How often should you change bed sheets?

Regularly changing your bed sheets, pillowcases, and duvet covers is crucial, ideally once a week or, at the very least, every two weeks. According to a recent survey, nearly a third of individuals change their bed linen once weekly or even more frequently, while 36% opt for every fortnight. Surprisingly, the remaining respondents wait anywhere from three to eight weeks or longer before changing their linens. Consistent laundering of your sheets is essential not only for preserving your bedding and mattress but also for safeguarding your health.

OnMay 9, 2024

How often should you wash your sheets?

To maintain freshness, launder your bed sheets, duvet covers, and pillowcases weekly. This routine upkeep not only safeguards your pricier bedding pieces like the mattress, duvet, and pillows from bodily secretions such as oils, fluids, and hair but also enhances comfort with a weekly change. For a luxurious softness, consider using our wool tumble dryer balls when drying your sheets.

Even during winter, we advise washing your sheets once a week, despite likely sweating less compared to warmer months.

How often should you wash your bed sheets if you're sick?

If you or a household member is unwell, experts advise changing bedding daily, if feasible, or at least washing pillowcases daily. Germs and viruses can linger for hours and may even withstand a wash. Refer to care instructions to determine the appropriate temperature for washing pillows.

Here's a top tip from Microbiologist Laura Bowater on eliminating germs and viruses from bed sheets:

"If possible, dry sheets and pillowcases in direct sunlight, as UV light effectively kills microorganisms. Additionally, iron pillowcases on the cotton setting with a hot iron to eliminate any remaining bacteria."

What happens if you don't change your bed sheets?

Bed sheets, duvet covers, and pillowcases accumulate an array of bodily fluids, outdoor dirt, and shed skin cells while we sleep. Neglecting regular cleaning allows these bodily fluids to penetrate pillows, duvets, and mattresses, which are far more challenging to clean than linens. This issue is especially prevalent during summer, when hot, humid nights can cause increased sweating.

Can not changing your sheets make you sick?

Irregular washing of bed linen can exacerbate existing health issues. Dust mites, thriving on dead skin cells in unwashed sheets, can aggravate asthma and trigger dust mite allergies.

Moreover, neglecting to clean your bedding regularly can disrupt your sleep, leading to restless tossing and turning throughout the night, ultimately compromising sleep quality.

How often should you replace your bed sheets?

High-quality bed sheets typically have a lifespan of about five to seven years. Once you notice signs of wear and tear, it's time for a replacement. Opting for Egyptian cotton or linen bedding ensures durability, with these fabrics becoming softer with each wash. For long-lasting sheets that improve over time, select 100% cotton or 100% linen options.

See Roman Dwell Care Guide for more details

FAQs

How often do you need to wash your bed sheets?

To maintain freshness, launder your bed sheets, duvet covers, and pillowcases weekly. This routine upkeep not only safeguards your mattress, duvet, and pillows from body oils, fluids, and hair but also enhances overall cleanliness and comfort.

What happens when you don't wash your sheets?

Failure to wash your sheets allows oils and bodily fluids to accumulate and penetrate the fibers of your Egyptian cotton bedding, making them harder to remove. Additionally, dust mite droppings, if left unchecked, can trigger allergic rhinitis or respiratory issues, particularly for individuals with asthma.

How often should you change your sheets?

For optimal longevity, consider replacing good quality bed sheets every five to seven years, especially if you notice visible wear or tear. Superior materials like Egyptian cotton and linen tend to have extended lifespans compared to other fabrics. Invest in the highest quality bed sheets available and maintain them diligently to maximize their durability.