Before you lay your head down tonight, here’s some food for thought – new research has revealed that a pillow case can contain more bacteria than a toilet seat, even if it’s been recently washed. Sweet dreams!

The revolting findings of the Amerisleep study are enough to make anyone strip the bed. Volunteers swabbed their sheets and pillows over a four week period, without washing them. Bacteria samples were also taken from mattresses, and all of the data analysed. And the findings are, in a word, gross.

The study found that just one week after being washed, a pillow has 17,442 times MORE bacteria than a toilet seat. After two weeks, the pillowcase had 300 times more bacteria than a tap handle, and after three weeks it had 400 times more bacteria than a kitchen sink. It even had almost 40 times more bacteria than a pet bowl four weeks after being washed.

And the bed sheets weren’t any better.

One week after being washed, the sheets contained almost 25,000 times more bacteria than a bathroom door knob. After two weeks, 300 times more bacteria than a pet toy.

In short, our bedding harbours million of bacteria, even if it’s been laundered just days before.

What bacteria is in our bedding?

According to the researchers, the were four main strains on bacteria that were found in the pillowcases and sheets. The most common was gram-negative rods – the kind of bacteria that can cause pneumonia and other infections. And they’re also reportedly linked to antibiotic resistance.

Gram-positive and bacilli were the other common bacteria found in the bedding. Bacilli is usually responsible for food poisoning, while gram-positive rods aren’t usually harmful to humans.

So … how often should we be washing our bedding?

Now that we know what we’re sleeping on, how often should we be laundering our pillow cases and sheets?

We asked co-founder of eco-friendly cleaning brand Koh, Adam Lindsay.

“We advocate for a weekly washing schedule for your sheets, pillowcases, and duvet covers, preferably with water heated above 55 degrees Celsius,” Adam explained. “This practice aids in exterminating dust mites and bacteria. As for laundry detergents, we suggest one that is both asthma and allergy friendly, like Koh’s Universal Laundry Liquid (available from July 27th) which is devoid of potentially harmful fragrances and harsh chemicals. Our formula also contains septic safe bio enzymes that clean deeper, resulting in a more thorough and hygienic clean.”

And should we be washing our children’s bedding more frequently? Adam says it depends.

“The recommended frequency for washing children’s and baby’s bedding is similar to that of adults – at least once a week. However, with younger children and infants, instances of spills, accidents, or nappy leaks often necessitate more frequent washing.”

Confession time! No judgement, we promise! How often are you washing your bedding? Let us know in the comments below.