How Often Should You Wash Your Sheets? Weekly Rule, Allergies, Dust Mites, Hot Water and Special Cases

Quick answer: most experts recommend washing your sheets once a week. People with allergies or asthma may need to wash every three to four days, and the interval can stretch to about two weeks only if you do not sleep in the bed every day. Water hotter than 60 degrees Celsius (140 Fahrenheit) kills dust mites, per the National Asthma Council Australia.

This article is part of our bedding guide, where you can compare related options.

Your sheets collect sweat, skin cells, oils, dust, pet hair and dust mites. You spend about a third of your life in bed, so clean sheets matter for comfort and health. But how often is enough? This guide gives the standard rule, special cases, the role of water temperature, how to wash and dry, what else to wash and how to make laundry easier. Sources included the Sleep Foundation, Banner Health, a microbiologist writing for The Conversation and others. This is not medical advice. If you have allergies or asthma, ask a doctor.

A stack of fresh folded white bed sheets next to a wicker laundry basket

The General Rule: Weekly

Most experts recommend washing sheets once a week. Banner Health’s infection prevention director calls weekly a good general rule of thumb. The Sleep Foundation agrees that weekly is the standard.

When to Wash More Often

Allergies or asthma. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America recommends weekly washing for people with allergies or asthma, especially if you are allergic to dust mites themselves. Some sources go further. Banner Health says people with severe allergies or asthma may want to wash every three or four days, and one outlet puts the figure for allergy sufferers at 3 to 4 days. Heavy sweaters and hot sleepers. Wash more often. See the best cooling mattress guide for cooler bedding. Pets in bed. One Australian source suggests wash every three to four days for pets on the bed. Illness. Change sheets after sickness. Skin conditions or acne. Ask a doctor or dermatologist. Sleeping nude or after not showering. More frequent washing (general advice). Eating or lying in bed with food.

The Sleep Foundation also says some people should wash their sheets even more often than once a week.

When You Can Wash Less Often

The Sleep Foundation says the interval can be stretched to about two weeks only in a narrow case: if you do not sleep on your mattress every day. A guest room bed that is used rarely can go longer, but wash before the next guest. Nothing I found endorses two-week washing for allergy sufferers.

Water Temperature

The National Asthma Council Australia suggests washing bedding in water hotter than 60 degrees Celsius to kill dust mites and wash away the allergens they produce, followed by thorough drying. Many fabrics cannot take that heat, so check the label. Options: Hot water for cotton and linen if the label allows. Warm water with a long cycle for delicates. A hot dryer cycle can also help kill mites.

For colored or delicate fabrics, wash as the label says.

How to Wash Sheets

Strip the bed and shake sheets lightly.
Check the care labels.
Wash with mild detergent.
Don’t overload the machine. Sheets need room.
Use an extra rinse if you have sensitive skin.
Remove promptly to avoid wrinkles.

Skip too much fabric softener, which can coat fibers (general advice).

How to Dry

Tumble dry on medium or high if the label allows. Dry completely to avoid musty odor. Line drying in the sun is a good option. Sunlight can help freshen fabrics (general advice). Remove sheets promptly to reduce wrinkles.

What Else Should You Wash?

Pillowcases. Weekly or more often. See the pillow cases guide. Pillows. Every 6 to 12 months. See the can you wash pillows guide. Duvet cover. Every 1 to 2 weeks (general advice). Comforter or duvet insert. Every few years with a cover. See the white comforter guide. Mattress protector. Every 1 to 3 months (general advice). Mattress. Vacuum and spot clean. Rotate if recommended. Blankets and throws. Every month or two. Bed skirt. Occasionally. See the bed skirt guide. Electric blankets. Follow the label. See the best electric blankets guide.

The Microbiologist’s View

The Conversation published an article where a microbiologist explains how often you should really be washing your bedding. The takeaway from such sources is that bedding hosts bacteria, fungi and mites, mostly from our own bodies, and that regular washing reduces them. The exact health risks of dirty sheets are not fully settled, but clean sheets feel better and reduce allergens.

Practical Tips

Key points: own at least two sets per bed so washing day is easy; pick a regular laundry day; use a hamper in the bedroom; change sheets after traveling or being sick; shower before bed if you tend to sweat; keep pets off the bed if you have allergies, or wash more often; keep the bedroom dry and ventilated.

See the bedding sets and fitted sheet guides for choosing sheets that wash well.

What are the main strengths and weaknesses?

On the plus side: cleaner, fresher bed; fewer allergens; lower odor; easier stain removal. On the downside: more laundry; more wear on sheets; water and energy use.

How to Decide Your Schedule

Start with weekly. Wash every 3 to 4 days if you have severe allergies, asthma or pets in bed. Stretch to two weeks only if the bed is not used daily. Wash after illness. Use hot water if the fabric allows. Dry completely. Ask a doctor about allergy needs.

What mistakes should you avoid?

A few common mistakes are worth avoiding: waiting a month between washes; washing in cold water only when you need mite control; overloading the machine; not washing pillowcases and covers; not drying fully; ignoring care labels when using hot water.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I wash my sheets?

About once a week, per most experts.

Is every two weeks okay?

Only if you do not sleep in the bed every day, per the Sleep Foundation.

How often with allergies?

Weekly at least, and every three to four days for severe allergies or asthma.

Does hot water kill dust mites?

Water hotter than 60 degrees Celsius does, per the National Asthma Council Australia.

Should I wash sheets more with pets?

Yes. One source suggests every three to four days with pets on the bed.

Should I wash new sheets first?

Yes, general advice is to wash before the first use.

Conclusion

Wash your sheets about once a week. Increase to every three to four days if you have severe allergies, asthma or pets in bed, and stretch to two weeks only for a bed you do not use daily.

Use hot water when the fabric allows and dry thoroughly. A regular schedule keeps your bed fresh and comfortable.