July 27, 2022

How Often to Wash Your Bed Sheets? Health Benefits, Steps, & More

You likely throw your bed sheets into the washer every now and then, but how often should you actually be cleaning them? We often don’t think about washing our bed sheets, but ensuring they’re fresh and clean can come with a host of benefits. We’ve got your complete guide to getting your best and healthiest night of sleep with properly cleaned bed sheets.

Health Benefits of Clean Bed Sheets

Not only do clean sheets help your bedroom look neat and tidy, but they can also bring some surprising health benefits.

When you sleep, your body transfers all kinds of contaminants onto your sheets, particularly if you shower in the morning. Throughout the day, your body gathers dirt, sweat, dead skin cells, and more, and you transfer these contaminants to your sheets at the end of the day.

With clean sheets, you aren’t sleeping in the same sweat and dirt that’s been there for weeks or even months. Clean sheets can help reduce the risk of allergic reactions or skin irritation, since there’s minimal dirt and germs being transferred back onto your skin while you sleep.

How Often Should You Wash Your Sheets?

If you’re like most people, you wash your sheets about once every three weeks. However, it’s recommended that you wash (or at least change) your sheets at least once per week. Designating a specific day each week to wash your sheets can be helpful.

If you happen to sweat a lot throughout the night, or if you have a pet that sleeps in bed with you, you may find that you want to change your sheets more often. As you might expect, sweat and pet hair could lead to skin irritation and generally uncomfortable sleep.

There are some cases where you may be able to change your sheets less often than the recommended once per week. If you travel frequently and are not sleeping in your own bed every night, then you likely won’t need to wash your sheets as often.

How to Extend the Freshness of Your Sheets Between Washes

The thought of remembering to wash your sheets every single week can be overwhelming. Sometimes we forget, or sometimes we just get lazy. Luckily, there are a few ways that you can extend the freshness of your sheets, which could buy you a couple of days between washes.

Whether or not you shower right before bed, you should at least wash your face before you hit the hay. This practice can help to reduce the amount of dirt and oil that gets transferred to your sheets and your pillowcase. You might even find that your skin clears up a bit!

If you let your furry friend sleep in bed with you, it might be time to consider getting them their own pet bed. Keeping pet hair out of your sheets will help you sleep better while also reducing contaminants. Can’t stand the thought of not having your pet close by at night? Put their bed at the foot of your own!

Finally, if you find yourself falling victim to the craving for a midnight snack, try to keep it in the kitchen. Eating in bed, as you might expect, can lead to crumbs in your sheets, which may cause them to need a wash even sooner than normal.

How to Wash Your Bed Sheets

So, now that you know how often to wash your sheets, how should you actually go about it? Washing your sheets properly can help extend their lifespan and ensure you’re getting a great night sleep for years to come.

Your sheets will likely have a tag with specific care instructions, so be sure to consult this tag before washing. Depending on what material your sheets are made out of, you may find different instructions than what we recommend here. At the end of the day, the manufacturer’s instructions are what you should follow.

In general, it’s best to wash your sheets separately from everything else. Don’t wash your sheets along with your clothes or towels. You might be washing your pillowcases and other bedding along with your sheets, but these items require special care. We’ll touch back on this point in the next section.

If there are any stains on your sheets, pre-treat them with your preferred stain remover before throwing them into the washer. Wash your sheets in cool water on a gentle cycle. If you or someone else in your house has been sick, you can wash your sheets in hot water to fully eliminate germs and bacteria.

When it’s time to try, use the low heat setting on your dryer. Be sure to remove your sheets from the dryer as soon as they’re done to prevent wrinkles.

How Often Should You Wash Your Bedding?

As far as the rest of your bedding, there are a few simple tips to keep in mind for a great night’s sleep.

It’s recommended to wash your pillowcases at least once a week, regardless of whether you wash your sheets that often. If you don’t wash your face before bed, you should ideally wash your pillowcases even more frequently.

You may also use additional covers such as throw blankets, comforters, or duvet covers. These items should be washed every one or two months and should be washed separately from all other bedding or sheets.

Finally, you might not think about cleaning your pillows, but they need some attention, too! Spot-clean your pillows as needed, and give them a thorough cleaning or replace them every three to five months.

With the proper attention and care regimen, you can extend the life of your sheets and bedding and get a great night’s sleep every evening. But caring for your bedroom is just one aspect of maintaining a happy and healthy home. For everything else, White Glove Cleaner is here. We’re happy to provide high-quality cleaning services in Manhattan and NYC, using safe and effective cleaners in every space. Our team is fully trained and can leave your space spotless every time. Contact White Glove Cleaner today to learn more!