How often should you wash your sheets? It may be more frequently than you think. You typically spend upwards of eight hours in bed each day, which leads to the buildup of dirt, body oils, dead skin cells, sweat, and other grime on your sheets and bedding. All this residue isn't just gross to think about; it can also provide fodder for dust mites, put extra strain on the fabric's fibers, and trigger issues including allergies, skin irritation, and acne—not exactly ideal for a peaceful night's sleep.
According to a recent survey by Mattress Advisor, the average person changes their sheets about every 24 days. But that's not the best schedule for optimal hygiene and freshness. How often should you wash your sheets? It depends on a few factors, but some general rules work for most people. Read on to learn exactly how often to wash your sheets and how to preserve their freshness if you decide to bend the rules a bit.
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How Often Should You Wash Your Sheets?
Washing your bed sheets about once a week ensures they always stay fresh. Add this task to your weekly cleaning schedule to help reinforce the habit. Keep in mind that you don't necessarily need to wash sheets the same day as you strip your bed. Having a few sheet sets on hand makes it easy to quickly swap.
While once a week is a good rule of thumb, it also depends on how quickly they get dirty. For example, suppose you travel often and don't sleep in your bed every night. In that case, you can probably wait a bit longer between washes. On the other hand, if you or your sleeping partner sweat a lot while sleeping, or if you share a bed with your pet, your sheets will become dirtier much faster. Allergy sufferers and individuals with sensitive skin might also want to change their bedsheets every three to four days.
If washing your sheets weekly (or more frequently) isn't feasible, you can take a few steps to stretch the time between washes. First, wash your face and bathe or shower before bedtime to reduce the dirt, oil, and sweat you bring into bed. Next, consider having your pet sleep elsewhere to avoid hair and dander on your sheets. Also, avoid snacking in bed.
Should You Wash New Sheets Before You Use Them?
How to Wash Sheets
To start learning how to wash bedsheets, begin by checking the care tag for specific laundry instructions. Certain fabric types, such as bamboo, cotton, linen, and silk sheets, might require special care.
Always wash sheets separately from clothing or towels to ensure the best clean and prevent damage and additional wear. Pre-treat stains before laundering, then wash sheets on a gentle cycle using cool water. You don't necessarily need to wash sheets in hot water unless someone in your household has been sick or your goal is to kill dust mites to ward off allergies. Dry the sheets on a low heat setting and remove them from the dryer immediately after the cycle is finished to prevent wrinkles.
How Often You Should Wash Your Comforter and Other Bedding
Now that you know how often to wash sheets, you might wonder about other bedding. Generally, you should wash pillowcases about once a week. However, it's different if you frequently go to bed without washing your face or removing your makeup. You should change them more often, especially if you have acne or other skin concerns.
Duvet covers, comforters, and throw blankets don't need to be washed as often because they typically have less direct contact with your skin. Once every month or two should be enough. Plan to clean or replace your pillows every three to five months to keep them fresh and fluffy.
Our Complete Guide to Bed Sheets
There are so many kinds of sheets to choose from, but once you decide what type you want, our guides to finding the best ones of every type will help make shopping so much easier!
- The 9 Best Cotton Sheets, According to Testing
- The 8 Best Flannel Sheets, According to Testing
- The 13 Best Bamboo Sheets, According to Testing
- The 10 Best Linen Sheets, According to Testing
- The 10 Best Percale Sheets, According to Testing
- The 6 Best Silk Sheets, According to Testing
- The 9 Best Organic Sheets, According to Testing
Frequently Asked Questions
Should you clean your mattress topper when you wash your sheets?
You don't need to wash your mattress topper as frequently as you wash your sheets. Wash your mattress topper every three months or so (unless it gets stained or soiled in some way). Check the manufacturer's instructions for how to wash your mattress topper. Some, like foam toppers, shouldn't be put in the washing machine.
How often should you clean your mattress?
Clean your mattress every six months or so. Vacuum and flip the mattress after checking for any stains that need attention. Use a mattress pad to protect your mattress from spills or stains.