On average, we spend 50-60+ hours per week sleeping in our beds. That\’s plenty of time to get rest. However, it\’s also sufficient time to build up dirt, oil, sweat, and other filths on our sheets and bedding.
The sheets get smeared with skin oils, sweat, saliva, and even dead skin cells in a short period. And this can be a zion for mites. It becomes more critical when it comes to our sheets, as dirty sheets accumulate lots of uninviting stuff.
Without regular cleaning, filthy sheets can cause allergies, skin breakout, and many more. For a healthy sleep, it\’s essential to keep things clean. Although there\’s still this question that- how often should you wash your sheets?
Here in this article, we will answer this question and clear some of your doubts regarding why it\’s essential to wash sheets and how to wash sheets.
So, How Often Should You Wash Your Bedroom Sheets?
There is no rule, but generally, it is recommended to wash your sheets once a week because this much time is enough to avoid extending contamination levels.
As I said, it\’s just a general number; nonetheless, several factors determine if you should wash your sheets more often, depending on your lifestyle.
Ask yourself these questions-
- Do you wear PJs to bed? It\’s because they can trap dead skin cells, so they don\’t end up on your sheets.
- Do you shower before you sleep? That, too, helps in getting rid of dead cells.
- Do you drool all over your bed while sleeping?
- Do you have skin problems like acne or eczema?
- Do you share a bed with your pets?
If that\’s the case with you, then you are dirtying up your sleep space more often. So, in such cases, you should wash your sheets once a week. And if not, then you can wash your sheets every one to two weeks.
If you experience allergies or suffer from asthma, you are advised to wash your sheets frequently, every 3-4 days. It may help in relieving symptoms.
It is suggested to wash sheets more frequently in the summer seasons as you will get more sweat on your sheets.
How Does Washing Sheets Affect Your Health?
We are not saying that sleeping on dirty sheets will have any ill health effects. But, it can mess with your health, mainly your skin.
If you don\’t wash your sheets very often, then the bacterias can disturb your skin ecosystem. According to dermatologists, it\’s vital to balance microorganisms on the skin, and it is known as the skin microbiome. In some cases, skin microbiome changes lead to acne and can even inflame issues like eczema.
In a few days, bedsheets can accumulate a considerable amount of dirt, dead skin cells, sweat, body oils, and dust mites, including their carcasses and fecal matter.
The dust mite factor is the one that concerns many of us the most. Dust mites are common allergens, and having them on your sheets can infuriate allergy symptoms like watery eyes, sneezing, runny nose, and discomfort that makes it difficult to get good sleep at night.
Even if you are not allergic to dust mites, you likely don\’t want to share your bed with thousands of them. Thus, washing sheets frequently can help.
How To Wash Your Sheets?
Now you know that sheets should be washed once a week. But, how should you clean them?
- Before washing your sheets, read the product label carefully to see if there are any specific instructions.
- Wash using water with the temperature the label lists. Cotton can handle hot water, while polyester and other material should be washed in warm water.
- If you use a washing machine, then use a gentle detergent.
- It\’s essential to rinse the sheets 2-3 times to remove residual reagent. If you have sensitive skin, then do consider this step crucial.
- At last, tumble dry on low or hang dry.
Washing and drying sheets take time. Thus many people find it convenient to have more than one set of sheets. This way, you can strip the bed, cover it up with a new fresh sheet, and throw the dirty one into the wash whenever it\’s convenient.
Don\’t Forget Other Beddings!
We have learned how often should you wash your sheets, but what about other beddings?
Pillowcases are also advised to be washed once a week along with sheets. You can clean duvet covers once a month. In contrast, you should wash comforters and blankets once every 2-3 months.
Many of you think that pillowcases protect your pillow. However, it doesn\’t do as much. Dirt, dead skin cells, and sweat can still make it into your pillow.
So, you should wash pillows once every six months (if washable). Also, washing pillows make them fluffy and make them last longer.
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