This Is How Often You Should Change Your Bedsheets, According to Experts

Beneath a seemingly spotless duvet lies an unseen world most people would rather not think about. Now, a microbiologist and a pair of bedding experts are weighing in on how to keep it in check.

You might not be washing your sheets as often as you should — and you're probably not alone. Most people toss their linens into the washer and dryer roughly every two weeks, with some stretching it out even longer.

Your sheets may look clean, but chances are you've got plenty of company in bed you'd rather do without.

Skin cells, sweat, saliva, and skin oils build up night after night, as do bacteria and fungi from the skin — not to mention dust mites. Add to that the small debris we carry into bed ourselves, such as bits of soil, food crumbs, or other dirt.

Dr. Rajesh Rajendran, a Consultant Microbiologist and Associate Medical Director for Infection Control at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, told HELLO! that, ideally, people should be washing their sheets "every second or third day or a maximum of a week."

He added, "It would be dependent on whether there are any underlying skin or any other medical conditions. For infections, we recommend that the bed sheets and clothing is washed with a non-bio detergent at 60°C (140°F)."

But, for most households, keeping up with that schedule isn't realistic. Phoebe Street, Brand Manager, Textile & Sleepwear Specialist at Pretty You London, notes that the weather also plays a role in how often bedding should be washed.

"Most people wash their sheets every week or two, which [may be] enough during cooler weather. But during a heatwave, when you're sweating more, it's important to wash your bedding more often," Street said.

She continued, "Every three or four days is ideal, but if you don't have time to strip the whole bed mid-week, just throw the sheet and pillowcases into the wash instead. They collect the most sweat, dirt and bacteria because they're in constant contact with your face and hair."

Genevieve Rosen Biller, co-founder of Bed Threads, also reminds readers not to overlook the blankets and throws draped over their bedding.

"Blankets, depending on the material, should be washed every few months or so. If you suffer from night sweats or are particularly sensitive to allergens, you may benefit from washing blankets more frequently," she said.

Here is rough guide on a bedding change schedule that you can adjust to your household needs:

• Sheets: Once a week (every three to four days in summer)
• Pillowcases: Every three to four days (especially for acne-prone skin)
• Duvet covers: Once a week
• Duvets: Every three to four months, depending on usage and whether pets or children share your bed
• Blankets/Throws: Every two to three months, or more often if pets sleep on them
• Mattresses: Vacuum at least weekly and air out every few days
• Pillow interiors: Every four to six months (check the label first)

While a strict laundry routine may not fit into every busy schedule, even small changes, like swapping out pillowcases midweek, can make a noticeable difference. After all, a cleaner bed could be the simplest upgrade to a better night's sleep.