If You Haven't Washed Your Sheets Lately, You're Sleeping With Millions of Bacteria

CNET

3 days ago

There's something satisfying about climbing into bed after a long day. The mattress matters, and so does the comforter, but clean sheets can make or break that cozy feeling. If it has been a while since you last changed them, you might not be curling up in just fabric. Sheets quietly collect things you would probably rather not think about - sweat, skin cells, body oils, and dust mites. All of that can add up and start to bother your skin or make sleep less restful.
So, how often should you actually wash them? Most sleep experts suggest about once a week, though some people might need to do it a little more or less often depending on their routines.
If you are unsure where to start or want to make the process faster, a few small adjustments can help. These tips walk you through washing sheets the right way so your bed feels fresh and your sleep space stays healthy.
How often should I change or wash my sheets?
The common rule of thumb is to wash sheets every other week. Ideally, sleep experts recommend changing sheets every week but agree that every two weeks is the absolute longest one should go sleeping on the same set of sheets.
When to wash all bedding Bedding type Frequency Sheets Once a week or every other week Pillowcases Once a week or every other week Duvet covers Once a week or every other week Comforters Once a month or every other month (or more frequently if you sleep with pets) Duvet inserts Once or twice a year Mattress pads Every three to four months
Why do we wash our sheets and bedding?
Hygiene is always important, even with our bedding. If you can't see stains or smell any odor, it doesn't mean your sheets are clean. Sheets can accumulate dead skin, mites, animal dander, pollen, makeup, bodily secretions and more grime, which may cause discomfort or skin rashes.
One of the biggest reasons to regularly clean sheets is because of sweat. In a May study, 41% of participants reported experiencing night sweats in a month and generally, people tend to run hot when covered in blankets or living in warmer climates. Sweat can soak into the sheets which can clog up the fibers and make the sheets smell.
You should wash your sheets more often if you tend to sleep with your pet.
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You should also wash your sheets more often if:
You have allergies or asthma
You have sensitive skin
You sweat or overheat frequently
You sleep naked
You sleep with a pet
You eat in bed
You get in bed before showering
You lay in bed wearing clothes you wore out in public
You have an infection or open wound that touches the bedding
What's the best way to machine-wash my sheets?
Most bedsheets are machine washable and aren't much of a hassle to clean. Cotton and linen bedsheets are especially easy, while silk and satin are a bit more temperamental, requiring cold temperatures and slow spin cycles. It's best to always check the care tag on your sheets but this is the best method to machine-wash the majority of sheet sets:
1. Don't overwhelm the machine
It can be tempting to just throw every pillowcase, fitted sheet and comforter right into the machine but throwing everything in at once may be too much and you may not get a good clean. I recommend washing the fitted and flat sheets together with your pillowcases and then washing any heavier comforter, quilt or throw blanket separately.
Definitely don't throw in any clothing or towels with your bedding because it could leach color or have buttons and zippers that will damage delicate sheets.
Bulkier items like duvet covers should be washed alone.
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2. Check the label
I always recommend checking the care label for the ideal washing temperature because some fabrics can shrink in the wash. It's best to use the hottest temperature the sheets can tolerate because hot water most effectively kills germs and bacteria. Colder cycles may not fully get rid of the grime.
Polyester blends are best in warm water, while cotton can tolerate hot water. Silk and satin sheets should be washed on a cold, gentle cycle.
3. Separate by color
Separate your sheets by color to preserve the colors and prevent dye from transferring. This means that you should make sure to put light-colored and dark-colored sheets together before washing.
4. Check bedsheets for stains
Stains are better when cared for pre-wash, so take a few minutes to examine your sheets or pillowcases for stubborn blemishes. You can use a gentle dish soap and water, or baking soda and water mixture to let sit for a few minutes if you spot a dark mark or makeup stain.
5. Measure out detergent
Less is usually more when using detergent. Too much detergent can lead to the machine using excess water or cause buildup in the washing machine's pipes. Most detergents are acceptable to use on cotton and linen sheets but choose a detergent for delicate fabrics to wash silk and satin sheets. There are many silk or satin-friendly detergents on the market.
A good rule of thumb is to use 2 ounces (1/4 cup) or half a cap full of liquid laundry detergent for a regular-sized load of bedding. You can also use 4 ounces (1/2 cup) or 1 full cap of liquid laundry detergent for a larger load of bulkier items.
I also recommend skipping the fabric softener because it can weaken the fabric.
6. Dry completely
For most sheets, you can use the dryer on low to medium heat. Satin and silk sheets would do best to air dry because they can be easily damaged even on a low-heat dryer cycle.
You can also throw in a few dryer balls with your bedding because they allow gaps, helping the bulkier sheets to dry more quickly and evenly (I always hate when I think I'm finally ready to make my bed and I realize one whole section is still damp from being bundled up).
You can avoid cleaning your bedsheets as often by making it a habit to not eat in bed, not sleeping with your pet and only cuddling down in the sheets after a shower. It may seem like a hassle to strip your bed every week but it's well worth the extra effort, so you can sleep and relax a little easier.
For more hacks, check out how to remove makeup stains from bedding and our sleep experts' favorite bed material.
Can you wash sheets and clothes together?
While you can wash sheets and clothes together, many experts recommend washing them separately to prevent clothes from getting caught in the sheets and not being washed thoroughly. Sheets may also have different washing instructions from clothes so washing them separately can help preserve the different fabrics and prevent damage.
Does making your bed keep the sheets clean longer?
Making the bed is an important part of many people's morning routine, and can make your room appear cleaner and more put together, but it won't necessarily extend the freshness of your sheets. In fact, letting your sheets air out for awhile after you wake up can actually keep them cleaner, especially if you tend to sweat at night.
When you immediately pull your comforter or duvet over your sheets in the morning, it can restrict airflow and trap any moisture or odors that've built up throughout the night. This can create a warm, damp environment that is ideal for dust mites and bacteria growth.
Instead, many experts recommend letting your sheets air out in the morning before making the bed. Try pulling your duvet down and letting them breathe for a bit while you go about your morning routine. Then, you can circle back and make the bed before you leave the house, if desired. Though you should still be washing your bedsheets regularly regardless of whether you make the bed daily.
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