Many people opt for super hot washes when they wash their bedding, but this isn’t always necessary, according to an expert.

Chris Tattersall, sleep expert and Woolroom MD, said: “Washing your bed sheets is a task that should be completed once a week, which can be extended to two weeks should you not sleep in your bed every evening.

“The regularity is one that surprises many but is a result of bed sheets gathering large quantities of dead skin, sweat, body oils, dirt and most notably dust mites.

“Common throughout the home, dust mites thankfully do not bite, but they can irritate the skin and are a known cause of aggravating allergy symptoms.”

In the summer months, or if you suffer from eczema, the expert recommended washing bedding more often.

As for what temperature to set the washing machine on, Chris explained how 40C is sufficient for bedding.

Don’t set it for a quick wash, but instead, a long cycle to ensure everything is being washed properly.

This is also an ideal temperature if you have bed bugs in the home, and is hot enough with modern-day detergent.

Make sure to also wash pillows and mattresses regularly to prevent bed bugs, dust mites and a build-up of sweat.

It’s also super important to make sure everything is completely dry before putting it back on the bed to avoid mould.

The expert noted: “All of the dead skin and body oil, combined with your sweat as you sleep, is absorbed by your bedding, making it a breeding ground for dust mites by providing them with a food source.

“[In turn, this can] cause irritated eyes and a runny nose, [and] therefore disrupt your sleep meaning keeping your bedding clean is imperative.

"When it comes to washing a synthetic or feather/down duvet or mattress protector, it takes six weeks for house dust mites to completely colonise your bedding if washed at 60 degrees, and therefore you should wash them regularly.”

In terms of knowing when to replace a duvet, Chris said: “You can tell if a duvet has come to the end of its life when it feels limp and thin, a result of the filling being compressed which in turn means that the fibres are no longer able to trap air, and therefore maintain body temperature effectively.

“In the same way, if the filling is unevenly spread or leaking out, it’s time for a new one. This is an issue that synthetic and down/feather fibre duvets are far more susceptible to than those filled with wool, meaning they can last around 10-15 years, outliving the synthetic and down/feather alternatives.”