How often should you wash your sheets?

LEARN how often you should wash bedsheets so you can sleep soundly on fresh bedding. You typically spend upwards of eight hours in bed each day, which leads to a build-up of dirt, body oils, dead skin cells, sweat and other grime on your sheets and bedding.

All this residue is not just gross to think about; it can also provide fodder for dust mite. It can also put extra strain on the fabric’s fibres and trigger issues such as allergies, skin irritation and acne — not exactly ideal for a peaceful night’s sleep.

According to a recent survey, the average person changes their sheets about every 24 days. But that is not the best schedule for optimal hygiene and freshness.

How often you should wash your sheets 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.

Washing bed sheets

Washing your bed sheets about once a week ensures they always stay fresh. Plan to add this task to your weekly cleaning schedule to help reinforce the habit.

Keep in mind that you do not necessarily need to wash sheets the same day as you strip your bed.

It is helpful to have a few sheet sets on hand, which makes it easy to quickly swap.

While once a week is a good rule of thumb, how often you should wash your sheets depends on how quickly they get dirty.

For example, if you travel often and do not sleep in your own bed every night, you can probably get away with going 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) is not 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 amount of dirt, oil and sweat you bring into bed with you. Next, consider having your pet sleep elsewhere to avoid hair and dander on your sheets. Also, avoid snacking in bed.

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 do not 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 soon after the cycle is finished to prevent wrinkles.

How often you should wash your comforter, 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 is different if you frequently go to bed without washing your face or removing your makeup. In that case, you should change them more often, especially if you have acne or other skin concerns.

Duvet covers, comforters and throw blankets do not 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.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Should you clean your mattress topper when you wash your sheets?

A: You do not 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, should not be put in the washing machine.

Q: How often should you clean your mattress?

A: 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. — bhg.com