How often should you wash your sheets (and why it matters)
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Chris Mosunic, PhD, RD, MBA
Clean sheets aren’t just nice: They can also help you sleep better. Learn how often you should wash your sheets, plus 8 simple tips to make the process easier.
There’s a certain kind of comfort that comes from sliding into bed with freshly washed sheets. That cool fabric against your skin, the clean smell — it feels luxurious. But despite how soothing a clean bed feels, you may still find yourself putting off laundry day because of a lack of time, energy, or simply not wanting to remake your bed. And then you wonder, exactly how often should linens be washed? Does it even really matter?
The harsh truth is that sheets collect a mix of sweat, oils, and skin cells far faster than we realize. While that might sound unappealing, it’s a reminder that clean bedding can play a bigger role in how you feel at night. It turns out that fresh sheets aren’t just about appearances — they can set the stage for more restful sleep and a calmer mind.
We’ll walk through how often you should wash your sheets, the benefits of keeping them clean, and a few easy ways to make it an easier (and more enjoyable) part of your routine.
How often should you wash your sheets?
Most sleep and health experts suggest washing your sheets about once a week. This rhythm helps keep your bedding fresh, reduces buildup from sweat and skin cells, and may make your bed more inviting when it’s time to wind down. Studies have even found that sheets can accumulate microbial contamination over time, so regular washing is a good idea.
If you share your bed with pets, struggle with allergies, or tend to sweat heavily at night, washing every 3–4 days may make a noticeable difference in your comfort.
With that said, factors such as sleeping in bed alone, showering at night, and keeping food and pets out of the bedroom can make it generally okay to wash every 14 days. It just depends on your lifestyle. What matters most is finding a routine that feels doable to you, so that your bed stays a space of rest and not another source of stress.
3 benefits of clean sheets for mental health and sleep quality
Clean sheets don’t just feel nice and smell good — they also support your sleep and overall wellbeing. Here are a few reasons why:
1. They create a comfort cue: Freshly laundered sheets serve as a subtle signal to your body that it’s time to rest. This is because when something in your environment consistently pairs with relaxation, your brain slowly learns to associate the two. Clean bedding can make your bed feel like a safe, welcoming space, which in turn helps prepare your mind for sleep.
2. They can support better rest: Sheets naturally collect sweat, skin cells, and body oils. While you may not notice it day-to-day, this buildup can interfere with your comfort at night. Regular washings help to maintain a fresher and lighter feel that makes it easier for you to stay cool as you sleep, which is an important part of getting quality rest.
3. They boost mood and calm: Making the bed with clean sheets can feel like a small act of care, and those small acts matter. For many people, climbing into a freshly made bed brings a sense of order at the end of an otherwise chaotic day. And that moment of calm can ease your transition into rest.
How to keep your sheets clean: 8 simple tips for your routine
Often, changing and washing sheets can seem like a more daunting task than it actually is. But if you break it down into smaller actions, it can make the whole process more manageable. Here are some ways to keep your bedding fresh without letting it take over your nights or weekends.
1. Keep at least two sets of sheets
Rotating between two or three sets can make it easier to change your bedding without waiting for laundry day. Strip the bed, put on the clean set, and save those dirty sheets for a day when you have more time and energy.
2. Wash sheets in warm (not hot) water
For most people, warm water usually does the trick for tackling everyday sweat and oils. Plus, it’s gentler on fabric (and your energy bill). But if you’re dealing with allergies or illness, hot water can be more beneficial in ridding your sheets of pesky germs and allergens.
3. Aim for once a week
Create a routine that works for your life. If Sundays are laundry day, make swapping sheets part of that flow. With that said, if your schedule is unpredictable, consider picking a visual reminder instead, like changing sheets whenever you wash your towels.
4. Air out your bedding daily
Instead of immediately making your bed in the morning, try pulling the covers back for 20–30 minutes. This lets moisture escape from your sheets and gives them a chance to air out. This small habit can keep your sheets feeling fresher longer.
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5. Consider a mattress protector
These thin, washable covers create a barrier against sweat and spills, so your sheets and mattress stay cleaner. They’re especially useful if you eat in bed or share your space with kids or pets.
6. Refresh between washes
If you don’t have time for a full wash, a quick spritz of a linen spray or linen-safe essential oil, or even tossing pillowcases in the wash midweek, can give you that fresh feeling without the full commitment.
Related read: 6 tips you need to create the best sleep environment
7. Keep pets off the bed (or give them their own blanket)
We love pets, but it’s no secret that our furry friends bring dander, dirt, and extra hair into our beds. If you like having them close by while you sleep, lay a washable throw or blanket on the bed where they sleep. This can protect your bedding while still letting them snuggle in.
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8. Don’t forget pillows and blankets
Even the cleanest sheets can’t fully do their job if pillows and blankets go unwashed for months. Washing pillowcases weekly and pillows every 3–6 months keeps your whole sleep setup fresher and healthier.
Related read: 10 sleep hygiene tips and practices for better sleep
How often should you wash your sheets FAQs
How does dirty bedding affect sleep quality?
Sheets naturally collect sweat, body oils, skin cells, and dust over time. While this is completely normal, it can affect how well you rest. A buildup of sweat and debris can make bedding feel less breathable, which then might leave you feeling warmer or less comfortable at night.
For those with allergies or sensitive skin, unwashed sheets can contribute to irritation or congestion, which can mess with your sleep.
Do clean sheets really help you sleep better?
There’s limited research directly linking clean sheets to better sleep, but many people do notice a difference. Clean sheets support better sleep hygiene, which is all about creating conditions that help your body wind down. A slight shift in comfort can then have a significant impact on how easily you fall asleep.
How often should you wash your sheets?
There isn’t a universal rule, but it’s generally a good idea to wash your sheets once a week. With that said, if you’re someone who sweats heavily, shares a bed with pets, or struggles with allergies, you may benefit from washing your sheets every 3–4 days.
On the flip side, if you live and sleep alone, shower before bed, and don’t eat or nap with pets in your sheets, every 10–14 days might be just fine.
Overall, what matters most is finding a schedule that works for you and that you can stick to consistently.
How often should I wash my sheets if I live alone?
Living alone typically means your sheets stay cleaner for longer, especially if you wear clean pajamas and shower before bed. In these cases, washing your bedding every 10–14 days is usually fine.
If you prefer that clean feeling more often, swapping pillowcases midweek or airing out your sheets each morning can give you the same sense of freshness without the extra laundry.
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