Dermatologist Alok Vij, MD, says you should wash your sheets at least every two weeks — maybe more, depending on factors like whether you live in a warm climate and whether your pet sleeps in your bed. Dr. Vij talks dead skin, dust mites, bed bacteria and how to keep your skin safe when you lie down to sleep.
The Good Housekeeping Institute says you should wash your sheets and other bedding, at least once every two weeks. If you have night sweats, or just sweat a lot in general, bump washing up to once a week.
Sheets that go too long without washing can actually lead to a variety of health issues. According to allergist and immunologist Purvi Parikh, MD, "If you don't wash your sheets regularly, they can accumulate dirt, skin cells (which dust mites feed off), dust mites, and mold.
best to strip your bed and haul your sheets to the laundry room weekly. If you don't sweat much, then you can probably get away with changing your sheets every other week or even once a month. Another factor to consider is how many people are using your bed.
Failure to wash bedsheets regularly can leave skin exposed to dirt, sebum, cosmetic products, and debris which will not only cause dust mites to accumulate, but can result in outbreaks of conditions such as acne, rashes, as well as cause irritation and itching, and flare-ups or eczema.”
Sickly Sheets
Most bacteria or viruses can survive on soft surfaces for minutes to hours. The duration varies based on the specific microbe. For example, flu viruses live on tissues for just 15 minutes, but some stomach bugs can survive on fabrics for 4 hours.
If you don't wash your bed linen regularly your dirty sheets could worsen existing health problems. Dust mites feed off dead skin cells which can worsen asthma and set off dust mite allergies. It can also ruin your night's sleep.
According to a recent survey by Mattress Advisor, the average person changes their sheets about every 24 days.
Men are more likely to wait longer between sheet changes than women (29.6 days vs. 19.4 days). On average, single people go 37 days before changing their sheets, while those in relationships go 21.8 days, and married couples go 19.9 days.
For a better night's sleep and reduced issues with skin conditions and allergic reactions, change your pillowcase at least once weekly. Clean pillowcases are essential, and you should consider changes more frequently if you allow pets on your bed.
You may be thinking, can you get bed bugs from not washing your sheets? No—bed bugs have absolutely nothing to do with cleanliness levels. However, washing your sheets regularly gives you the opportunity to look for and remove any possible bed bug infestations.
What Bacteria Did You Find in Bed: Common types of bacteria found in bedding include gram-negative rods, gram-positive rods, bacilli, and gram-positive cocci. Some of these bacteria can potentially cause infections, while others are less harmful.
If you don't wash your body, it makes it easier for germs that cause actual skin infections to flourish. If you didn't wash at all, dirt, sweat, dead skin cells and oil would start to accumulate, and infections or ongoing skin conditions can become more serious, more difficult to manage, and harder to undo.
Sheets and bedding that aren't regularly cleaned can start to smell and may become a hotspot for allergens and bacteria that can trigger asthma, skin breakouts, and other reactions.
Fresh, Clean Sheets Encourage a Sense of Calm
Slipping into clean sheets can also support emotional well-being. It's that moment when you're totally present, aware only of what you're sensing and feeling, without any goal in mind.
To cut to the chase, Dr Browning says we should be changing our sheets once a week, or every two weeks at the most. Hygiene is a big factor, and one of the reasons is sweat.
“Normal” is whatever feels fulfilling for you and your partner, and communication plays a key role in making sure both parties feel fulfilled. That said, a 2017 study that appeared in the Archives of Sexual Behavior found that the average adult currently enjoys sex 54 times a year, which equates to about once a week.
Hotels follow strict rules for cleaning, including changing bed linens. This makes sure every guest gets a clean bed. It's part of what makes hotels clean and welcoming.
Bacteria, dust mites, and bed bugs can hurt your family's skin health. Bacteria on your sheets can lead to breakouts, whiteheads, and itching. They can also cause skin issues like acne or eczema, and can make these problems worse.
In general, showering every other day or every few days is enough for most people. Keep in mind that showering twice a day or frequently taking hot or long showers can strip your skin of important oils. This can lead to dry, itchy skin.
Single people go more than two weeks longer before changing their sheets (37 days) than couples in a relationship (22 days). Married couples go the shortest time between changing, at just 20 days.
Bacteria, Fungi and Viruses
Fungi, such as molds and yeasts, flourish in damp areas, fueled by sweat and moisture from the environment. Species like Aspergillus and Candida can colonize your sheets, contributing to fungal infections or exacerbating allergies.
Dirty sheets don't cause scabies because the disease isn't related to hygiene or cleanliness. But scabies can spread from person to person through bedsheets. If you have a rash and it's so itchy you can't sleep, make sure you contact your healthcare provider.
Even though some bed sheet materials can last you for many years, most experts recommend you to replace your bed sheets every 2-3 years. This is because, this is usually when visible signs of wear and tear occur. Even the quality of the sheets may have decreased by then and could affect your level of sleep comfort.