So you can’t stand doing laundry and you’re wondering how often you really need to wash your sheets? Well, we have an answer for you. Whether or not you’ll like it…we’re not sure.
In this post, we dive into the question: How often should you wash your bed sheets (and why)? We will also cover how often you should wash your mattress protector, and other tips related to all things bedding. Let’s begin!
How often should I wash my sheets?
We recommend washing your sheets once a week.
However, if any of the following apply to you, you may want to wash your sheets twice a week:
- Pets sleep in the bed
- You or your partner sleep naked
- You or your partner sleep hot and tend to sweat
- You or your partner suffer from allergies
- You or your partner don’t shower before getting into bed
- You or your partner have sensitive skin
Don’t feel like washing your sheets that often? At least change your pillowcases since your hair and facial oils can make your pillowcase dirty quite quickly.
You should keep your bed sheets clean for a whole host of reasons:
- Dead skin cells
- Sweat
- Dust mites
- Pet dander
- Traces of urine or fecal matter
- Saliva stains
- Dandruff
- Dirt
Unhygienic sheets can lead to bacteria growth, mold, skin reactions, and more.
How to wash bed sheets
We recommend washing your sheets in cold water, and then drying on low heat. This will keep your sheets looking their best for longer.
However, if you are dealing with a particularly bad stain, you or your partner have been ill, or your sheets have truly seen better days and need more than a gentle wash, then we recommend washing your sheets in warm water.
How to wash white sheets naturally
We never recommend using bleach due to toxic chemicals, but we understand wanting to keep your white sheets bright! A more natural option is using baking soda and vinegar.
Should you wash new sheets?
Yes, always wash new sheets before putting them on your bed. You want to know those sheets are clean and have been washed with the laundry detergent of your choice.
Can clean sheets help you sleep?
Yes! Clean sheets can help you feel more comfortable in your bedroom environment, which is so important when addressing quality of sleep. Clean sheets can also help you avoid skin irritations and allergy symptoms from dust mites and pet dander.
How often should I wash my mattress protector?
We recommend washing your mattress protector once a month. This will vary based on the same conditions listed above. Are you sweating a lot? Do you have pets in the bed? If so, you will want to wash it more often.
Mattress protectors should be washed immediately when there is an accident. Thankfully waterproof protectors will stop urine or other bodily fluids from seeping into your mattress, but it should still be addressed as quickly as possible.
Do I need a mattress protector?
Yes! Always use a mattress protector to keep your mattress clean. This will help your mattress last much longer!
Mattress protectors are especially imperative when you have children or pets, but they are really vital for everyone.
Can you wash a mattress topper?
In most cases, you cannot wash a mattress topper. If it is a memory foam or natural latex topper, you can spot clean the casing if there is a stain. But otherwise, you cannot put it in the washer or dryer.
If it is a wool mattress topper, it is likely that you cannot wash it because wool has a tendency of shrinking in the wash. However, check the product tag, or if it’s not clear, contact the manufacturer.
If you have a synthetic mattress topper, you may be able to wash it but again, always check the tag.
How often should you wash a duvet cover?
This depends on whether or not you use a top sheet.
If you use a top sheet, you can wash your duvet cover 1-2 times a month.
If you do not use a top sheet and are coming into direct contact with your duvet cover every night, you should wash it once a week.
Get Started!
We hope these laundry tips are helpful as you clean your bedding. There is nothing quite like crawling into a freshly made bed with clean sheets!
Shopping for new bedding? We have everything you need.