Bed sheets and pillowcases are some of the most used items in our homes, and they can easily become a breeding ground for germs and bacteria if not cleaned regularly. But how often should you wash your bed sheets and pillowcases? While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, here are some factors to consider when deciding how often to wash your bedding.
- Personal hygiene: If you are a clean person who showers before bed and doesn’t sweat excessively at night, you can get away with washing your sheets once every two weeks. However, if you tend to sweat a lot or have a skin condition that causes excessive oil production, you should wash your bedding more frequently.
- Allergies: If you suffer from allergies, you should wash your bedding more frequently to reduce the amount of allergens in your home. Dust mites, pet dander, and pollen can accumulate in your bedding, triggering allergy symptoms.
- Pets: If you have pets that sleep on your bed or climb on your pillows, you should wash your bedding more frequently to remove pet hair and dander. Pet hair can also attract dust and other allergens, so it’s important to keep your bedding clean if you have pets.
- Illness: If you or someone in your household is sick, you should wash your bedding more frequently to prevent the spread of germs. Viruses and bacteria can live on surfaces for several hours, so it’s important to wash your bedding and pillows after someone has been sick.
With these factors in mind, here are some general guidelines for how often you should wash your bed sheets and pillowcases:
- Wash your sheets at least once every two weeks.
- Wash your pillowcases once a week.
- Wash your bedding more frequently if you have allergies, pets, or if someone in your household is sick.
When washing your bedding, follow these tips to ensure that they are properly cleaned:
- Use a mild detergent: Avoid using harsh detergents that can damage your sheets and pillowcases. Instead, use a mild detergent that is gentle on your skin and won’t cause irritation.
- Use hot water: Hot water is more effective at killing germs and bacteria than cold water. Wash your bedding in hot water to ensure that they are properly sanitized.
- Don’t overload the washer: Overloading the washer can prevent your bedding from getting properly cleaned. Make sure that you don’t overload the washer and that there is enough space for the water and detergent to circulate.
- Don’t over-dry: Over-drying your bedding can damage the fibers and cause them to become stiff and scratchy. Dry your bedding on a low heat setting or hang them outside to dry.
- Iron your pillowcases: Ironing your pillowcases can help to kill any remaining germs and bacteria and make them feel fresher and cleaner.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your bedding is properly cleaned and free from germs and bacteria. And remember, while it may seem like a chore to wash your bedding regularly, the benefits to your health and wellbeing are worth the effort.