How Often Should You Wash Your Bed Sheets?

Usually, on average, people sleep around 50+ hours a week in bed. Due to such long hours, substantial deposits of sweat and dirt accumulate on the bed sheets which causes serious health hazards.

Therefore, it matters how often should you change your bed sheets for a more hygienic and restorative sleep. Changing bed sheets on a frequent basis is the only way to get rid of these issues.

This guide explains how often you should change your bed sheets, how to keep them clean, and the importance of using neat and clean cotton bed sheets.

How Often Should You Wash Bed Sheets?

Washing bed sheets once per week is a standard routine. However, in some scenarios, it varies. Wash bed sheets every two weeks, if the bed is not used on a regular purpose.

For households where pets use the bed for sleeping, washing sheets every 3 to 4 days is highly recommended. This washing frequency clears the bed sheet of dander, pet fur, or any other type of dirt.

For people with allergies or asthma conditions, clean cotton bed sheets are a must. It is likely to minimize the symptoms. In case of seasonal allergic reactions or perspiration during summer, increasing the washing frequency is best for hygiene and relief.

To sum up, the frequency of washing your bed sheets relies completely on your daily routine and usage.

Why is it Crucial to Wash Bed Sheets?

Understanding how often should you wash your bed sheets is very crucial. This is because bed sheets are often accompanied by several microorganisms, undetectable for human eyes. Making this worse, these germs can give rise to certain skin problems like eczema or rashes.

Here is the list of elements present on bed sheets and the issues they cause:

Bacteria

Sleeping on bed sheets, mattresses, and sleeping pillows for long sheds dead skin cells, which is nutrition for bacteria. Unclean sheets have dead skin which serves as a host for bacteria.

Dead skin

Human beings buildup 1.5 grams of dead skin on a regular basis. Resistance from sheets while sleeping accumulates dead skin cells at night. Dead skin cells accumulate quickly on bedding items.

Pet dander (and more)

Pet owners often experience skin problems due to the presence of fungal organisms like scabies and ringworms in pets. Putting pets to sleep on the bed elevates the risk of such skin infections and allergies.

Dust mites

Undetectable to the naked eye, dust mites eat dead skin cells. In one day, the shed skin of human beings can sustain nearly millions of dust mites, leading to breathing issues or allergies.

This displays how often to change bed sheets is crucial. Not only does it eliminate skin threats, it also promotes smooth and sound sleep.

Note: Use a cotton bed sheet for premium comfort and superior protection.

What Other Elements are Present in your Bed?

Here are the additional elements present in your bed due to which you need to wash the sheets frequently:

Biological Fluids

In a year, an average person sweats nearly 25 gallons in bed while sleeping. Sweat, together with body oil and saliva creates the optimal nutrition source for bacteria.

Grooming Essentials

Deep washing of the face is not adequate to remove lotion, makeup, or creams applied on the skin. The traces remain that mix with bed sheets during sleep.

Food Particles

Eating in bed is a poor habit since it leaves behind small food particles. These food fragments are the perfect hosting environment for germs and bed bugs. Usually, they go unnoticed, in between the sheets.

Additional pet-related Microorganisms

Pets have microorganisms on their paws like faces, litter, dirt, etc. These microorganisms boost the chances of bacterial infection on your bed.

How to Wash Your Bed Sheets Properly?

Understanding how often to change bed sheets can stop the growth of bacteria and other organisms.

Here are the steps to wash your bed sheet in the right manner:

• Once a week, wash the sheets to uphold hygiene.
• Prior to washing, go through the product label instructions.
• Use hot water for washing. Clean cotton bed sheets generally use hot water. However, for sensitive or polyester materials, use warm water.
• For machine washing, always use a mild detergent that is not harsh on bed sheets.
• Rub the sheets twice to clear any remaining detergent to avoid issues with sensitive skin.
• Hang sheets to dry automatically.
• Maintain two-bed sheets to use alternatively. Wash the sheets as per your comfort.

What are the Key Points to Remember Before Washing?

Here are the key points to remember before washing your bed sheets:

Before Washing Remove the Stains

• On body fluid, edible items, or dirt stains, use stain remover.
• For grease spots, dish soap works best.
• Ensure the stain is gone after washing. Check for spots after every wash.
• If required, continue the treatment.

At the Right Temperature, Wash the Bed Sheet

• For daily washes, use cold water.
• For stubborn stains, warm water is best.
• Post accidents or any medical condition, use hot water to sanitize.
• Dust mites and other such allergic triggers are removed using hot water.

Use the right method to use Bleach

• Only white sheets should be used to bleach.
• In a moderate heat setting, use oxygen bleach.
• In case of any unremovable stain, a white sheet works best with bleach.

Do not use any softening solution for fabrics

• Ensure to avoid dryer sheets or any kind of fabric softeners
• Fabric softeners decrease airflow and moisture absorption.
• Consequently, sheets become warm and uneasy.

Use low or medium heat to dry bed sheets

• Use medium heat to stop fabric contraction and textile damage.
• High heat can lead to material breakdown and uneven texture.
• Drying on high heat for 15 minutes is bad. Instead, drying sheets on low heat for 45 minutes works best.

How To Clean Other Bedding Items?

It is mandatory to clean other bedding items regularly along with your bed sheets. Here is a brief rundown of other bedding items and how frequently they should be washed:

Maintenance Guidelines by Manufacturer

Before commencing with washing, read the maintenance guidelines shared by the manufacturer. Specific maintenance is required for certain bedding essentials that have unique designs or special materials.

Clean cotton bed sheets remain intact and usable for a longer period only after following the guidelines stated above.

Maintaining Mattress Hygiene

To prolong the lifespan and durability of a mattress, cleaning it every six months is mandatory. A clean mattress ensures enhanced sleep quality. It boosts physical health by removing all the dirt and allergies.

Mattress Replacement

After every 6-8 years, a mattress should be changed, even after adequate care and maintenance. Regular usage makes the mattress loose, influencing your sleep adversely. For optimum rest and relaxation experience, replacing it is the best option.

How to Keep Your Bed as Clean as Possible?

To prevent bacterial growth, maintaining good bed sheet hygiene is key. It will prevent the build-up of bacteria, dust mites, etc.

Here are the key tips to keep the bed clean:

Use Hot Water for Washing

Hot water is always recommended for washing bed sheets since it eliminates bacteria and mites perfectly. Using hot water becomes crucial, especially after an illness to sanitize the bed from germs and allergies.

Regularly Rearrange your Bedding

After every 1-2 weeks, change your bed sheets with fresh and clean cotton bed sheets. Daily changing of bedding guarantees that there is no bacteria or dust on the bed. Pillows and comforters need to be washed after 6 months to maintain hygiene.

Ensure your cotton double bed sheet stays fresh, by implementing the tips stated above. Keeping your bed sheets free from bacteria and germs not only improves hygiene but also adds to the sleep quality.