Keeping bedsheets fresh and clean is an important part of maintaining good hygiene and ensuring a healthy sleep environment. However, there is some debate around how often bed linens should be laundered. Here we will explore the different factors that impact how frequently you should wash your sheets and provide some best practice recommendations.
How often do experts recommend washing bed sheets?
There are a few rules of thumb when it comes to washing bedsheets:
- Wash sheets at least once per week – Most experts recommend washing sheets at minimum once per week. This helps prevent the buildup of sweat, body oils, and dead skin cells that can accumulate on your sheets while you sleep.
- Wash every 2-3 days if you sweat a lot at night – People who perspire heavily at night or deal with night sweats may need to wash sheets more frequently, every 2-3 days.
- Wash after illness – It’s important to wash all bed linens after any illness, especially something contagious.
- Wash after bedwetting accidents – Any accidents involving bodily fluids warrant an immediate sheet washing.
Some sources recommend washing sheets twice per week or every 3-4 days for optimal cleanliness. However, once per week is generally considered a good minimum standard.
Factors that impact how often you should wash sheets
How often you need to clean your sheets depends on several factors, including:
1. Number of people sharing the bed
The more people that sleep in the bed, the quicker the sheets will become soiled. Oils, sweat and dead skin cells transfer from bodies to the sheets throughout the night. If two people share the bed, washing every 3-4 days may be best.
2. Pets in the bed
Letting pets sleep in the bed causes sheets to get dirty faster. Pet dander and hair can accumulate quickly. Wash sheets at least twice per week if pets sleep in the bed.
3. Frequency of night sweats/perspiration
People who sweat excessively during the night due to menopause, illness, medications or other reasons will need to wash sheets more frequently. Change sheets after any night of heavy sweating.
4. Skin conditions like eczema or acne
Skin conditions like eczema and acne can worsen with exposure to dirt, oils and dead skin cells from sheets. Washing sheets frequently, even daily, can help manage these skin issues.
5. Environmental factors like pollen or dust
Sheets attract allergens like pollen, dust mites and mold spores. If you sleep with the windows open or are sensitive to allergens, wash sheets twice a week.
6. Whether you shower before bed
If you shower before bed, you will transfer less dirt, oil and sweat to your sheets at night. Skipping evening showers means sheets get dirtier faster.
Signs it’s time to wash the sheets
Here are some signs it’s definitely time to toss bedsheets in the wash:
- Visible stains or soiling
- Sheets feel grimy or greasy
- Sheets smell bad from sweat, pets, etc.
- You or a partner have been sick in bed
- Bedbugs or other pests are present
Err on the side of washing sheets more often if you notice sheets feeling or smelling unclean.
Reasons to wash sheets weekly
Washing sheets once a week offers these benefits:
- Prevents buildup of oils, sweat and dirt – Weekly washing prevents visible grime buildup and keeps sheets smelling fresh.
- Reduces allergens – Frequent washing decreases dust mites, pollen, pet dander and other allergens.
- Lowers risk of acne or skin irritation – Clean sheets help prevent clogged pores and skin inflammation.
- Avoids transfer of illnesses – Washing sheets limits the spread of contagious bacterial or viral illnesses between people.
- Improves overall sleep hygiene – Clean, fresh smelling sheets create a more welcoming sleep environment.
For most people, washing cotton or linen sheets weekly strikes the right balance between hygiene, time and water/energy usage.
When can sheets be washed less frequently?
In certain situations, washing sheets less than weekly may be acceptable:
- Cold weather months – Sweating less in winter means you can wash sheets every 10-14 days.
- Single adult households – Solo sleepers can often launder sheets every 10-14 days.
- Using moisture-wicking sheets – Special moisture-wicking or cooling sheets may not need washing as often.
- Making beds neatly – Straightening sheets daily limits dirt transfer and need for washing.
Use your judgment based on the condition of sheets. But in general, washing at least every other week is a good idea for hygiene.
Proper procedure for washing sheets
Follow these steps for best results when laundering bedsheets:
- Strip sheets from the bed and avoid shaking them. Shaking can spread allergens.
- Wash sheets separately from other laundry.
- Wash in hot water (at least 60°C/140°F) to kill dust mites and germs.
- Use a laundry detergent formulated for sheets and bedding.
- Add bleach alternative or disinfectant to kill germs (optional).
- Use the rinse cycle twice to remove detergent residue.
- Dry sheets completely on medium or high heat.
- Ironing sheets can help kill germs but is optional.
- Make beds with freshly laundered sheets right away.
Best practices for washing different sheet materials
Follow these tips for common sheet fabrics:
Cotton
- Wash weekly in hot water with laundry detergent.
- Bleach can be used for whitening and disinfecting.
- Dry on medium or high heat.
Linen
- Wash weekly in warm or hot water.
- Avoid using bleach which can damage linen fibers.
- Line dry or dry on low heat to avoid shrinkage.
Silk
- Wash every 2-3 weeks in cold water on gentle cycle.
- Use a detergent made for delicates/silk.
- Air dry only. Do not machine dry.
Polyester/microfiber
- Wash weekly in warm or hot water.
- Use mild powder detergent to prevent fading.
- Machine or line dry.
Wool
- Wash monthly in cold water on delicate cycle.
- Use a wool-specific detergent.
- Lay flat to air dry to prevent shrinking.
Making sheets last between washes
Here are some tips to keep sheets cleaner between washes:
- Shower before bed to rinse off sweat and oils.
- Use mattress and pillow protectors.
- Air sheets out regularly.
- Spray with disinfectant between washes.
- Sleep in pajamas rather than directly on sheets.
- Use wool dryer balls to minimize wrinkling.
The bottom line
Here are the key takeaways on how often to wash bedsheets:
- Wash cotton, linen or polyester sheets at least weekly.
- Increase washing to 2-3 times per week for heavy sweaters or multiple people in the bed.
- Wash silk or wool sheets every 2-4 weeks depending on use.
- Wash any sheets exposed to illness, accidents or bedbugs immediately.
- Use hot water washes and dry sheets completely.
- Make beds with clean sheets right after washing.
Washing sheets weekly is a simple habit that pays off through improved hygiene, allergen reduction and better sleep. Adjust your schedule as needed based on use, material and whether sheets pass the sight and smell test. Proper laundry techniques also help extend the life of your bedding.