Isabella Cannon is a Corporate Communications intern for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. She currently attends Eastern Michigan University as a public relations and marketing student.
How Often Should You Wash Your Sheets?
3 min read
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of slipping into bed with freshly washed sheets. Between busy schedules and other daily chores, it’s easy to forget or put off changing your sheets as often as you should. Regularly washing your bed sheets is essential to maintain a clean and healthy sleeping environment.
How often do sheets need washed?
You should wash your sheets at least once every week to remove accumulated sweat and dead skin cells, according to the Cleveland Clinic. When dead skin cells are left to rest in your sheets, bacteria thrive. These skin cells act as a breeding ground for bacteria to make themselves at home on your sheets, mattress and pillows.
When do you need to wash your sheets more frequently?
You may need to wash your sheets more frequently depending on your individual lifestyle or circumstances, including if you:
- Have allergies or asthma from dust.
- Have an infection that contacts your sheets or pillows.
- Sweat excessively.
- Have a pet that sleeps in your bed.
- Eat in bed.
- Go to bed without showering.
What happens if you don’t wash your sheets?
Neglecting to wash your sheets regularly can lead to several health and hygiene issues such as:
- Skin problems: The build-up of sweat, oils and bacteria can clog pores and may increase acne breakouts. Dirty sheets may also cause skin irritations, rashes or worsen existing skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis.
- Allergic or respiratory flare ups: Dust mites found in unwashed bedding may trigger allergies or aggravate existing respiratory conditions, such as asthma.
- Unpleasant odors from the accumulation of sweat, body oils and bacteria.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, people with sensitive skin and eczema can decrease flare ups by using the following bedding recommendations:
- Use 100% cotton sheets, comforters, blankets and pillowcases.
- Wash bedding before first use.
- Wash bedding in hot water with fragrance-free and dye-free laundry detergent.
How often should you wash other types of bedding?
Blankets, comforters and pillows don’t need to be washed as frequently. Wash them about every six months, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Using a top sheet may prevent you from needing to wash comforters or blankets as frequently. Most experts recommend pillows to be replaced every one to two years. Using a pillow protector in addition to a pillowcase can help keep dust and bacteria to a minimum.
What is the best washing method?
The Cleveland Clinic recommends washing all bedding with hot water, to kill off dust mites and get everything thoroughly clean. However, you may need to wash bedding in cool water if it’s made of materials such as silk or linen, which require special care.
Avoid overloading the washing machine and consider washing bedding separately to ensure each bedding item gets properly and fully cleaned. When drying, use a medium-low heat setting to prevent shrinkage and damage.
Photo credit: Getty Images
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