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For a lot of us, making the bed first thing in the morning is as much a part of the morning routine as having a shower and brushing our teeth.
As kids, it was something our parents used to nag us to do before going to school, which was supposed to help us tackle the day.
While that does sound quite ridiculous, there is actually another reason why you may not want to actually make your bed in the morning.
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A cleaning expert has revealed that making the bed is something you shouldn't be doing in the morning and explained the shocking reason why it is something ‘you need to stop doing’ immediately.
In a post shared to Instagram in 2020, Mrs D, who is famous for providing helpful house-tidying hacks, stressed the importance of allowing the bed sheets to 'breathe.'
She told her large Instagram following that once you have just leapt out of the sheets, they will be hot and damp - which could bring dirt and also attract bed bugs.
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She said: "It seems a lot of people get up and make the bed straight away. This is something you need to stop doing.
“Get out of bed and throw the duvet back and let your bed breathe.
“During the night we not only sweat but we also shed skin, and this is a magnet for dust mites and bed bugs.
“They love damp and humid areas, and some people only let their bed breathe in the summer, and think that you don’t need to do this in the winter because of the cold weather.
“But this isn’t true. With central heating being on in the winter it can attract dust mites and bed bugs just as much as in the summer months.
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“So, by making your bed first thing every morning you are trapping all that damp air and helping dust mites and bed bugs breed (sounds horrible, but it’s true).”
The cleaning expert says that you should wait an hour before making your bed to avoid this disgusting outcome happening.
She added: "I know it’s nice to see your bedroom looking clean and fresh and of course we lead busy lives, which means it’s easy to make the bed before you go to work.
“But doing this will help a lot. If you don’t have an hour in the morning, leave it ‘til you get home, and make the bed then… at least you know it’s had a good airing.”
The influencer also has bad news for those who don’t wash their sheets regularly.
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“Wash your sheets once a week, using a high wash cycle and a laundry cleanser, this will kill any bacteria on your bedding,” she advises.
“Once a month, deep clean your mattress by vacuuming it and then using a steam cleaner to kill all bacteria and dust mites.
“Wash your duvets and pillows every six months. If you can fit them in your own washing machine then take them to the launderette.
“Most launderettes offer a duvet-cleaning service.”
Featured Image Credit: RioPatuca / Anutr Yossundara / Alamy Stock Photo