Over the course of the days, significant amounts of dirt and bacteria multiply in our sheets. The human body sweats during sleep (even more so when it’s hot) and the sheets are thus turned into culture broth. After how many days should the sheets be changed?

It is safe to say that you should not wait too long to change the bed linen to risk the proliferation of dust mites, as well as respiratory diseases and allergies.  To protect yourself in the best possible way and at the same time enjoy a good night’s rest, it is important to keep the sheets clean. Therefore, the question arises: how often should they be washed?

How often should you wash sheets full of dust and bacteria?

According to Philip Tierno, a microbiologist at the University of New York, the proliferation of dust mites could cause illness. These small microscopic arachnids are present in large quantities in the sheets for a week. So, he recommends washing your sheets once a week, assuming you sleep in your bed every day. If you sleep alone, shower every night and wear pyjamas, it is also appropriate once every two weeks or so.

On the other hand, depending on your case, it may be necessary to wash your sheets more than once a week. So, if you occasionally eat in bed or have pets, your sheets should be washed every 3-4 days. And this will be even more the case if you let them sleep in the bed. Also, if you have asthma or allergies, it is advisable to wash your sheets more often than usual. This habit could help you see if you are getting better. It is also recommended to wash the sheets more often during the summer season, because sweat penetrates more into the bedding. We also prefer to wash the sheets more often if we have seasonal allergies during the summer or spring.

How to wash the sheets?

To keep your sheets clean, you need to know how to wash them properly. To do this, here are some simple steps to follow: Start by first carefully reading the sheet’s label for fabric-specific instructions. Then, wash on the machine’s hottest cycle and use a mild detergent. It is also recommended that you rinse the sheets a second time to remove the slightest detergent residue.  This is to protect you if you have sensitive skin.  Then hang your sheets to dry. Also, remember to bring a set of sheets to wash, as the process can take some time. So, you might as well take the opportunity to have a supply of clean sheets to make the job more manageable.  That way, when it’s time to change your bed, you’ll already have a clean sheet ready for you.

How often should pillows be washed?

If keeping your sheets clean is so important, the rest of your bedding should receive the same attention. And for good reason, fungus and bacteria get into our pillows too. Put your pillowcases in the wash with your sheets, and if you have sensitive, acne-prone skin, it’s a good idea to wash them every three days. For pillows, it is advisable to wash them quarterly or even every 6 months and ideally replace them annually.

How often should bed linen be washed?

Don’t worry, unlike your sheets and pillows, you will wash comforter covers and blankets less often. To keep germs at bay, follow these tips:

  • Blankets should be washed quarterly. Fleece blankets can be machine washed at 140°F, acrylic blankets at 90°F by activating delicate wash and reduced spin. It is possible to dry them in the washing machine, but at low temperature.
  • The mattress protector: the frequency of washing a mattress protector may depend on certain parameters. In general, it is advisable to wash it every two months, but it will be necessary to do it more often if you have a pet or if it is stained.
  • The mattress: vacuum the mattress every 1 to 2 months with a soft brush.
  • Comforters:  A thorough cleaning is recommended at least twice a year

All this information should therefore encourage us to wash and replace our sheets and other bedding as regularly as possible. It is also a gesture that benefits his lifestyle and health.