How often you should wash your sheets to avoid bed bugs as infestation hits the UK

Experts have shared how often you should be washing your sheets amid concerns of a bed bug boom hitting in the UK.

Paris is currently in the grip of a bed bug outbreak with one commuter even spotting the pesky bugs on a train.

And one expert has claimed that the bugs are already running rampant in the UK.

Speaking to Sky News, microbiologist and founder of Bed Bugs Ltd David Cain said: "I think there's probably a similar level of issue in London as there is in Paris at present.

"They're already on buses, trains, tubes, cinemas, doctor's surgeries, public spaces, hospitals."

The pesky bugs are oval, flat, brownish-red in colour and around the size of an apple pip and feed on blood to survive.

The small bugs are hard to spot and are usually only noticed once it's too late and an infestation has taken hold - and once they’re in your place they’re notoriously difficult to shift, usually requiring a specialist to get rid.

So, you’ll probably want to avoid them if you can, eh? Regularly washing your bedding can help to keep bugs at bay, with bedbugs.net noting: “Worms, dust mites, and other creepy crawlies can also thrive in filthy bedding.”

Lovely.

Pexels/Sarah Chai

It’s important to note, that dirty bedding won’t automatically mean you’ll end up with bed bugs - they usually end up in people’s homes after hitching a ride in their luggage or on their clothes - but washing your sheets will kill any bugs on the bedding.

To add to that, cleaning alone isn’t usually enough to get rid of bedbugs - you’ll likely need to call in the professionals - because even if you wash and kill the bugs on the sheets, the bed bugs can still be lurking in the mattress and even in the area around your bed.

However, regular washing can help you spot any infestations sooner than later, which can prove vital when it comes to getting rid of them.

But how often should you be washing them? According to the website about once a week on a high temperature - you can also blast your bedding on a high temp in a dryer for around 30 minutes.

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Pest control company Plunkett’s has shared how to check for bedbugs.

The company’s website explains: “When you strip your bed to wash the sheets, take the time to give your mattress a quick once-over.

“Flip it over once or twice while checking the corners, nooks, and zipper for bed bugs. Consider vacuuming the mattress to remove crumbs, dirt, or dead skin.

“Check the frame, headboard, and bed skirt, too. If you find bedbugs, strip the mattress bare and wash everything—skirt, sheets, pillowcases, and comforter.”