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How Often Should You Wash Your Sheets? An Expert Weighs in

how often to wash your bedding

If you’re wondering how long it’s been since your last change out, it may be time to re-evaluate how often you wash your sheets

As the seasons start to turn, many people realise they can’t remember the last time they changed their sheets. If you find yourself in this position and never really track how much time goes between each wash, you may want to start doing it on a strict schedule. 

“For many households, the cleanliness of bedding is not only a matter of comfort but also closely linked to skin health, allergens, and overall well-being”, says Daniel Ufland, founder of Flitch, an online interior styling platform.

Well-versed in the world of bedding, the Flitch team offer their insights into how often it should be changed to enhance your sleeping experience each night.

Your Nightly Routine

If you’re someone who showers before bed every night, you are likely getting into bed completely clean, meaning there’s less need to wash bedding frequently. Conversely, if you’re someone who showers earlier in the day, this could be a significant factor in how frequently you should wash your sheets. 

“The cleaner you are when getting into bed, the cleaner your bed will stay”, says Ufland.  “After a long day of being out in the world, you’re bringing everything with you into bed, from dirt to pollen, and, over days and weeks, that builds up in your sheets”. 

General Recommendations for Sheet Washing 

Ufland recommends washing your sheets at least once every one to two weeks. “This timeframe helps eliminate the buildup of skin oils, sweat, and dead skin cells that naturally occur while you sleep”, says Ufland. 

Maintaining this routine is important for promoting overall hygiene and preventing an environment where bacteria and allergens can infiltrate and thrive. 

Different seasons of the year may warrant more frequent washes. In the summer, people tend to sweat more, making them feel more inclined to wash their sheets.  

If You Have Allergies or Asthma: Wash Weekly

For people with allergies or asthma, it’s important to be extra vigilant. Sheets can harbour dust mites and other allergens that exacerbate symptoms, leading to restless sleep and respiratory issues. 

“Washing your sheets weekly and not leaving windows open in your bedroom for too long can help minimise exposure to dust mites and pollen, leading to a cleaner and healthier space for allergy sufferers,” says Ufland. 

Regular washing at higher temperatures is also a great way to reduce allergens on your sheets.

For Those with Skin Conditions: Consider Twice a Week 

People with sensitive skin or conditions like eczema or acne should consider washing their sheets more frequently, such as every three to four days. Sweat and dirt that accumulate on bedding can irritate the skin and cause flare-ups. 

Ufland adds, “Clean sheets are essential for individuals with skin conditions, as bacteria and oils trapped in fabric can worsen symptoms. More frequent laundering and laundering with special detergent can help reduce this risk.”

For Pet Owners: Wash More Frequently

If you have pets and those pets sleep under the covers with you, your sheets likely need more attention. Pets have hair, dander, and dirt from outside and unlike humans, they do not shower frequently. These substances can easily accumulate on your sheets, leading to increased allergens and hygiene concerns. 

“Washing your bedding every 3-4 days helps keep these contaminants at bay”, says Ufland. “This is especially necessary if someone in the household has allergies to pet dander”.

Daniel Ufland, Co-Founder of Flitch, commented:

“A clean sleeping environment not only increases comfort—it’s vital for maintaining your overall health. Regularly washing your sheets helps prevent the buildup of bacteria, allergens, and irritants that can affect your sleep and well-being. By incorporating frequent washing into your routine, you’re taking an easy yet impactful step toward better health.

“The general rule of thumb is to wash your sheets every one to two weeks. However, it’s important to personalise this washing schedule if you have any allergies or skin conditions that worsen if you don’t change out your sheets often. What it really comes down to is how you think your sheets feel. Even if you always shower before getting into bed, you still shed cells and release oils during the night.”

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