We aren't getting out of our homes anytime soon. That's basically the message for 2021: go out as infrequently as possible. Keep safe. Follow the rules.
Many of us are still working from home. Parents are bracing themselves for the possibility of more home-schooling. And a social life - what's that again?
With so little excitement and so much to worry about, you might be tempted to let things slide a bit on the domestic front - especially when it comes to laundry. What's the problem with wearing the same tracksuit pants and T-shirt several days in a row if no one ever sees you, right?
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And it doesn't really matter if the bed linen isn't changed every week, does it? We're the only ones lying on it!
Not so fast, experts say. Now that we're spending more and more time in our homes, it's more important than ever to keep things clean and fresh - and we aren't just talking about Covid-19.
All sorts of bugs and germs are lurking around, waiting to nibble and burrow and wriggle their way into your personal space - here's how to stop them.
LURKING BENEATH THE SHEETS: WHY IT'S VITAL TO DO LAUNDRY PROPERLY
Dust mites
They live on the dead skin that accumulates between your sheets at night and builds up pretty quickly in unwashed bedding. If your bedding isn't laundered often enough, discharges from dust mites - both dead and alive - and mould can make up to a 10th of the weight of a pillow, according to the British Sleep Council.
You must be especially careful if you tend to be susceptible to allergies, asthma and eczema, as dust-mite secretions contain an allergen linked to all these conditions.
Bedbugs
These critters live on the blood of humans and animals. They hide mainly in mattresses but can invade an entire room. Once these minute parasites have made themselves at home in your sleeping quarters, it can be difficult to get rid of them.
Sweat
We produce up to 200ml of sweat a night, according to the Sleep Council. Damp, warm and dark conditions create the ideal environment for mites, bacteria, fungi and mould, which can cause respiratory conditions and various other health problems.
Your skin
Bacteria from dirty bedding can contribute to acne, pimples and other skin problems, according to British GP Dr Aragona Giuseppe.
Micro-organisms
Thousands of often dangerous bacteria and viruses breed in dirty laundry and can cause conditions such as diarrhoea, colon inflammation, kidney, skin and breathing problems and herpes, according to the International Scientific Forum on Home Hygiene and the International Journal of Home Economics.
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HOW REGULARLY SHOULD ITEMS BE WASHED?
Bedding - replace weekly with a clean set of sheets or duvet covers and pillowcases.
Underwear - the general guideline for underwear, except bras, is to wash after one use. Bras should be washed after about three wears. Manufacturers warn against washing bras daily as frequent laundering can weaken the elastic fabric and shorten their lifespan.
Socks - after one wear
T-shirts - after one wear
Exercise clothes - after one wear
Jeans - after 4-5 wears
Long-sleeved tops and jerseys - after 6-7 wears
Coats - at least once a season
Scarves - In the light of Covid-19, preferably after one wear. Scarves come in close contact with your mouth and nose.
Hats and other head covers - after 5-10 wears
Towels - after three uses
Kitchen towels - daily
Pillows - at least every three months. Replace every two years.
Blankets - at least once every season
Duvets - at least twice a year
Stuffed toys - once a month
Masks - after a single wear. Not only do you run the risk of contracting coronavirus if your mask is overused, a dirty mask can also contribute to acne and other skin problems, says Hanli de Beer of North West University's department of consumer sciences.
WASHING GUIDE
Before you do your laundry
It's important to handle dirty washing correctly, says Hanli de Beer and Minnet du Preez of North West University's department of consumer sciences.
- Keep laundry separately in a dry place until you're ready to wash it.
- Don't throw damp, sweaty exercise wear in the laundry basket as it's a breeding ground for bacteria. Wash it as soon as possible or hang it out to dry if you can't wash it immediately.
- Sort your washing not only according to colour and texture but also according to "high and low contamination risk". If you've come into contact with someone who's ill, wash your clothes separately at a high temperature.
- Wash bedding at 60°C or higher to help combat pests such as mites and bugs, or use a washing disinfectant.
- Wash your hands after handling dirty laundry.
Afterwards
- If you have a tumble drier, dry your bedding in it. Creatures such as bedbugs are unlikely to survive for longer than 20 minutes.
- As far as possible, hang wet washing in the sun immediately. UV rays and ventilation help combat harmful micro-organisms.
- Use a steam iron - the steam's heat destroys micro-organisms.
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MORE CLEANING TIPS
Your house Vacuuming is a highly effective way of eradicating dirt, hair and mites. Try to vacuum at least once a week and make sure you clean the machine's filters regularly.
Mattresses These can also be kept clean by giving them a good go-over with a vacuum cleaner. Stains can be removed by scrubbing with vinegar or baking soda.
Protect your mattress against dirt and sweat by using a mattress protector, which can then be washed in the machine.
Also allow a mattress to "breathe" two to three times a month by leaving it uncovered for a few hours. And put it out in the sun at least every three months for a good airing.
Pillows They should be ventilated too. Try to put them in the sun for a few minutes every week (but check instructions on the label first) and give them a good shake-out daily.
Pillows can also be washed in the washing machine or dry-cleaned every season. This also applies to scatter cushions and throws, which are real dust traps.
Toys Stuffed toys can be a breeding ground for mites so if possible keep them off beds, and wash at 60°C or higher.
You can also place toys in a plastic bag in the freezer for 12 hours to help destroy pests and germs, then wash according to instructions.
Extra sources: sleepcouncil.org.uk, news24.com, ifh-homehygiene.org
