How Often Should You Change Your Sheets?
Fresh, clean sheets are more than just a luxury—they are essential for maintaining good hygiene, reducing allergens, and ensuring a restful, comfortable sleep. But how often should you really be changing your bedding? The answer depends on a variety of factors, including your personal habits, health conditions, and the environment you sleep in. At Laud Sleep, we know that quality bedding is an investment in better sleep, and proper care is key to keeping it fresh and inviting.
Here’s everything you need to know about how often to change your sheets and why it matters.
1. Why You Should Wash Your Sheets Regularly
Changing your sheets isn’t just about maintaining a tidy bedroom—it plays a crucial role in hygiene, comfort, and health. Over time, bed sheets accumulate sweat, dead skin cells, bacteria, and dust mites, all of which can disrupt sleep and trigger allergies. Here’s why regular washing is important:
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Hygiene – Washing sheets frequently removes sweat, body oils, and accumulated dirt, keeping your bed fresh and clean.
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Dust Mites – These microscopic creatures feed on dead skin cells, making unwashed sheets the perfect breeding ground. Regular washing helps minimise their presence.
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Bacteria & Allergens – Sheets collect bacteria, pet dander, pollen, and even mould spores, which can worsen allergies and asthma if not cleaned often.
2. How Often Should You Wash Your Sheets?
The Good Housekeeping Institute recommends changing sheets at least once every two weeks, but many experts suggest once a week for optimal hygiene. However, several factors might require more frequent washing:
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Night Sweats & Hot Conditions – If you sweat excessively at night or live in a hot, humid climate, washing your sheets twice a week is ideal to remove excess moisture.
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Pets in Bed – If your furry friends share your bed, it’s best to wash your sheets at least once a week to remove pet hair, dander, and bacteria.
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Allergies & Asthma – Those with asthma, eczema, or hay fever should wash sheets every 3-4 days to prevent allergens from accumulating.
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Cold & Flu Season – If you’re unwell, washing your sheets frequently can help remove germs and speed up recovery.
Explore our hypoallergenic bedding collection for sheets that stay fresher for longer, reducing the need for excessive washing.
3. Does the Time of Year Matter?
Yes! Seasonal changes can affect how often you should be washing your sheets. In summer, hot weather increases sweating, leading to a build-up of bacteria, oils, and allergens. During hay fever season, pollen can cling to your sheets, making frequent washing essential for allergy sufferers. In winter, while we sweat less, dead skin cells still shed, meaning you shouldn’t go longer than two weeks without changing your bedding.
For breathable, moisture-wicking sheets ideal for year-round comfort, check out our bamboo and linen bedding.
4. How to Keep Sheets Fresher for Longer
Washing sheets frequently is essential, but a few simple steps can help keep them fresh between washes:
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Shower before bed – Removes sweat, oils, and dirt, helping sheets stay cleaner.
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Use a mattress protector – A high-quality mattress protector acts as a barrier against dust mites and bacteria.
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Choose breathable fabrics – Natural materials like bamboo, linen, and cotton help regulate temperature and reduce excess moisture.
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Wash pillowcases more often – Since they come into direct contact with your skin, pillowcases should be washed every few days to prevent breakouts and bacteria build-up.
Conclusion
Regularly changing your sheets isn’t just about cleanliness—it significantly impacts sleep quality, comfort, and overall health. Whether it’s weekly for hygiene reasons or more often due to allergies, pets, or hot weather, keeping your bedding fresh is essential.
Upgrade your sleep with our range of luxury, easy-care bedding designed for comfort and durability. Prioritise fresh, breathable fabrics and enjoy a cleaner, healthier night’s sleep with Laud Sleep.
