How often should you really be washing your bedsheets?

Washing bedsheets regularly is necessary to maintain health and hygiene.

New Delhi | November 9, 2024 02:00 PM IST

3 min read

Frequent cleaning helps maintain hygiene and a fresh sleeping environment (Source: Freepik)

Nothing feels better than coming home after a long, tiring day and sinking into a bed with fresh bed sheets. The soft, subtle fragrance of fabric conditioner wraps around you, easing you into a deep slumber. But with busy schedules and endless to-do lists, changing your bedspread often slips down the priority list. But this begs a question: how often should people be washing their bedsheets?

According to Navya Khanna, co-founder and creative director of Sadyaska, bed sheets should ideally be washed every one to two weeks. However, those with allergies, pets, or who sweat heavily may benefit from weekly washing.

Frequent cleaning helps maintain hygiene and a fresh sleeping environment, as sheets can accumulate dirt, oils, and microorganisms over time.

“Washing removes sweat, dead skin cells, dust mites, bacteria, and other allergens that can build up. If left unwashed, these substances can cause skin irritation, acne, allergies, and respiratory issues,” said Khanna. According to her, clean sheets also improve the quality of your sleep by creating a healthier and more pleasant sleep environment.

Talking about the common mistakes people make while washing their sheets, Khanna revealed that people lean towards washing their sheets in cold water, and this, she said, may not effectively kill germs. People also end up overcrowding washing machines by stuffing way too many sheets, and this, according to Khanna, prevents proper cleaning.

To care for your sheets, wash them in hot water (depending on the nature and quality of the fabric) to kill bacteria. (Source: Freepik)

Tips for proper bedsheet care

To ensure your sheets are truly clean and well-maintained, Khanna suggested the following:

Use hot water: When possible (and if the fabric allows), wash sheets in hot water to kill bacteria.

Story continues below this ad

Avoid excess detergent and fabric softener: Using too much detergent or softener can reduce a sheet’s absorbance over time.

ALSO READ | Why are hotel towels and bedsheets always white?

Thorough drying: Make sure sheets are completely dry before use to prevent mold and mildew growth.
Follow care instructions: Always check the label for fabric-specific washing guidelines.

Keeping up with regular sheet washing may take a little extra effort, but it’s an easy way to ensure a clean, comfortable, and healthier sleep environment.

From the homepage