If someone were to ask: “When was the last time you washed your sheets?”—would you be ashamed of the answer? Unfortunately, washing the sheets is something we all know we should do more frequently, but don’t tend to prioritize. On average, Americans report washing their sheets about once every other week. However, among some demographics like single men, the sheets may see turnover much less often. Yet, experts recommend washing sheets more frequently to avoid a wide range of negative effects on your health.
How often should you wash your sheets?
The recommended length of time between washings may vary depending on your sleep habits. For example, if you sleep in pajamas by yourself, you may get away with a longer period between washings than a couple sleeping in the same bed or someone who sleeps in the nude. In most cases, however, weekly washings are ideal. Hot water is recommended for sheets, since it can help eliminate some of what our bodies leave behind while we sleep.
Our bodies shed tons of sweat and skin cells, drool, and natural oils that end up between the sheets. While you may not see these traces on the sheets, they can attract a host of microscopic visitors, including dust mites and bacteria. These can have adverse effects on your health, including skin irritations, allergies, and even compromised immune health. So, by washing your sheets more frequently, you could be improving your health in the following ways:
- Fewer allergy symptoms.
- Better skin health.
- Higher quality sleep.
- Increased immune health.
Staying on top of your health isn’t always easy, especially on a busy schedule. MeMD can make healthcare simpler with our telehealth services available anytime, anywhere. Connect with a licensed physician, psychiatrist, or therapist through us to skip the waiting room and keep yourself in better health.
