How often should you wash your sheets? Read below for the ultimate bedding care guide.<\/em><\/p>\n Get a good night\u2019s sleep after you read this.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Most people spend a third of their life sleeping. So how often should you wash your sheets? These shocking facts will surprise you\u2026<\/p>\n Let\u2019s get down to the dirty details\u2026<\/p>\n I first need to fill you in on what you\u2019re actually sleeping with besides<\/em> a possible partner, fur babies, or kiddos because quite frankly, it\u2019s going to shock you. \ud83d\ude33<\/p>\n We shed about 15 million dead skin cells<\/strong> every night. \ud83d\ude33 Even worse, our dead skin cells provide food for thousands of dust mites <\/strong>who are also taking up retail space on our beds \u2013 not good for those with allergies! It\u2019s the perfect recipe for dust mites to multiply and over time their fecal matter will build up too. \ud83d\ude2c This is also in addition to fungi <\/strong>and bacteria<\/strong> also found on dirty sheets. YIKES! <\/em><\/p>\n If that\u2019s not scary enough, Business Insider<\/a> shared a study that unwashed pillow cases and sheets had up to 39 times more bacteria than pet-food bowls<\/strong> AND several thousand times more bacteria than a toilet seat<\/strong>. \ud83e\udd2f\ud83d\ude31\ud83d\ude33\ud83d\ude28\ud83d\ude2c\ud83d\ude27\ud83d\ude35<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n We found that 67% of our Hip readers clean their sheets weekly and just 1% wash them twice a week. So how often should you wash your bedding?<\/em><\/p>\n Allergist experts<\/a> say to wash your actual sheets at least<\/em> once a week in hot water, so the majority of Hip readers already seem to know how often to clean their bedding.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n As for the minority, 17% of Hip readers currently wash their sheets every other week and the remaining 15% wash their sheets monthly or not regularly at all. \ud83d\ude30<\/p>\n Your mattress is your foundation and many of us have them for years. Taking care of your mattress is important since buying a new one often certainly isn\u2019t practical or necessary.<\/p>\n It\u2019s recommended to clean your mattress every 6 months.<\/strong> Or for a more frequent schedule, clean your mattress when the seasons change.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Most mattress covers can be washed in the machine, but always check the care instructions to be sure. It\u2019s recommended to wash your mattress cover every 1 to 2 months<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n It\u2019s recommended by The National Sleep Foundation<\/a> to replace your mattress every 6 to 8 years due to regular wear and tear. However, the amount of time will vary depending on the design, materials, type of mattress, and the level of use.<\/p>\n Your sheets are the part of your bed you actually touch most frequently. This includes your pillowcases, fitted sheets, and regular bed sheets.<\/p>\n Sheets should be washed about every week to two weeks<\/strong>. If you tend to sweat a lot in your sleep you should consider washing the sheets at least every week<\/em>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Over time, the fibers making up your sheets will begin to break down from frequent use and washing. Using bleach on white sheets will also significantly decrease your sheets\u2019 longevity and can even cause them to change to off-white rather than a brighter white.<\/p>\n Inevitably, your sheets will begin to thin, tear, or develop holes. When this happens it\u2019s time for a replacement.<\/p>\n Pillows absorb dead skin cells and body fluids like oils, sweat, and drool each time you sleep on them. Absorbing these on a daily basis (regardless if you have a cover on your pillow or not) takes a toll on the freshness. Dirty pillows will also result in an overpopulation of dust mites which can contribute to allergies.<\/p>\n It\u2019s recommended to wash your pillows at least every 3 to 6 months<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Some pillows, like latex and memory foam, aren\u2019t machine washable. However, for cotton, feathers, down, and fiberfill, you can wash them in the washing machine. Here are a few guidelines to follow when washing in the machine:<\/p>\n If you\u2019re always waking up with neck pain, it may be time to replace your pillow or find one that\u2019s the perfect fit for you. Over time, pillows will lose their shape or become lumpy despite how often you clean your bedding. If you have a down pillow, it may become flat and constantly need fluffing.<\/p>\n The National Sleep Foundation<\/a> recommends replacing your frequently used pillows depending on the type of pillow <\/strong>you have:<\/p>\n Most people use their larger duvets as decoration and therefore do not need to be washed as often as other bedding essentials. If you\u2019re using sheets your body also isn\u2019t coming into contact with these layers of bedding either. They still collect dust, so washing is inevitable.<\/p>\n Cleaning duvet covers and comforters are recommended to wash just once a month to at least every few months<\/strong> for sufficient cleaning.<\/p>\n Always read the care instructions before washing a duvet or comforter. Synthetic and down-filled duvets typically have different wash instructions so knowing what kind you have is important. Down-filled duvets should only be put in a front-load washing machine. Avoid using fabric softener and too much laundry detergent and an additional spin cycle may be necessary if you\u2019re comforter comes out too wet. Dry with wool balls and check every 30 minutes to avoid over drying.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Cotton and fleece blankets and quilts that are your middle layer and much thinner can be washed just once or twice a month <\/strong>and about every 3 months <\/strong>for wool blankets.<\/p>\n *Always check the care instructions before washing.<\/em><\/p>\n Over time the filling of your duvet may settle into the corners or become lumpy. In this case, it can affect your sleep when regulating your body temperature and should be replaced. Replacing them will vary greatly on the quality of your duvet.<\/p>\n These are pillows that only see the light of day, meaning, they\u2019re just for decoration when the bed is made.<\/p>\n It\u2019s recommended to spot clean as needed<\/strong> and wash every few weeks<\/strong> to maintain freshness and get rid of dust.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Every person\u2019s use for decorative pillows can vary so there\u2019s no straight answer. If your pillows are feeling dingy, swap out your inserts as needed. Season changes are a great time to wash your throw pillows or replace them with new ones.<\/p>\n It\u2019s been a year since I tested my luxury bedding for less<\/a>!<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n![\"close](\"https:\/\/hip2save.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/quince-bamboo-bed-sheets.jpg?w=912&resize=912%2C684&strip=all\")
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Let\u2019s start with what\u2019s actually<\/em> on your bed?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/blockquote>\n
![\"microscopic](\"https:\/\/hip2save.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/microscopic-germs-and-viruses.jpg?w=912&resize=912%2C614&strip=all\")
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So how often are you washing your sheets? We took a poll among our Hip readers:<\/em><\/h2>\n
![\"hip2save](\"https:\/\/hip2save.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Hip-Reader-Changing-Bed-Sheets-Poll--e1712058036786.jpg?resize=912%2C684&strip=all\")
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Here\u2019s everything you need to know about how often you should clean your bedding and bed:<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Layer 1:\u00a0<\/strong>Mattress<\/h2>\n
![\"woman](\"https:\/\/hip2save.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/melinda-novilla-mattress-1-e1712058503821.jpg?resize=912%2C479&strip=all\")
<\/p>\n\n
How often should you clean your mattress?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/blockquote>\n
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When and how to wash mattress cover?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/blockquote>\n
![\"hand](\"https:\/\/hip2save.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/Arm-Hammer-Baking-soda-e1712059123345.jpg?resize=912%2C479&strip=all\")
<\/p>\nHere are some great mattress-cleaning tips:<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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![\"hand](\"https:\/\/hip2save.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/happsy-mattress.jpg?w=912&resize=912%2C720&strip=all\")
<\/p>\nWhen should you replace your mattress?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Layer 2:\u00a0<\/strong>Sheets<\/h2>\n
![\"costco](\"https:\/\/hip2save.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/costco-sheets-on-a-bed--e1712059356895.jpeg?resize=912%2C684&strip=all\")
<\/p>\nHow often should you wash your bedding & sheets?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"hands](\"https:\/\/hip2save.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/amazon-california-design-den-sheets-e1709734977397.jpg?w=912&resize=912%2C585&strip=all\")
<\/p>\nWhen should you replace your sheets?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Layer 3: <\/strong>Sleeping pillows<\/h2>\n
![\"Warmkiss](\"https:\/\/hip2save.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Warmkiss-Pillow-Set-e1712078056129.jpg?resize=912%2C513&strip=all\")
<\/p>\nHow often should you wash your pillows?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
How to wash pillows in washing machine?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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![\"quince](\"https:\/\/hip2save.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Quince-Bedding-e1712079543581.jpg?w=912&resize=912%2C479&strip=all\")
<\/p>\nWhen should you replace your pillows?\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Layer 4:\u00a0<\/strong>Comforters and duvet covers<\/h2>\n
![\"edloe](\"https:\/\/hip2save.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/edloe-finch-rattan-yama-bed-e1712079465159.jpg?resize=912%2C479&strip=all\")
<\/p>\nHow often should you wash your comforter or duvet covers?\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n
How to wash a comforter and\/or duvet:<\/strong><\/h3>\n
How often should you wash your blankets?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
General guidelines for how to wash blankets:<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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When should I replace my duvet insert?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Layer 5: <\/strong>Decorative Pillows<\/h2>\n
![\"childs](\"https:\/\/hip2save.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/anthropologie-throw-pillow-e1712086465569.jpg?resize=912%2C479&strip=all\")
<\/p>\nHow often should you clean your decorative pillows?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"woman](\"https:\/\/hip2save.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Collins-Target-Throw-Pillows-1-e1712086447411.jpg?resize=912%2C479&strip=all\")
<\/p>\nWhen should you replace your decorative pillows?<\/strong><\/h3>\n