A recent survey conducted by Mattress Advisor revealed that, on average, people change their sheets every 24 days.
Spending more than eight hours in bed each day leads to the accumulation of dirt, body oils, dead skin cells, sweat, and other residues on your sheets and bedding.
While this may be uncomfortable to think about, it can have adverse effects such as attracting dust mites, causing wear on the fabric, and triggering allergies, skin irritation, or acne, all of which can disrupt a restful night’s sleep.
However, this schedule may not be the best for optimal hygiene and freshness.
The frequency of washing your sheets depends on several factors, but some general guidelines work well for most individuals. In the following sections, you’ll learn precisely how often to wash your sheets and how to maintain their freshness if you decide to adjust the recommended schedule slightly.
How Frequently to Wash Your Bed Sheets
Maintaining fresh and clean bed sheets is essential for a good night’s sleep and overall hygiene.
Generally, washing your sheets once a week is recommended, ensuring they stay fresh and comfortable for your slumber. To make this a routine, it’s beneficial to include it in your weekly cleaning schedule.
However, there’s no strict need to wash your sheets on the same day you strip your bed. If you have a few sets of sheets on hand, like the Better Homes & Gardens Washed Cotton Percale Sheet Set, it becomes easy to quickly swap them out.
While a weekly wash is a good guideline, the frequency might vary depending on how quickly your sheets get dirty.
For instance, if you travel often and don’t sleep in your bed every night, you can extend the time between washes. On the other hand, factors like excessive sweating during sleep, sharing your bed with pets, or allergies and sensitive skin could require more frequent washing, such as every three to four days.
If you find washing your sheets weekly or more often challenging, there are some steps you can take to prolong the time between washes.
Make a habit of washing your face and taking a bath or shower before bedtime to minimize the dirt, oil, and sweat you bring into bed. If you have pets, consider having them sleep elsewhere to prevent hair and dander on your sheets.
Moreover, avoid eating in bed to minimize spills and crumbs.
Properly Washing Your Sheets
When it comes to learning how to wash your bed sheets, it’s crucial to start by checking the care tag for specific laundry instructions.
Different Fabric Types, such as bamboo, cotton, linen, and silk sheets, might require special care.
To ensure the best cleaning and prevent damage, always wash your sheets separately from clothing or towels.
Pre-treat any stains before laundering and wash the sheets on a gentle cycle using cool water. Typically, washing sheets in hot water is unnecessary unless someone in your household has been sick, or you want to eliminate dust mites to alleviate allergies.
After washing, dry the sheets on a low heat setting and remove them from the dryer immediately after the cycle is finished to prevent wrinkles.
Cleaning Other Bedding Items
Apart from bed sheets, other bedding items should also be maintained regularly for optimal cleanliness.
Pillowcases should ideally be washed about once a week. However, if you frequently go to bed without washing your face or removing makeup, you should change them more often, especially if you have acne or skin concerns.
Items like duvet covers, comforters, and Throw Blankets do not require washing as frequently since they have less direct contact with your skin.
Washing them every one to two months should be sufficient. As for pillows, aim to clean or replace them every three to five months to keep them fresh and fluffy, ensuring a restful sleep experience.
*The information is for reference only.