How Often You Should Wash Your Bed sheets (And Get Them Really Clean)

Maintaining the cleanliness of your bed sheets is more than just an easy feat; it’s about creating a comfortable environment and enjoying that fresh-out-of-the-dryer feeling every night. However, fade is inevitable, especially after the first few nights of sleep. Amidst general laundry rules that exist for every piece of fabric in your home, including sports bras and jeans, confusion reigns when it comes to cleaning bedding. We’ve turned experts’ answers into actionable insights on how often to wash your sheets for a bed that feels fresh every time you slip into it.

When to Change Your Sheets

Most of the Founders of the textile company suggest washing your sheets weekly for optimal freshness. This routine keeps them looking and smelling as fresh as possible. While the choice between silk and sateen sheets is a matter of personal preference, the goal is always to maintain that feeling of fresh sensation. According to Dr. Shelby Harris, MD, a conservative approach suggests regular washing every one to two weeks to maintain a cleanliness that fosters a healthy sleep environment.

Why you need to wash your sheets

Maintaining clean sheets is crucial for optimal sleep quality and overall well-being. Regularly washing your bedding is essential to prevent bacteria buildup, eliminate allergens like dust mites, and promote healthy skin. Recommended washing frequency depends on individual needs, but generally, washing your sheets often is recommended to ensure a hygienic sleep environment. This practice not only prevents respiratory issues but also contributes to improving sleep quality. Keeping your bedding fresh is a simple yet effective way to maintain cleanliness and enhance your sleep experience.

Dead skin:

Dead Skin can accumulate on your sheets, a result of rolling during the night. This discarded skin, laden with keratinocytes and protein like keratin, can lead to a buildup that attracts more dirt and bacteria. The friction between your outer layer of skin cells and the sheets intensifies this process. Regular washing is crucial to remove this dead skin, ensuring that your bedding remains fresh and hygienic. High-gram counts in sheets can reduce the contact between your skin and the bedding, aiding in minimizing the transfer of dead skin and maintaining a cleaner bed.

Bacteria:

When we talk about sheets and their cleanliness, bacteria become a crucial aspect. Throughout the night, our bodies shed dead skin cells, creating an environment ripe for bacterial growth.  The friction between our bodies and the sheets, along with constant contact with our keratinocytes and protein-rich keratin, can lead to a buildup of bacteria on the outer layer of the sheets. This can be exacerbated if sheets are not washed regularly. Therefore, maintaining a regular washing schedule is not just about hygiene but also about ensuring a healthy sleep environment.

Dust mites:

Dust mites are microscopic pests that inhabit every continent on Earth, including Antarctica. These teeny-tiny creatures, distant relatives of spiders, are invisible to the naked eye yet prolific in numbers. They thrive on dead skin cells shed by humans, making your sheets a prime feeding ground. Unlike bed bugs with their biting teeth and mouths, dust mites don’t bite; instead, they can cause skin irritation and trigger health issues like allergies and scabies. Regular washing of your sheets can help keep these unseen invaders at bay, ensuring a clean and healthy sleeping environment.

Read Also: What Type of Sheets Are Best In 2024?

What can happen if you don’t wash your sheets?

Neglecting regular sheet washing can lead to a host of issues. Allergic reactions are common, with dust mites thriving in unwashed bedding, triggering allergy symptoms like itching and potentially exacerbating asthma, causing breathing issues such as wheezing and whistling. Skin problems may arise, including rash development due to bacteria buildup, aggravating conditions like eczema and leading to dryness. Over time, overactive bacterial colonies can lead to folliculitis and other forms of inflammation and irritation of hair follicles, potentially causing infections. Taking care to regularly wash sheets can mitigate these risks, ensuring a cleaner, healthier sleep environment.

Factors to Consider for Less Frequent Washing

In considering hygiene habits, it’s crucial to find a balance that works with your lifestyle. Weekly washes are a common guideline, but this can be amended based on various factors. Keeping in mind your household’s nightly habits and the season can help you dial in the right laundry schedule. For instance, a hot sleeper like Rose might benefit from more frequent washing, while others may find that bi-weekly washes suffice.

Number of People and Pets in the Bed

The number of people and pets sharing the bed also impacts how often you should wash your sheets. If you, like Rose, share your bed with a lovable dog or cat, their hair, fur, and dander can quickly sully your bedding. This affects not just cleanliness but also your sleeping experience. Considering this, a bi-weekly sheet changing routine might be necessary.

Bedding Material

The type of fabric your sheets are made from plays a role in cleaning frequency. Cotton and linen are durable fabrics that can be cleaned easily, making them ideal for less frequent washing. Bamboo sheets, while comfortable, may require more care due to their tendency to retain sweat and pet odors. By choosing the right bedding material, you can maintain a clean and fresh bed with minimal effort.

How to keep your bed as clean as possible

Regularly swap your bedding to keep your bed clean and fresh. Change your sheets at least once every one to two weeks to maintain cleanliness. Don’t forget about your comforter and pillows—they should be washed every six months. Using hot water when washing kills dust mites and helps to thoroughly clean your bedding. In the morning, don’t leave your bed unmade. Sweaty sheets have a higher chance of drying if left exposed, which can reduce moisture and prevent dust mites and bacteria from flourishing.

Although it may seem like a chore, the feeling of sliding into clean sheets at night is unbeatable. During the washing process, make sure to fluff your pillows and blankets. This helps distribute the blanket’s filling evenly and is especially helpful for making pillows and blankets more comfortable. Taking care of your bedding can improve your sleep quality and overall comfort for a healthier, more enjoyable life.