Leeds named as one of UK’s bed bugs hotspot with people leaving bed sheets unwashed for nearly 3 weeks – Leeds Live

A shocking survey has revealed Leeds is one of the UK's top spots for bed bugs as residents infrequently wash their bedding.

Research from online bed and mattress retailer Bed SOS, states that residents of the city wash their bed sheets every 2.8 weeks on average - making it number 10 on the UKs dust mite hotspots.

Sheffield was listed as number two with people washing bed sheets on average every 3.7 weeks and number one was Manchester with a 4.8 weeks average.

Experts recommend that bedding is washed once a week but 67 per cent of Brits put off the chore.

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The research also uncovers that only 20 per cent of people wash their bedding only once a month, and eight per cent wash it every few months or even less frequently.

Furthermore, a shocking 68 per cent of Brits dont wash their bedsheets at a hot enough temperature to kill off bacteria and bed bugs - which is 60 degrees.

Twenty-three per cent have never vacuumed their mattress or washed their pillows, 15 per cent have never bothered to wash their duvet and 16 per cent have never flipped their mattress.

A duvet that hasnt been washed for one year can contain more than 20,000 dust mites, which can cause breathing problems, sneezing, coughing and asthma attacks, as well as skin and eye irritation.

Danny Richmond, managing director of Bed SOS, said: It is horrifying to know what can be lurking in the bed with you, and dust mites can be a serious problem, especially for those who arent washing their bedding, let alone their duvet and pillows.

Mattresses are an investment and can last a lifetime with proper care, cleaning and maintenance, so not only is taking care of our beds, mattresses and bedding good for our health, but it can also save us money in the long run.

Manchester every 4.8 weeks

Sheffield 3.7 weeks

Norwich 3.6 weeks

Belfast 3.5 weeks

London 3.4 weeks

Bristol 3.4 weeks

Cardiff 3.4 weeks

Newcastle 2.9 weeks

Birmingham 2.9 weeks

Leeds - 2.8 weeks

Dustmite hotspots were calculated by analysing the average number of times each city washes their bedsheets, vacuumed mattresses, washed duvets and pillows and flipped the mattress.

Cleaning expert and Love2Laundry owner, Nadeem Abbas, says, Dust mite waste is a highly common allergy in the UK and causes similar symptoms to hayfever all year round. Dust mites can also cause additional breathing problems for those with asthma.

Make sure bedding is washed once a week

Vacuum your mattress every time you change your sheets

Launder your pillows every four months on a low spin cycle

Have your duvet dry cleaned or wash it in your machine if possible every three months

Clean other soft furnishings like couch cushions or curtains regularly

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Leeds named as one of UK's bed bugs hotspot with people leaving bed sheets unwashed for nearly 3 weeks - Leeds Live