A LOT OF PEOPLE think washing sheets and pillowcases are low priority and low maintenance. They keep putting it up until a build-up is [almost] visible. Some can even go for months without washing their linens!
Bad news: it shouldn’t be that way at all.
Washing Your Bed Linens & Pillowcases Should Be Prioritised
Here’s how often you should wash bed sheets:
- Every week or every two weeks is advisable.
- If you have any kind of allergies or illnesses (e.g., asthma, eczema, etc.), you’re better off being safe by changing them on a weekly basis.
And here’s how often you should be washing your pillowcases:
- Daily is recommended for oily and/or acne-prone skin
- Every two to three days otherwise
Why Do We Need to Clean Sheets That Often?
After a long day of work, you come home and lie down for a bit. All your body oils stick to the sheets. If you have kids, they have certainly jumped on the bed at one point. Or maybe your dog casually hangs out on it too. At this rate, more dead skin cells and dander are being shed. Hair strands on the sheets. THEN YOU FINALLY SLEEP.
All the bacteria on the fitted sheet and pillowcases, especially those that have been there for a long time, often cause rashes, skin irritation, sneezing, and a host of other allergy symptoms. If you don’t suffer from allergies, you’ll definitely develop some from all the bacteria.
And that was just one night. Even if you don’t have sensitive skin, can you just imagine how much bacteria have accumulated on your bed?
Did you know that an innerspring mattress that you’ve kept for a couple of years can have as many as 100,000 to 10 million dust mites inside of it?
If you end up not throwing your bed sheets into the washer after a month or so, that’s already 28 days of bacteria growth from cosmetics, oils, lotions, and even your late-night snacking. If you or someone you sleep with has an athlete’s foot, species of fungi can actually be transferred from your sheets onto you!
You don’t need a study to tell you how dirty your sheets are anymore. At this rate, dust mites, creepy crawlies, and other allergens will creep their way into your bed in no time.
RELATED ARTICLE: Australia’s Bed Bugs – How to Kill Them
Read enough? Let’s put an end to this bacteria party NOW.
A few tips when washing your dirty sheets and pillowcases:
- Before any washing happens, pay attention to your sheets’ and pillowcases’ care instructions. Some types of cloth require more TLC than others.
- Watch out for any stains. If you wear make-up often, investing in a stain remover may be helpful.
- Choose a low to medium heat setting on your washing machine for warm water, not hot water, to avoid shrinking.
- Ensure your bed sheets are turned inside out – especially if they’re coloured. Roll them into a ball and place them inside the washing machine.
- Use a trusted detergent – preferably a mild one. Tough ones tend to weaken the fibres of your sheets.
- For softer and more fragrant sheets, we recommend using a fabric softener.
- Hang the fresh sheets and pillowcases. Leave them to air-dry.
You Can Go Beyond Washing
Taking a shower before going to bed helps minimise the growth of bacteria. Keeping your family and friends away from your bed if they’re dirty could help you out, too.
New sheets and pillowcases that are high quality are a plus. Imagine just using one or two sets of sheets, and then subjecting them to over-washing? They’ll wear out too easily. Keep a few in stock – it’s a good investment! (What do you think about these dashing bamboo sheets and silk pillowcases?)
Ready for Some Sheet Washing?
Alright! We know you’re itching to do some washing. Get the creepy crawlies off your bed and claim your good night’s sleep!
