How Frequently Should You Wash Your Sheets and Bedding?

Your bed collects dirt, oil, and sweat while you sleep. Learn how often to wash bedsheets to enjoy fresh and clean bedding.

The Importance of Clean Sheets

You spend about eight hours in bed each day. This leads to a buildup of dirt, body oils, dead skin cells, sweat, and other grime on your sheets and bedding. This residue can attract dust mites, strain fabric fibers, and cause health issues like allergies, skin irritation, and acne. Not ideal for a peaceful night’s sleep!

Survey Insights on Sheet Washing Frequency

A survey by Mattress Advisor found that the average person changes their sheets every 24 days. However, this schedule is not optimal for hygiene and freshness. The frequency of washing your sheets depends on several factors. Here’s a guide on how often to wash your sheets and how to keep them fresh.

General Rule: Wash Once a Week

Washing your bed sheets once a week is a good rule of thumb. Add this task to your weekly cleaning schedule to reinforce the habit. You don’t need to wash the sheets the same day you strip your bed. Having multiple sheet sets makes it easy to swap quickly.

Factors Influencing Washing Frequency

Travel and Infrequent Use

If you travel often and don’t sleep in your bed every night, you can go longer between washes.

Sweaty Sleepers and Pet Owners

If you or your partner sweat a lot or share your bed with a pet, your sheets will get dirty faster. Consider washing them every three to four days.

Allergy Sufferers and Sensitive Skin

If you have allergies or sensitive skin, change your sheets more frequently, about every three to four days.

Tips to Extend Time Between Washes

If washing your sheets weekly isn’t feasible, follow these steps:

• Wash your face and shower before bed to reduce dirt, oil, and sweat in your bed.
• Have your pet sleep elsewhere to avoid hair and dander on your sheets.
• Avoid snacking in bed.
• Own multiple sets of sheets for easy swapping.

Additional Tips for a Clean Bed

• Let Moisture Dry: Turn back the covers to let moisture dry before making the bed.
• Disinfect Weekly: Wash sheets once a week with hot water to disinfect them.
• Vacuum Mattress: Vacuum your mattress a few times a year.
• Increase Frequency When Necessary: Wash bedding more often if you are sick, sleep nude, or go to bed without showering after a workout.
• Pillow and Duvet Care: Wash pillows at least twice a year, along with duvets and other coverings.
• Special Cases: Change sheets often if you sweat a lot, eat in bed, or sleep with kids or pets.

Expert Advice

Use hypoallergenic and fragrance-free detergent. Joshua Zeichner, MD, suggests using only the recommended amount. Overdosing on detergent can cause irritation by lodging detergent molecules between fabric fibers.

Following these guidelines will help you sleep on a clean, safe, and bug-free bed every night.