You should generally change your bed sheets about once a week to maintain good hygiene and sleep quality. Weekly washing helps remove sweat, dead skin cells, oils, bacteria, dust mites, and potential allergens that accumulate on bedding and can cause skin irritation, allergies, or worsen asthma.
If you have certain conditions or situations, it is recommended to change sheets more often:
- If you suffer from night sweats, allergies, or asthma, wash your sheets weekly or even more frequently.
- If you sleep with pets on your bed, change your linens twice a week to control hair, dander, bacteria, and dust mites.
- In warmer months or if you sweat more during sleep, weekly washing is advised.
For those who don't use the bed every day (e.g., guest beds), changing every two weeks could be sufficient.
Experts agree that although many people change sheets less frequently (every two to three weeks on average), once a week is best for hygiene and comfort. Regularly changing sheets can also help improve skin health and overall sleep quality.
In summary:
- Most people: change sheets every week
- People with allergies, asthma, night sweats, pets on bed: every 3-4 days to weekly
- Less frequent use: every two weeks
This advice is supported by authorities such as the Good Housekeeping Institute, Sleep Foundation, and health professionals.
