How often should you wash your sheets?

Washing my sheets is just one of those chores that always seems to slip my mind. Working turns into working out, turns into making dinner. And before I know it, I’m lying in bed staring at the ceiling and it dawns on me that I still forgot to throw them in the washing machine.

So I decided to look into the science behind keeping sheets clean. Once I understand how something works, the why behind it, it’s like something clicks. A task that was once just going through the motions suddenly becomes filled with meaning and purpose.

How often should you wash your sheets?

This can depend on your overall lifestyle: How frequently do you sleep in your bed? Do you share a bed with your partner and/or a pet? How often do you make your bed during the day? All that said, the general rule of thumb from most experts is to wash your sheets at least once a week.

We’re pleased to report that according to a VERY scientific Instagram Quiz, most of our followers are right on the money. Which to be completely honest, makes us very hashtag proud. But for the rest of us who needed this timely reminder, keep reading.

Why you should wash your sheets once a week.

Your sheets accumulate all sorts of dirt, sweat, and body oil after only a few days. If you share your bed, that rate compounds significantly.

But here’s where it gets even more compelling: Dust mites. These microscopic arthropods are a typical household pest. They’re also one of the most common triggers for allergies or asthma. Accumulating wherever dead skin cells are concentrated (*cough cough* dirty sheets), the easiest way to get rid of them is simply washing the item more frequently.

How to wash your sheets.

Different materials require different approaches. Look at the care tag to be sure you’re treating your particular set the right way. But typically, most sheets are machine washable. Try washing on cool or warm to preserve the life of your sheets as hot water can weaken fibers. Additionally, you can skip the equally abrasive dryer spin by hanging them up to dry.

Lighten your chore load

Sure, now we know why and how we should take care of our sheets. But, what about the time commitment? Throwing them in the wash once a week is hard enough. But if you don’t have access to an in-unit washing machine, then forget about it!

The solution is simpler than it seems—keep a few extra sheet sets on hand. When it’s time to freshen up, you can just swap them for a new set. This will dial back your laundry days to one or two times a month.

Looking for some new, quality ones? Look no further than our bedding section.