It might be the last thing you want to do but there’s a vital reason beds should be left stripped
If you’re a person that cleans the house and changes the beds before heading off on holiday you’re not alone. Nothing beats returning from a fortnight away to a tidy home with fresh beds to climb into.
But one cleaning influencer has urged homeowners to strip the beds but leave them like then before you go to the airport. And that’s because she said a holiday is the perfect time to let the bed breathe and eliminate dust mites and dry out any moisture.
Social media influencer Anna Louisa, said your extended time away from your bed is a great opportunity to freshen up your mattress.
Anna Louisa said: “By stripping the bed and exposing the mattress to light and air while you’re away, you can help remove moisture, meaning that any dust mites present will dehydrate and eventually die.”
House dust mites. thrive in your bed and can be the factors in a myriad of health issues including asthma, eczema and other allergies, reports the Mirror.
They thrive in humid and warm conditions and can be hard to eliminate too. But a period of leaving the mattress uncovered can help.
Anna Louise said: “Make sure you have freshly washed, clean sheets ready and waiting to make up the bed when you get home.”
Southern Living have also urged against making a bed as soon as you strip it too. They also say delaying putting the bedding back on can be beneficial for banishing mites and dust.
And it’s particularly recommended during periods of warmer weather when sweating can cause more moisture and therefore more dust mites.
They also recommend pulling back the bedcovers to air your mattress daily and make it a less attractive environment for mites.
Experts reckon leaving the bed unmade for 30 minutes a day can help to disperse any moisture and reduce the overall humidity.
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As well as stripping the bed and leaving it unmade, Anna Louise also advocates giving the house a good clean before your holiday to combat any smells and to spare you the effort on your return.
She recommends cleaning the toilet and the shower, as well as emptying all the bins and making sure any dirty dishes are done too.
And one of her must-dos is to leave the door of the washing machine slightly open to make sure you don’t come home to any fusty smells.
It’s worth remembering to clear out the fridge and get rid of any food that will expire while you are away.
Merry Maids say to also put the dishwasher on before you leave to make sure you have clean cutlery and crockery on your return. And they also suggest trying to be up to date with your washing too as holiday clothes will need washed when you get home.
