Reasons Why You Need To Change Your Bedsheets Regularly

The way we handle bedsheets and their cleanliness is quite odd when you think about it. If we were to compare it to the methods and practices we use for our normal, everyday clothes, then it’s very different. We wash our clothes after wearing them for only a day. We wash and change our bedsheets once a week.

That’s a considerable jump in time, one we don’t even think about. Imagine if you wore the same pieces of clothing for 7 days in a row. You just wouldn’t do it, would you? So why is it any different for our bedsheets? We spend roughly the same amount of time in them through sleeping, regardless of whether there’s very little activity while we’re there.

You should wash your sheets more often if:

• you have allergies or asthma and are sensitive to dust
• you have an infection or lesion that makes contact with your sheets or pillows
• you sweat excessively
• your pet sleeps in your bed
• you eat in bed
• you go to bed without showering
• you sleep naked

What if you don’t?

Not washing your sheets regularly exposes you to the fungi, bacteria, pollen, and animal dander that are commonly found on sheets and other bedding. Other things found on sheets include bodily secretions, sweat, and skin cells.

This won’t necessarily make you sick. But in theory, it can. It could also trigger eczema in people with the condition or cause contact dermatitis.

Best way to wash sheets

It’s recommended that you wash your sheets and other bedding in hot water.

Read the care instructions on the label and wash your sheets in the hottest setting recommended. The hotter the water, the more bacteria and allergens you remove.

Ironing your sheets after washing is also recommended.

Keep sheets clean between washings

You can keep your sheets clean between washing and help preserve them by:

• showering before bed
• avoiding naps after a sweaty gym session
• removing makeup before you go to sleep
• avoiding putting on lotions, creams, or oils right before bed
• not eating or drinking in bed
• keeping your pets off your sheets
• removing debris and dirt from your feet or socks before climbing into bed

A little diligence when it comes to caring for your bedding can go a long way when it comes to helping you sleep — and breathe — easier. While it may seem like a hassle at times, changing your sheets weekly is well worth the effort.

If you’re accustomed to washing your sheets every other week, you may consider getting another set so you can swap them out without doing more frequent washings.

When you do wash your bed sheets, use the hottest temperature you can.

Use protective covers on pillows and follow the care instructions provided by the sheet manufacturer or on bedding tags.