How often should you wash your sheets? Probably more than you think

You typically spend upward of eight hours in bed each day, which leads to the buildup of dirt, body oils, dead skin cells, sweat, and other grime on your sheets and bedding.

According to a survey by Mattress Advisor, the average person changes their sheets about every 24 days. But that's not the best schedule for optimal hygiene and freshness.

How often you should wash sheets

Washing bed sheets about once a week ensures they always stay fresh. Keep in mind that you don't necessarily need to wash sheets the same day as you strip your bed. It's helpful to have a few sheet sets on hand, which makes it easy to quickly swap.

While once a week is a good rule of thumb, how often you should wash your sheets depends on how quickly they get dirty. If you travel often and don't sleep in your own bed every night, you can probably get away with going a bit longer between washes. On the other hand, if you sweat a lot while sleeping, or share a bed with pets, sheets will become dirtier much faster. Allergy sufferers and individuals with sensitive skin might also want to change their bedsheets every three to four days.

If washing your sheets weekly (or more frequently) isn't feasible, you can take a few steps to stretch the time between washes. Wash your face and bathe or shower before bedtime to reduce the amount of dirt, oil and sweat you bring into bed. Consider having pets sleep elsewhere to avoid hair and dander. Also, avoid snacking in bed.

How to wash sheets

Begin by checking the care tag for specific laundry instructions. Certain fabric types, such as cotton, bamboo, linen and silk, might require special care.

Always wash sheets separately from clothing or towels to ensure the best clean and prevent damage and additional wear. Pre-treat stains before laundering, then wash on a gentle cycle using cool water. You don't necessarily need to wash sheets in hot water unless someone in your household has been sick or your goal is to kill dust mites to ward off allergies. Dry the sheets on a low heat setting and remove them from the dryer immediately to prevent wrinkles.

How often to wash other bedding

Generally, you should wash pillowcases about once a week. However, it's different if you frequently go to bed without washing your face or removing your makeup. In that case, you should change them more often, especially if you have acne or other skin concerns.

Duvet covers, comforters and throw blankets can be washed once every month or two because they typically have less direct contact with skin. Plan to clean or replace pillows every three to five months to keep them fresh and fluffy.

Frequently asked questions

Should you clean your mattress topper when you wash your sheets? Wash mattress toppers every three months or so (unless they get stained or soiled in some way). Check the manufacturer's instructions for how to wash your mattress topper. Some, like foam toppers, shouldn't be put in the washing machine.

How often should you clean your mattress? Clean your mattress every six months or so. Vacuum and flip the mattress after checking for any stains that need attention. Use a mattress pad to protect your mattress from spills or stains.