Here’s How Often You Should *Really* Change Your Sheets, According to Experts
Life moves fast, and we often overlook how clean our bedding is. Considering we spend about one-third of our lives in bed, the condition of our sheets and pillowcases can really shape how we feel day to day. Knowing how clean bedding relates to our health can help improve sleep quality and lower health risks.
Why Clean Bedding Matters
Fresh bedding is key to a good night’s sleep. Over time, bacteria, fungi, dead skin, and sweat build up on your sheets and pillowcases. This buildup can lead to all sorts of issues if you don’t wash regularly. Washing your bedding every week is a smart move to keep these unwanted visitors in check. If you or someone in your house has allergies or asthma, you might even need to wash more often to keep symptoms at bay.
Homes with kids or pets should consider more frequent wash cycles too, thanks to extra spills and accidents. And when it’s hot out and you’re sweating more, keeping up with a weekly wash is even more important. In the summer, swapping out your bedding at least once a week can help avoid smells, stains, and potential skin problems.
Top Tips for Washing Your Bedding
Before you use new sheets, give them a good wash. Doing this gets rid of any chemical residues and dust from manufacturing and packaging—helping keep sensitive skin happy.
For a deep clean, wash at 140°F whenever you can. If your bedding’s label advises a lower heat, stick to those instructions but try to hit 140°F when possible. Washing at this temperature helps cut down on dust mites—there can be up to one million dust mites in an unwashed bed in merely a week—and can ease allergy flare-ups.
When it’s time to dry your sheets, air drying on a clothesline or rack is ideal. It not only saves energy compared to running the dryer but also helps your fabrics last longer and gives them a fresher scent.
Building a Healthier Sleep Space
Keeping your sleep space in top shape goes beyond just washing your bedding regularly. Sticking to weekly washes at 140°F and letting your bedding air dry can create a cozy, clean haven free from irritants like dust mites and skin flakes.
Some handy tips include washing your bedding separately from other clothes to protect the fabric and boost cleanliness. Plus, using a drying rack not only saves energy but helps preserve your sheets over time.
The Big Picture
Regular bedding maintenance plays a big role in keeping allergies and breathing problems like asthma under control. As experts say, washing away dust, skin flakes, and mites can really ease allergy symptoms.
So tonight, as you settle in, remember that taking a little time to keep your bedding clean leads to better physical and mental well-being tomorrow.