How Often Should You Wash Your Sheets?

When it comes to laundering your bedding, there’s no set rule for how often you should do it. That’s because different factors determine whether you should wash the sheets once a week, once a month, or somewhere in between. Use these tips to help you keep your bedroom fresh with clean, lovely sheets.

Variables That Affect Bed Sheet Wash Frequency

Do you have pets? Do they sleep with you? If so, dog or cat hair, slobber and other unmentionables build up on the sheets. You may want to wash your bedding more often.

How often do you shower? Do your showers take place in the morning or evening? If you shower every day, especially right before bedtime, you slough off fewer skin cells when you sleep. You can probably go longer between washings.

Do you sleep in the nude? Pajamas protect your sheets from sloughed skin cells, body oils, sweat, and fluids. If you sleep in your underwear or are completely naked, it’s wise to wash your sheets more frequently.

Do you have indoor allergies? Dust mites live in the folds of your bedding and snack on dead skin cells. These microscopic pests and their droppings are a common source of indoor allergies. If you wake up feeling stuffy every day, consider washing your sheets more often. Switching to hypoallergenic pillowcases and mattress covers may also help.

Tips for Washing Different Types of Bedding

Extend the life of your bedding and get everything as clean as possible by following these tips:

• Sheets and pillowcases: Use the hottest water permitted on the label. Hot water means superior disinfection, but faster wear and tear. Wash printed and colored pillowcases inside-out to preserve the color. Add oxygenated bleach to the batch to remove stains, and dry sheets at the lowest temperature setting to help them last longer.
• Duvet covers: Wash your duvet cover with your sheets and pillowcases. If you use a top sheet, washing the duvet cover once a month should be frequent enough. Fasten the snaps or buttons to avoid damage in the wash.
• Comforters and duvet inserts: Wash these oversized pieces individually on the “bulky” setting. If your washer can’t handle such a large load, take it to the Laundromat or a professional cleaner. You should only need to wash your comforter or duvet insert once a month.
• Mattress covers: A mattress cover is an effective way to protect the mattress from dust, skin oils, and perspiration that soaks through the sheet. Wash the cover once a month in warm to hot water and dry on low, especially if the cover has a plastic waterproof coating.
• Bed skirts: This decorative element hangs down over the box spring. It never makes direct contact with your skin while you sleep, but it still collects dust and pet hair. Wash it every three to six months to keep it looking nice.

Let Molly Maid Help with Household Chores

In the end, most experts suggest washing your sheets every one to two weeks and other bedding components around once a month. Now that you know how often you should wash your bed sheets, you’ll have more confidence in your laundry schedule.

Need help handling all the weekly to-do lists? Call Molly Maid for help! Our team of trained professionals can bear some of the load with a single deep-cleaning, occasional cleaning, or routine assistance with household chores. To arrange professional house cleaning services near you, please contact your local Molly Maid for a free estimate.