China expected to leave benchmark loan rates unchanged in Sept
SHANGHAI China is widely expected to leave lending benchmark rates unchanged at a monthly fixing on Wednesday, a
1970-01-01 08:00
Rage Builds in Libya’s Flood-Hit Derna Over Storm Response
Protests erupted in the Libyan town of Derna on Monday, as rage over officials’ preparation for and response
1970-01-01 08:00
How often should you wash your pyjamas?
We all have our favourite pair of PJs we come back to – time after time. Some of us may even have special pyjamas for lounging around in and feeling comfy when snuggled up with Netflix on the sofa. But because they’re only worn inside the house and for sleeping (well, most of the time), the rules can seem different when it comes to PJ maintenance. So, how often should we be washing them and switching to a clean pair? Do you need to wash your pyjamas daily? “You might be surprised to know the answer is no!” says cleaning and laundry expert Laura Mountford, author of Live, Laugh, Laundry. “Like all of our clothing, many of us may be guilty of washing our pyjamas too frequently, or perhaps not enough. But in reality, pyjamas should be washed after every two or three wears. Washing them after every wear, unless they are actually stained, smelly or sweaty, is unnecessary – a waste of money, water and energy,” Mountford adds. She suggests pyjamas can be left to air between wears, and this should be sufficient for them to freshen up ready for the next night – so putting them under your pillow probably isn’t the best idea. Should you wash them more in the summer? “I wash my pyjamas more in the summer when the nights are hot,” says Mountford, “as sweat can cause bacteria growth, which will make them smell. And nobody wants to snuggle into bed in sweaty pyjamas, do they?” What’s the most hygienic way to wash your pyjamas? Sophie Lane, product training manager at Miele GB, says: “Wash pyjamas at the highest temperature the fabric can cope with – check the garment care label. This will deliver the most hygienic clean. Detergent is also important to achieving good results.” Are different materials more or less hygienic? Natural fabrics like cotton are the most hygienic, suggests Mountford, as they are breathable, so bacteria and sweat builds up less quickly compared to manmade fabrics like polyester. Lane agrees, adding: “Cotton is also extremely durable and can withstand high temperature washes. Bamboo is another good fabric option for pyjamas. It’s very breathable whilst being effective at thermal regulating, to keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It’s also anti-bacterial, hypo-allergenic and odour-resistant.” What happens if you don’t wash pyjamas regularly? Mountford says: “Most of us wear our pyjamas for eight hours each night, so not washing them frequently enough can cause bacteria to grow, making them smelly and unhygienic… not very cosy at all. This may reduce the quality of your sleep,” she adds – noting it could result in “skin irritation” too. Does it make a difference if you shower before bed or in the morning? “Showering before bed keeps your pyjamas and bedding fresher for longer, as you are jumping into bed with a clean body, having already removed the dirt, bacteria and allergens from the day,” says Mountford. “Not showering before bed will cause these particles to be transferred onto your nightwear and bedding, which will cause them to get dirty and smelly more quickly.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Beginner’s guide to buying second-hand furniture These are the best shorter daffodils to plant now for spring – according to RHS trials Do I need to treat my garden furniture before storing it for winter?
1970-01-01 08:00
The Best Way to See Africa's Great Migration, on a Safari Without the Crowds
We were in hot pursuit. Dust rose up behind our Land Cruiser in a massive cloud as our
1970-01-01 08:00
Starbucks bets on China with $220 million roasting and distribution center
Starbucks says it has poured more than $200 million into a new campus in China, in a sign of how the Chinese consumer remains crucial to the global coffee chain despite a major economic slowdown.
1970-01-01 08:00
Blink-182 reveal release date of new album One More Time – classic line-up's first LP for 12 years
The classic and current line-up of Blink-182, vocalist and bassist Mark Hoppus, guitarist Tom DeLonge and drummer Travis Barker, are to release their first new album for 12 years in October, titled 'One More Time…'.
1970-01-01 08:00
'I'm in quiet revolt!' Tim Burton blasts The Flash's Nicolas Cage and Michael Keaton appearances
Filmmaker Tim Burton hated seeing Nicolas Cage as Superman in 'The Flash' after missing out on making 'Superman Lives' with the actor in 1998.
1970-01-01 08:00
'Like when The Beatles went to India!' Noel Gallagher has recorded secret dance track
Oasis legend Noel Gallagher has recorded a secret dance track which duo CamelPhat admit is "sitting there" waiting to be finished.
1970-01-01 08:00
Monetisation of Russell Brand’s YouTube channel suspended
YouTube has suspended the monetisation of Russell Brand’s channel for “violating” its “creator responsibility policy”. In a statement to the PA news agency, a spokesperson for the Google-owned company said: “If a creator’s off-platform behaviour harms our users, employees or ecosystem, we take action to protect the community.” The news comes after the remaining shows of Brand’s Bipolarisation tour were postponed and the Metropolitan Police said it had received a report of an alleged sexual assault in the wake of media allegations about the comedian and actor. Brand’s YouTube account, which has 6.6 million subscribers, has been suspended from YouTube’s partner account “following serious allegations against the creator”, meaning the channel is no longer able to make money from advertising on the platform. The statement added: “This decision applies to all channels that may be owned or operated by Russell Brand.” The 48-year-old actor has been accused of rape, assault and emotional abuse between 2006 and 2013, when he was at the height of his fame and working for the BBC, Channel 4 and starring in Hollywood films, following a joint investigation by The Times, Sunday Times and Channel 4’s Dispatches. He has strongly denied the allegations, which also include claims of controlling, abusive and predatory behaviour. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live
1970-01-01 08:00
Sunac, Country Garden debt deals bring respite for China's property sector
HONG KONG Chinese developers Sunac and Country Garden brought some relief to the crisis-hit property sector by forging
1970-01-01 08:00
Chinese developer Sunac seeks Chapter 15 protection in New York court
(Reuters) -Chinese developer Sunac China Holdings has filed for Chapter 15 protection from creditors in a U.S. bankruptcy court, court
1970-01-01 08:00
Another country has called Xi a 'dictator' and China is not happy with that description
China has lashed out at Germany after its foreign minister called Xi Jinping a "dictator" and summoned Berlin's ambassador for a dressing down, in the latest flaring of tensions with a western democratic power over how the Chinese leader is described overseas.
1970-01-01 08:00
