Laundry is a never-ending chore in many homes. But how often do people wash their sheets? Experts say most are not washing them often enough.
A 2022 survey found the average American changes their sheets about every three weeks. Other surveys suggest that once or twice a month is the norm.
However, experts recommend making it a weekly chore.
From a scientific standpoint, dirty sheets are a real nightmare.
“If you think about what you’re doing at night, you’re laying down, you’re rolling over there. You have skin -- especially the less clothes you wear, the more skin exposure that you’re getting on your pillowcases, on your sheets, et cetera,” said Dr. Jennifer Lucas, a dermatologist at the Cleveland Clinic. “And so, you think about that; you’re shedding those skin cells. And that happens throughout the night. It happens during the day. And then that gets bacteria that gets added on, especially if you’re not cleaning those sheets regularly.”
Bedsheets can also collect dust, pet dander and pollen, Lucas said. Dirty sheets can cause acne, worsen eczema and trigger respiratory problems, especially in people with asthma or allergies.
Lucas recommends washing bedding at least once a week and using the hot cycle on the washer to help kill bacteria.
She also advises showering before bed.
“People always ask, should I wash my face at night? Yes, get all of that dirt, that grime, that makeup that you might have off. So, when you’re lying your head down on the bed, you’re not getting your facial products, you’re not getting your hair products on the bed and rolling around in those throughout the evening,” Lucas said.
While it might be easier to go to bed with wet hair after showering, Lucas said you should dry it whenever possible. Wet hair can create a breeding ground for bacteria on your pillow -- not exactly what you want pressed against your face all night.