The habit of 'making the bed' in the morning... Why is it actually bad for hygiene?

As soon as you wake up, neatly spreading the blanket and tidying the bed makes it look good and feels refreshing. However, such actions can also promote the growth of bacteria and dust mites in the bed, so caution is necessary.

◇Blankets are prone to dust mite and bacteria growth while sleeping. Not only do dead skin cells fall off from the body during sleep, but sweat also causes moisture to accumulate inside the blanket. As a result, the inside of the blanket becomes dark and damp, creating a "space conducive to dust mite and bacteria proliferation." In this situation, when you wake up in the morning and unfold and tidy the blanket, dead skin cells and dandruff remain. The moisture trapped by sweat cannot escape. Dust mites and other allergens inside the blanket are invisible to the naked eye, but symptoms such as dry cough, skin itching, and red eyes are warning signs of a high mite population. Mites can worsen allergies and asthma.

◇It is better to shake out and fold the bedding; washing is essential. For bedding hygiene, it is best to shake out and fold the bedding and place it aside rather than spreading it out and tidying it up immediately after waking up in the morning. House dust mites are sensitive to impact, and just tapping the bedding well can remove about 70%. Alternatively, if you do not tidy up the bedding and leave it as is, the areas outside the bedding will dry out from moisture, and air circulation will help remove dead skin cells and dandruff. Additionally, if the room receives good sunlight, it can have a sterilizing effect.

It is recommended to wash blankets at least once every 2 to 3 weeks. Do not go beyond a month at most. Wash with a neutral detergent in water, ensuring that dust mite carcasses and excrement are thoroughly removed, then rinse with hot water. Cotton blankets should be disinfected in sunlight and well shaken instead of water washing, as the cotton fibers tend to clump and harden when they come into contact with water. Wool blankets should be dry cleaned instead of water washing, as washing with water reduces their insulation properties. After washing and drying, tap the blanket to shake off any remaining dust. Once a month, dry the blanket in the sun and lightly tap it with a stick before making the bed. Even if not visible, dust mites' carcasses fall off when tapping the blanket, so it must be tapped outdoors.

<Source: Health Chosun>