We’re sorry to gross you out. But a recent survey found that the average American changes their sheets every 24 days. Yes, you read that right – over three weeks on average. 

Scandalized by this fact, we set out to find out exactly how often to change your bed sheets to keep yourself, and whoever you share them with, clean. We’ve made some interesting discoveries, that could propel us all to new levels of cleanliness.

Let’s get down to it – how often to change your bed sheets revealed!

How Often Do You Have to Change Your Bed Sheets?

Unlike washing our clothes and washing ourselves, it’s easy to forget to wash our bed sheets. 

There’s the whole performance of stripping the bed. Even worse, wrestling the sheets back on. This can make us a little slow to do it as often as we should.

The fact is though, we spend a lot of time in our bedsheets each day. The average American person actually spends a staggering 11 hours a day either in or on their bed. That means we’re spending a serious amount of time in contact with our bedsheets.

When to Wash Bedding

All of this means that our bed sheets need to be washed regularly. The quest of how often to change your bedsheets has been hotly debated. Many people have been brought up to feel that every two weeks is sufficient.

But now that we’ve learned just how much use they get, the gold standard is clear. The answer to how often should you change your bed sheet is: every week.

That’s right. Set a time, put it in your calendar, and stick to it. Have a laundry day each week, because your sheets need it!

A word to the wise – there are times when they’ll need washing more frequently.

If you’re unwell, it’s best to wash your sheets every day, if practical. Also, if you perspire heavily, or sleep naked, it may be best to wash them more regularly.

What Happens If You Don’t Change Your Bed Sheets?

OK, we’re not going to tell you that if you don’t change your bed once a week you’re going to die. But they can quickly become a breeding ground for all kinds of nasties you don’t want to be bedfellows with.

While we sleep, relax, and undertake other activities in bed, debris accumulates. This includes:

  • sweat
  • drool
  • skin particles
  • hair
  • fecal particles
  • other bodily fluids

Yes, it’s pretty gross, but it’s the truth. 

Dead skin cells are the food of dust mites. Dust mite poop is seriously bad for people with dust mite allergies. One of the best ways to keep both at bay is regular hot washing of bedding.

Allergy suffers can particularly benefit from washing their bed sheets regularly. Asthma and eczema can flare up when you come into contact with dust mite droppings, and other allergens. 

Do you share your bed with a furry friend? If so, pets can easily transfer what’s on their skin and in their fur to you. This could include nasty fungal infections like ringworm of the scalp. 

All of this can result in some seriously polluted bedsheets. In fact, after just a week’s use, some pillowcases had more bacteria on them than toilet seats. 

So, weekly washing it is then!

How To Wash Bed Sheets

First of all, understand that bed sheets are special. If you put them in with other items of laundry, it won’t be pretty. They’ll get all tangled up in each other and they won’t wash properly.

It’s best to run a dedicated, sheets-only wash. Don’t allow sheets to wrap around the agitator. 

Before washing your bed sheets, check the manufacturer’s instructions and your laundry detergent. It’s tempting to put them in on the hottest setting possible. This will definitely get them clean, but the problem is that the sheets will wear out more quickly.

Modern detergents are able to work effectively at lower temperatures. Dark sheets will also keep their colors longer when washed at lower temperatures.

But if you’re washing sheets belonging to someone with a cold or flu, a hot wash is best. 

Washing Duvets, Comforters, and Blankets

Along with bedsheets, it’s important to regularly wash duvets, comforters, and blankets. 

Again, allow the manufacturer’s care instructions to be your guide. Although you do not need to wash them as regularly as your bed sheets, you should still wash them every few weeks. 

Washing Pillows

Using pillow cases and a pillow protector can help to keep your pillows in the best possible condition. But whether you use these or not, it’s good to wash your pillows every 3-6 months.

You can wash most pillows in a standard washing machine. Check out the care instructions. Make sure you have time to dry them completely before starting the process.

The Benefits of Washing Bed Sheets Regularly

There’s nothing like the feeling of fresh, clean bed sheets. It allows you a moment of bliss with no strings attached. The more often you wash your bed sheets, the more often you can indulge in one of life’s little pleasures. 

Even people who do not realize they suffer from allergies may find they are less stuffy in the morning. Keeping all those nasties at bay makes it a pleasant and welcoming environment, that is more conducive to a good night’s sleep.

How Often to Change Your Bed Sheets – Answered!

The evidence is clear. Dirty bedsheets are no laughing matter.

No one wants to lay their head on something dirtier than a toilet seat. Save yourself exposure to bacteria, fungi, and dust mites! Change your bed sheets every week to keep clean and in peak condition!

Doing the laundry can be a drag, but doing the cleaning doesn’t need to be! Call in Golden Maid. Our deluxe top-to-bottom cleaning services will keep your home sparkling clean, without you having to get your hands dirty!

Click here to request a quote for cleaning services for your home.