There's nothing quite like slipping into a fresh-smelling bed after a long day. But every once in a while, as you sink into that heavenly feeling, it just doesn't feel right. And that's when that question pops into your head: how long is too long to go between washing sheets?
Yes, you’re showering daily and changing your pyjamas regularly. But you’re also losing skin cells and getting oils all over your bedsheets. Plus, let's not forget the dust mites! This is why the unanimous advice from experts is to wash your sheets once a week.
Yup, every single week. Sounds a little much, but once you check out this guide, you’ll realize that it really isn't. We’ll also explain what really happens if you don’t change your sheets often, and the key factors (like allergies, atopic dermatitis, or late-night snacks) that might have you reaching for fresh sheets even sooner.
So before hopping into a bed of your own dead skin cells, check out this ultimate guide on how often to change sheets for your most comfortable (and cleanest) sleep yet.
Why One Week Is the Magic Number for Changing Your Sheets
That "once a week" rule for washing your bed sheets may sound like an old wives' tale, but it's not. Cleaning your sheets once a week is a golden standard that dermatologists and cleaning experts support.
Why? Well, because in just seven days, you would not believe the amount of buildup that accumulates in your bed. Really, you are just sleeping on dirty sheets after the week is done! And just to understand how dirty your sheets get, let's take a closer look at what exactly you're sharing your bed with.
The Weekly Ick in Your Bed!
Sweat
Many people are familiar with night sweats, especially in the summer heat. You may wake up dry, but that's because your bed sheets took the hit. And once you make your bed and leave for the day, that wetness creates a damp, humid environment that's perfect for bugs.
Body Oils & Saliva
Your skin naturally produces oils. In addition, many of you will be putting products and lotions on your face and body that rub off on your sheets regularly. Also, (and there’s no shame in this), you might drool a little. This all transfers directly onto your sheets, creating stains. And unfortunately, these deposits become a food source for microbes.
Dead Skin Cells & Fur
Your body sheds millions of skin cells daily, and many of them rub off onto your sheets and pillows as you toss and turn. Also, if your pet sleeps in bed with you, it will likely leave fur as well as dead cells behind. This 'dirt' is the best food source for...
Dust Mites
These tiny pests live their best lives on dead skin cells. The worst part is that you can barely tell that dust mites are in your bed! They love warm, humid environments... sounds familiar? Yup! Your warm, sweaty bed. Dust mites are annoying allergens, often causing congestion, sneezing, and itchy eyes.
Bacteria & Fungi
This whole mix of moisture, body secretions, and skin cells creates the best breeding ground for bacteria and fungi. This ick can lead to skin irritations, breakouts, and even infections. So, the next time your dermatologist says not washing your pillows, duvet covers, and blankets regularly is causing your acne, listen!
Now do you understand why it's important to wash your sheets weekly? Plus, who doesn't love clean sheets? However, it would be remiss not to point out that you can wash your sheets more or less frequently than once a week. Let's look at those circumstances.
Factors That Change Your Sheet-Washing Schedule
While the one-week rule is perfect for the average person, your specific routine might mean that you need to tweak it.
Experts Recommend Washing Every 3-4 Days If You:
- Sleep Naked: More skin-to-sheets contact means more oils and debris transfer directly onto the surface of your sheets.
- Have Allergies or Asthma: Dust mites are everywhere. So, washing sheets and pillow covers more often helps keep the allergens in check.
- Sweat Excessively: Whether you're sick, have night sweats, or it's just the weather, extra moisture means extra bacteria.
- Have a Pet That Sleeps in Your Bed: Fur babies bring dirt, dander, and pollen to your bed.
- Eat in Bed: Midnight snacking is the best. Sadly, the consequence is crumbs, which means microbes and pests.
- Have Been Sick: Wondering why that cold won't go away? Try changing your sheets immediately after recovering so the germs don't get you sick again.
Stretch Your Sheets to Two Weeks If You:
- Sleep Alone and Are a "Cool" Sleeper: Little nighttime sweating means less wetness.
- Always Shower Right Before Bed: You're getting into bed clean, reducing the grime you bring with you.
BUT two weeks should be the maximum. So, don't turn it into a challenge.
The Best Way to Wash Your Sheets
Knowing when to wash is half the battle — the other half is knowing how. No, you can't just do it like you're washing dirty socks; there's a finesse to it. So, keep the following tips in mind the next time you clean your sheets.
Temperature Is Where It's At
If your laundry load is bedding, then wash it in the hottest water the fabric care labels allow. This way, you won't have to worry about mites and bedbugs. Then, always follow with a cold water rinse to keep that buttery feel.
Choose Your Detergent Wisely
A good detergent is your bestie whether you're washing clothes or sheets. So, pick something that's gentle on your skin. Also, if you're doing white sheets, add half a cup of baking soda to the wash cycle. Bleach is a no-no!
Drying for Maximum Freshness
Always line-dry your sheets in the sun for a natural disinfecting boost. But if you're using a dryer, go for the low setting. It sounds contradictory, but a high dryer setting will shrink and wear your sheets. So, keep it low.
A Note on Fabric Softeners
Yes, they smell good, but it's best to skip fabric softeners and dryer sheets, or at least not use them every time. They leave a coating on the fabric that can affect the breathability and absorbency of luxe fabric over time. So, skip as often as you can.
Keep Sheets Clean With A Weekly Wash
In conclusion, washing your sheets weekly is a necessary and great practice. That regular reset will really come in handy against allergens like house dust mites. Plus, it will make sure that your bedroom remains a sanctuary for bed rotting (the clean kind) and rest.
Remember, better sleep starts with the foundation of your mattresses and the sheets you put on them. So, always pick a set of fresh sheets every week!
Reference List
- Shipp, D., MD., How often should you wash your sheets?. (2019, 5/01/19.), The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.
- Reeve, J., How often you should wash your sheets (and how to get them really clean)., (2025, 08/12/25.), The New York Times.