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How to stop damage from sun cream, insect repellant or small bugs this summer…

During the warmer months, certain things that are synonymous with summer could actually be having an adverse effect on our bed linen. Creams and oils that we apply to our bodies, as well as certain bugs that may have gotten into our bedrooms, can cause damage, some of which could be irreparable.

This is why Georgia Metcalfe, founder of luxury bedroom retailer French Bedroom, has revealed her top tips to for keeping your bed linen protected this summer.

Whether you’ve applied sun cream, after sun lotions or insect repellant spray, or you’ve happened to notice small insects or bugs appearing on your bedding after a day of having the window open, it’s much easier to prevent damage from happening than attempting to fix it once it has occurred.

So, here is what could be causing possible damage to your bedsheets and how to prevent them:

Most sun creams and lotions are made from oils and chemicals, which, over time will break down the natural fibres of cotton or silk bed linen, Georgia says. 'One of the main ingredients in some creams that can cause stains is avobenzone, so it is worth finding one that doesn’t contain this to keep sheets pristine.'

Other than changing which sun cream or after sun products you use, you can also protect your bedding by using a flat sheet underneath your duvet. Fold a section of that sheet to create an almost 'apron' effect, which will ensure that you and your favourite duvet cover won't come into contact as you sleep.

Another product that many of us will be using this summer which contains chemicals that could be harmful to textiles such as sheets and clothing, is insect repellent. Even repellents made of natural ingredients like citronella and peppermint could cause damage to natural fibres, which is why Georgia suggests using old sheets in this instance, if you can.

'Take precaution if you have this sort of spray or cream on – don’t sleep with your favourite duvet set on and make sure to apply the sprays outdoors and wash them off before you get into bed,' she explains.

You may not think twice about leaving your bedroom window open in the summer months, especially if it's been a rather warm or stuffy day. However, this means that small insects or bugs could end up on your bed linen.

Moths getting into your bedroom can be particularly problematic as they can leave holes in your sheets or any clothing that you may have left out.

To prevent this, using fresh fragrances is key. Georgia suggests the following: 'Pop some dry lavender or cedar wood around your bed as not only will this keep the aroma of the room nice and fresh, but it will also repel bugs like moths and flies. Better still, purchase a scented cotton fitted sheet to deter insects from linen.'

Should the worst happen and your sheets do get stained, Georgia recommends using a treatment of bicarbonate of soda or talcum powder before you wash them.

For oil stains, ‘the talc will absorb the oil, leaving the washing powder to remove the marks. Once washed, hang your clothing out to dry as the sun is good at naturally bleaching stained white clothing safely', says Georgia.

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