Five Americans freed in Iran prisoner swap land in US
The four men and one woman return to the US after $6bn of frozen Iranian funds were released.
2023-09-19 20:26
Winfrey picks Nathan Hill's novel 'Wellness' for book club
For her latest book club pick, Oprah Winfrey broke the news to author Nathan Hill in modern style
2023-09-19 20:20
Hundreds protest against Libyan authorities in flood-ravaged Derna
Protests have erupted in the eastern Libyan city of Derna with locals demanding the removal of those in power, a week after torrential rain caused two dams to collapse, sweeping whole neighborhoods into the Mediterranean Sea and killing thousands.
2023-09-19 19:50
China declines to address WSJ report foreign minister was removed over extramarital affair
China's Foreign Ministry on Tuesday declined to address a report its former foreign minister Qin Gang was ousted from his position over an alleged extramarital affair.
2023-09-19 19:46
Libya flood: Derna mayor's house burnt down in protests
Derna's mayor is targeted a week after devastating floods many residents blame on incompetence.
2023-09-19 19:17
Ovidio Guzmán: Drug lord El Chapo's son pleads not guilty
A US court has accused Ovidio Guzmán of drug-trafficking and money-laundering, which he denies.
2023-09-19 18:49
Germany bans neo-Nazi group Hammerskins
German authorities crack down on the skinhead group known for organising far-right concerts.
2023-09-19 18:24
Sara Sharif's father, stepmother and uncle appear in court over girl's murder
Sara's father, stepmother and uncle, are due to stand trial at the Old Bailey in September 2024.
2023-09-19 17:48
Irish student dies after US kayaking incident
Ella Mills died after an incident on the Potomac River near Washington DC.
2023-09-19 17:23
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?
2023-09-19 15:59
The Versailles Palace celebrates its 400th anniversary and hosts King Charles III for state dinner
France is rolling out the red carpet for King Charles III’s state visit at one of its most magnificent and emblematic monuments: The Palace of Versailles, which is celebrating its 400th anniversary
2023-09-19 14:46
Justin Trudeau: India rejects role in Sikh leader's death in Canada
Canadian PM Justin Trudeau has accused India of involvement in Hardeep Singh Nijjar's killing.
2023-09-19 13:27