Our sheets provide the warmth, softness, and coziness we need for a rejuvenating slumber—the kind that leaves us feeling refreshed and empowered, instead of exhausted and cranky.
Many of us take sheets for granted. But being the unsung heroes of our bedrooms doesn’t mean that they should be neglected. Let’s give these hardworking pieces of fabric the respect they deserve by washing them regularly!
We know what you’re thinking: what exactly do we mean by regularly?
The answer here varies. But one thing is for sure: it won’t be whenever you feel like it!
Why Washing Your Sheets Isn’t Negotiable
Most people spend 50 to 60 hours in bed each week.
The problem is, our bodies produce sweat, oils, and dead skin, which can accumulate in our bedding. These oils contain bacteria that can cause skin irritation or worse—allergies. Plus, dust mites love to hang out in our sheets, creating a breeding ground for potential health issues down the line.
Not washing your sheets opens the door to all kinds of nasty stuff you’d rather avoid. You might think it’s a pain to wash sheets when you’ve had a hard week at work and all you want to do is hit the sack. But don’t be surprised if you spend half the night itching, sneezing, and feeling generally uncomfortable!
So…How Often Should You Wash Your Sheets?
Just like sheets themselves, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Some like sheets with absurdly high thread count, while others just want something that will do the job—and that’s fine!
Let’s dig deeper into the things that make a difference in how often you should wash your sheets.
The material of your sheets
Sweat and different types of dirt are easier on some materials than others. Cotton, for example, can stand up to plenty of washing without getting worn out; linen is tougher too. But if you’re using vintage or delicate fabrics, they may require more careful handling.
Check your manufacturer’s instructions for more details about what material your sheets are made from and the best way to keep them clean.
The season
During summer, you’ll want to wash your sheets more often than in winter or spring. The combination of sweat and heat makes for a perfect breeding ground for bacteria—and an uncomfortable bedtime experience!
Your personal habits
Night owls and those who like to stay in bed all morning may need to wash their sheets more often than regular nine-to-fivers. Sweat and oils accumulate quickly when you spend extended periods in bed—which is why so many night birds swear by a weekly sheet change.
Do you always shower before bed? That definitely helps stave off the need to wash your sheets as often. But if you’re often tired enough to jump into bed with your shoes on, you’ll want to up the frequency of washes.
Life at home
Do you have pets, allergies, or little ones who like to crawl into bed with you? These are all factors that can affect how often you should wash your sheets. More potential irritants mean you’ll want to wash your sheets more often, as well as using hypoallergenic detergents and hot water.
Given all these considerations, the general rule of thumb is to wash your sheets once a week. That’s for the average person, though; if you tend to sweat a lot or have any of the above-mentioned factors in play, then go ahead and wash them twice a week.
People who don’t spend all their sleeping hours in the same bed might get away with less frequent washes, but we can’t recommend going over two weeks without a thorough wash.
Other Burning Questions Answered!
Now that we’re clear on how often you should wash your sheets, let’s go over three of the most common questions we get about this topic:
How often should you wash your sheets and pillowcases?
Our guidance on sheets applies to pillowcases as well. You may not think your head is all that dirty, but pillowcases accumulate a surprising amount of grime and sweat. So go ahead and wash them along with your sheets—whether that’s once or twice a week depends on the factors we discussed above.
How often should you wash your towels?
This is a more straightforward question.
Towels are exposed to moisture, sweat, and dirt from our hands and faces. So it’s best to wash them after a few days’ use. Depending on how much you perspire, though, your towels might need a wash sooner.
The same goes for how often to wash bath towels. Dry them after each use, washing them once a week, or more often if you find they’re starting to smell a bit off or look grimy.
How often should you wash your blankets?
With blankets, there’s a bit more wriggle room. Washing them every two to three months should be enough unless you have allergies or other conditions that require more frequent washes.
How should you wash your comforter?
Comforters can also take a beating without showing it, which gives you more leeway when it comes to how often to wash them. Washing them with your blankets–-around every two to three months—should be enough to keep you comfy and healthy.
Too Busy to Keep Up? Let hampr Help!
We all know that washing your sheets regularly is a slam-dunk way to make our beds a healthier, more hygienic place to sleep; but is it truly necessary to get your hands dirty every single week?
Not with hampr, it isn’t!
hampr does all the correct laundry things you know you can do, but don’t want to.
Our flat-rate prices as well as free pick-ups and deliveries make it easy to stick to a strict schedule no matter how busy life gets. Our vetted washrs will always have your bedding looking, feeling, and smelling like new!
Download the hampr app on the App Store or Google Play today to get the freshest sheets in town!
