour dirt, dust mites, and bacteria, which can exacerbate allergies and other health conditions.

“It's a good idea to wash your pillows and duvets at least once every six months, or more often if you suffer from allergies.

“You can also add a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle, as this will help to kill any bacteria and remove any odours.”

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