How often should you wash your bedding? Experts say weekly, but habits vary widely, and microbes may linger longer than you think.
Washing bedding frequency debated
Experts and couples discuss how often to wash bedding, with most suggesting once a week or every fifteen days. However, immediate washing is recommended if someone is sick or sweats heavily.Time spent in bed
On average, a person spends about a third of their life in bed, which allows sweat, sebum, and dead skin cells to accumulate on sheets and pillowcases.Variability in washing habits
Media outlet IFL Science found that washing habits vary widely among households. Beds can host many microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi, and pets in the bed can contribute to faster dirt accumulation.Microbial communities in homes
Research on bed microbiomes is limited, but some studies suggest homes have microbial communities similar to those on human skin. A 2014 study noted that these communities create a "microbiological aura" that follows people even when they move.Survey on washing practices
A 2022 YouGov survey in the United Kingdom found that only 28% of respondents washed their sheets weekly, 36% every fifteen days, and a significant portion washed less frequently.Studies on washing frequency
A 2013 study recommended changing sheets weekly, but a more recent study from September found microorganism levels increase rapidly during the first seven days before stabilizing, suggesting less frequent washing may be acceptable.Pillow maintenance and health
A 2005 study found that pillows can harbor significant amounts of fungi. Since people sleep with their faces against pillows, these microorganisms could affect the respiratory system, especially in those with asthma.
