Crawling into bed with fresh, clean sheets is one of life's small luxuries. How often should you wash your sheets? The answer might surprise you.
How Often Should You Wash Your Sheets? Experts Say It's More Than You Think
Experts universally recommend that bed sheets should be washed weekly. Despite this knowledge, many people fall short, with the average individual reportedly washing their sheets only every 24 days, according to a survey from Mattress Advisor. Regularly laundering your bed linens not only feels indulgent; it also significantly enhances your sleep hygiene by reducing unwanted substances.
What Accumulates in Your Sheets?
Consider this: if you sleep for eight hours per night, that translates to nearly 56 hours a week spent in your bed. During this time, a variety of unpleasant substances can collect in your sheets, including
- Sweat from hot sleepers
- Dead skin cells
- Skin oils
- Residue from makeup and skincare products
- Dust mites
Dr. Ekama Carlson, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist, emphasizes the importance of cleanliness in your bedding. Dust mites, microscopic pests that thrive in warm, humid environments, feed primarily on dead skin cells. While dust mites themselves are not harmful, the allergens they produce can trigger allergic reactions, particularly for those susceptible to asthma or allergies.
The CDC's Recommendations
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises those with asthma or allergies to incorporate additional protective measures. Specifically, they recommend using allergen-proof mattress and pillowcase covers to help mitigate exposure to these pests. This precaution is especially critical for individuals whose asthma is exacerbated by dust mite exposure.
Should You Wash More Frequently?
While a weekly washing routine is sufficient for most, some people may benefit from even more frequent washes. Those with sensitive skin, allergies, or hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) may choose to wash their sheets more often. Conversely, individuals living in drier climates may find a slightly less frequent washing schedule works well for them.
What About Other Bedding?
To maintain optimal hygiene throughout your entire bedding collection, the National Sleep Foundation suggests the following washing schedule
- Pillowcases: once a week
- Duvet covers: once every two weeks to a month
- Comforters: once every two to three months
- Blankets: once every two to three months
- Pillows: every four to six months, if washable
These recommendations ensure that every piece of bedding stays fresh and dust-free.
Effective Cleaning Techniques
For a thorough clean, try using OxiClean, a trusted laundry additive that can help eliminate stubborn stains and allergens. By following these laundry tips, you can enhance the cleanliness of your sheets
- Hot Water Settings: Many types of sheets, including cotton, should ideally be washed on the hottest setting permitted by the care label.
- Avoid Overloading the Washer: Ensure you leave enough space in your washing machine to allow the linens to agitate and rinse thoroughly.
- Natural Disinfection: When possible, hang dry your sheets outside. Sunlight acts as a natural disinfectant, killing bacteria and dust mites while leaving your sheets smelling fresh.
Why a Routine Matters
Establishing a consistent one-week sheet-changing routine allows you to enjoy a cleaner sleeping environment. Regular washing not only makes your bedding look pristine but ensures it is genuinely clean and hygienic. Coming home to freshly laundered sheets is an inviting way to enhance your relaxation and restore your energy.
Taking care of your bedding could be considered a small effort for significant rewards. Consider committing to a routine that involves washing your sheets weekly, along with the rest of your bedding as recommended by sleep experts. After all, the payoff is sleeping peacefully on sheets that are as fresh as they are clean.