Do you ever wonder… how often should you wash your bed sheets? The answer might surprise you. For those on a weekly washing schedule, you'll be pleased to know that dermatologists recommend changing your sheets once a week. Yes, once a week.
Research indicates that, on average, we spend a third of their lives in bed. So, it goes without saying that creating and maintaining a clean sleep environment is essential. While it may seem tedious, there are a lot of reasons for why you should change your sheets weekly.
According to board-certified dermatologist Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, your bed can turn into a hotspot for skin irritants. “[A] buildup of microbes like bacteria, fungi, and viruses, oils, bodily secretions, dust and debris collect on bedding, contributing to clogging of pores, allergies, odor and even infections,” she tells GLAMOUR. “It can be wise to shower before going to sleep at night and to always remove makeup before bed.”
Isla Beauty’s dermatology expert Nicole Ruth, MD, agrees and warns that unhygienic sheets can be damaging. “If you don’t change your sheets regularly, you will most likely be sleeping with other things besides your partner,” she says. “Our sheets become a home for dead skin cells, dust mites, food particles, and many different types of bacteria. The combination of all these things hanging out in your sheets can even trigger allergies in some patients.”
Irritation can also weaken the skin barrier and worsen existing skin conditions. “If my patients have eczema, or an impaired skin barrier, they are more prone to irritation or flare-ups from bacteria and allergens in their bed sheets,” Dr. Ruth explains. “I try to discuss the importance of maintaining a healthy skin barrier by using moisturisers with effective ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides.”
While there isn't much room for exceptions in how often should you wash your bed sheets, you may be able to stretch to every two weeks, depending on your personal hygiene. “You should change your pillowcases every week at the very least,” says Dr. Murphy-Rose. “If you sleep without clothes on, you may benefit from changing sheets on the shorter side of that one to two week window.”
If you have a pet at home that you share a bed with, Dr. Ruth encourages an even shorter washing schedule. “I recommend every three to four days,” she says. In general, if you are unable to wash weekly, Dr. Ruth says to at least air sheets out after you sleep.
But according to Marisa Garshick, MD, it's best not to push it. “In general, the longest to go without changing sheets should be two weeks,” she says.
Remember, though, it's not just your bed sheet, duvet cover and pillowcases that need to be cleaned. Duvets and pillows should be washed at least twice a year, while even the best mattress will require a deep clean every six months.
Thankfully, most duvets and pillows are now machine washable and tumble dryer friendly, but it's important to check the specific care instructions on your items for the correct settings to ensure they are cleaned properly and to prolong their lifespan.
Summer duvets, which typically have a lower tog rating, are often easier to fit into your washing machine drum. However, for winter duvets with a higher tog count, or for larger sizes like king or emperor duvets, it's advisable to take them to a launderette or dry cleaners.
It’s generally recommended to wash bedding at 60°C to effectively kill dust mites and bacteria. While 40°C is sufficient for general cleaning, washing at 60°C provides better results for eliminating germs.
This feature originally appeared on Glamour US.
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