Know How Often Should You Change & Wash Your Sheets

Do you have any idea that how often should you change and wash your sheets? - Did you know that we spend an astonishing 49 to 60 hours every week nestled in our beds? That's plenty of time for sweat, grime, oil, and other residue to build up on our sheets and bedding. Yet, the significance of keeping our bedding clean is often overlooked, impacting our overall health.

Neglecting regular washing can worsen allergies, acne, and asthma. While sheets should ideally be laundered weekly, pet owners and allergy sufferers may benefit from more frequent cleaning. As the hot summer months approach, increased perspiration calls for more frequent sheet changes, especially for those with seasonal allergies.

In this blog, we will discover that how often should bed sheets be changed. As well as how to wash a sheet, what tips should be considered for washing a sheet, what are the do’s and don'ts and much more. Get ready for a better night's rest!

 

Why It's Vital to Wash Your Sheets?

• Hygiene: Washing sheets removes sweat, dirt, and oil for a clean sleep environment.
• Allergy Prevention: Clean sheets reduce allergens like dust mites and pollen, easing allergy symptoms.
• Acne Control: Regular washing prevents bacterial buildup and reduces acne breakouts.
• Asthma Management: Clean sheets minimise irritants and promote better sleep for asthma sufferers.
• Sleep Quality: Fresh sheets enhance comfort and contribute to better sleep.
• Longevity: Regular washing preserves the quality and lifespan of your sheets.
• Seasonal Considerations: More frequent washing during hot months or for allergy relief.

How often you should Wash your Sheets?

If you are concerned that how often sheet should be changed and washed, generally sheets should be washed once or twice a week. But here are some stances on which it also depends. Below we have discussed the cases that will help you to understand that how often you should wash or change them.

1. Recommended Frequency: Ideally, sheets should be washed once a week for general cleanliness.
2. Pet Owners: If you have pets, especially if they sleep on your bed, washing sheets every 3.5 to 4 days is recommended.
3. Allergies and Asthma: Those with allergies or asthma may benefit from washing sheets more frequently to reduce allergen exposure and symptoms.
4. Hot Summer Months: In warmer seasons when perspiration increases, consider washing sheets more often to maintain freshness and hygiene.
5. Seasonal Allergies: If you suffer from spring or summer allergies, increasing the frequency of sheet washing may help alleviate symptoms.
6. Personal Preference: Adjust the washing frequency based on individual factors such as personal comfort and cleanliness preferences.
7. Stained or Soiled Sheets: Wash sheets promptly if they become visibly stained or soiled, regardless of the regular washing schedule.

According to a survey what people think that how often a sheet should be washed. Let's see the graph:

 

Also Read: The Expert Guide To How Often Should You Change Your Mattress?

 

Washing Tips for Cleaning Sheets

Here are some tips for giving your bed a thorough cleaning so you can sleep better at night.

1. Wash at least once every two weeks

Your bedding only needs to be washed once every two weeks. You should change your bedding once a week if you have a member of your family who suffers from asthma, eczema, or a dust mite allergy. It could be required to wash your bedding every three to four days if your pets lie on your bed.

2. Don't forget to clean the cushions 

Before attempting to machine wash your duvet at home, make sure your washing machine has enough space in the drum. It should have enough room within the machine to move about. You're better off taking your duvet to a laundromat or dry cleaners if there isn't one nearby, it's 13.5 tog or more, or it's larger than king size.

3. Wash linens at 60 °C or higher.

Although washing at lower temperatures is preferred for environmental reasons, it is advisable to keep the temperature for bedding at 60°C as this will help eliminate bacteria and dust mites.

Even while it can be challenging to keep bacteria and germs away, eating in bed raises the possibility that you're creating an even more favourable environment for them. You also don't want to stain your bedsheets, and crumbs in your sheets can make for a very uncomfortable night's sleep.

4. Keep stuffed animals clean

It can be difficult to get your child to give up a beloved teddy, even temporarily, but they do need to be washed frequently. To get rid of any dust mites that might be hiding inside, it is advisable to wash it at 60°C.

Freezing the toy for at least 12 hours before washing it in accordance with the care label if the care label specifies that it cannot be cleaned at this high a temperature. Do this once every month, if possible.

 

How to Wash Dirty Bed Sheets?

Now that we are aware that sheets need to be washed weekly, how should they be cleaned? Below is the procedure that will help you.

1. Carefully read the product label to check for any specific cleaning recommendations.
2. Wash the item in the warmest water recommended on the label (cotton can typically withstand hot water, while polyester and some other fabrics should be cleaned in cold water).
3. Put delicate detergent in the washing machine.
4. If you have delicate skin, you might think about giving the bedding a second rinse to get rid of any detergent residue.
5. Either hang dry or tumble dry on low.

Many individuals find it more convenient to have a few sets of sheets because washing and drying bedding takes a few hours. In this manner, you can make the bed from scratch, cover it with new sheets, and wash the soiled ones whenever it's convenient. 

Recommended Change and Wash Frequencies 

 Here is how often you should change and wash various bedding items such as sheets, pillows comforters etc.

Bedding Item	Change Frequency	Wash Frequency
Sheets	Once a week	Once a week
Pillowcases	Once a week	Once a week
Comforters	Every 3-6 months	Every 3-6 months
Blankets	Every 1-2 months	Every 1-2 months
Mattress Covers	Every 2-3 months	Every 2-3 months
Pillows	Every 6 months	Every 6 months

 

It's important to note that these recommendations can vary depending on individual preferences, allergies, and specific circumstances. For instance, individuals with allergies or asthma may need to wash certain bedding items more frequently. Additionally, if any of the bedding items become visibly soiled or develop an unpleasant odour, they should be washed promptly regardless of the suggested timeframes. Regular cleaning of bedding items ensures a clean and healthy sleep environment.

Conclusion 

In short, you should clean your mattress approximately once every six months. Cleaning can enhance the quality of your sleep and your health while extending the useful life of your mattress and linens. To guarantee you're getting the finest possible sleep, it's still crucial to update your mattress every 6 to 8 years.

FAQs

What temperature to wash bedding?

To ensure that any sweat, dander, dust, or other undesirables are killed and then removed while washing bedding. It is best to wash it at 60 degrees for a lengthy period of time, preferably 2 hours or more. Wash every piece of bedding in a full cycle at 60 degrees. Colder temperatures might not completely eradicate microorganisms or properly evaporate sweat.

Should you wash new bedding before using it?

Washing them before using them for the first time is a smart idea. When sleeping on unwashed sheets, many people get an uncomfortable, annoying sensation.