Many of us are spending our nights under filthy duvets packed with dust mites, skin scales and fungus, a study suggests. Scientists analysed ten duvets and found they contain up to 20,000 dust mites. One that had not been washed for 11 years and more than an ounce and a half of debris including skin scales and dust mite faeces.
Worcester University researchers said seven of the duvets had never been washed. All contained large numbers of dead mites and debris. Professor Jean Emberlin said in some cases levels of allergens were dangerous. The dirtiest duvet could trigger symptoms of asthma and conjuctivitis plus irritate existing cases of eczema.
The research, commissioned by Hotpoint Aqualtis, included a survey which revealed that 41 per cent did not wash their duvet every six months. Their large load capacity machine includes a special duvet care wash. (Source – Daily Mail)