Here's what really happens if you don't wash your sheets weekly

Over the years, we’ve heard a wide range of advice when it comes to washing sheets. Some people swear by a once-a-week routine, while others abide by something closer to once a month. So what’s the real answer? How often should you be washing your bed sheets? And perhaps more importantly, why?

We asked in-house experts Carolyn Forté, former Executive Director of the Home Care & Cleaning Lab, Noah Pinsonnault, Home Care & Cleaning Reviews Analyst, and Emma Seymour, Associate Textiles Lab Director, to weigh in on bed care and cleanliness. Here’s what they had to say.

How often should you wash your bed sheets?

“Washing bed sheets once per week is the standard recommendation for most people,” says Pinsonnault, though there may be some flexibility depending on your habits and lifestyle.

Why you should wash bed sheets regularly

The appeal of fresh, clean sheets is obvious, but the reasons to wash them regularly go beyond comfort. Night after night, your sheets are collecting germs, dead skin, sweat, pet dander, and body oils.

“Over time, this can lead to skin irritation and acne in prone individuals, and it promotes microbial growth, which can lead to odors,” says Pinsonnault.

Not to mention, ongoing exposure to dust mites can trigger allergies and asthma attacks in sensitive groups, according to the American Lung Association.

While it may be tempting to stretch your washing schedule, it can catch up with you. Pinsonnault notes that many people begin to notice changes in odor after about 14 days.

Impacts on wash frequency

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With any “rule,” there are caveats that may alter how frequently you need to abide. Here’s what our experts say about some of the most common stipulations around washing your bed sheets.

Night sweats

If you experience night sweats, you may need to wash your sheets more frequently than once a week. In fact, Seymour recommends washing them immediately after a night of heavy sweating or noticeable sheet stains.

Morning vs. night showers

There’s long been debate over whether showering at night affects how often you need to wash your sheets. The answer is, it depends.

“Night showerers generally introduce less dirt, oil, and environmental debris into the bed, which may allow for slightly longer intervals between washes,” says Pinsonnault. “That said, even night showerers should still aim for roughly weekly laundering, especially if they apply heavy skin creams or hair products before sleeping.”

Sheet set components

For those interested in the dirty details, not all bedding needs to be washed at the same frequency.

“Pillowcases should ideally be washed more frequently because they accumulate facial oils, hair products, sweat, and even saliva,” says Pinsonnault.

Fitted sheets follow the standard rule of one wash per week, while top sheets can go slightly longer because they experience less body contact and oil transfer. That said, it’s often easiest to wash all components together to avoid extra laundry cycles.

Sheet fabric type

Some sheet fabrics may wick away moisture or feel more breathable than others, but these differences aren’t significant enough to change how often you should wash your sheets, according to Seymour and Pinsonnault. No matter the material, once a week remains the best baseline.

What's the best way to wash sheets?

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Just as important as how often you wash your sheets is making sure you're using the right cleaning method. We asked Forté to share her best advice for washing this bedding essential.

Treat stains before washing

"If there are no stains, there's no need to pretreat the sheets," says Forté. "But it's always a good idea to check pillowcases for makeup residue."

If you do notice stains, use a prewash stain remover to target spots before laundering. Then add a top-performing detergent, taking care not to overload the machine.

"Sheets need to circulate to get clean," says Forté. "Today's enormous washers can probably hold several sets, but you should never cram them in. And if your washer has an agitator in the middle, don't wrap the sheets around it. This can cause them to wrinkle or tear. Instead, lay them in separately without wrapping them."

Wash with higher temps on a normal cycle

For a deeper clean, choose the warmest water your washing cycle will allow. “The hotter the water, the more germs you kill,” says Forté.

Some newer machines have a dedicated sheets cycle, but if yours doesn’t, opt for a ‘normal’ or ‘casual’ cycle rather than ‘heavy duty.’

"Sheets don't need excessive agitation to get clean, and the heavy-duty cycle can cause tangling and wrinkling," says Forté. "It's fine to wash sheets on the normal, regular, or colors cycle. These options are gentler and… depending on the machine, will cool water gradually for less wrinkling."

But, don't worry: "You can get sheets clean in cold water," Forté says. "Just use a deep-cleaning detergent."

Tumble dry sheets on low

Sheets may take longer to dry than everyday clothing, but over-drying can do more harm than good. Tumble dry on low heat and remove them as soon as they’re dry to help prevent shrinkage and wrinkles.

“This is the best method to minimize shrinkage and reduce wrinkling,” says Forté.

It’s also best to dry sheets separately. “Sheets dry faster than towels, so if you dry them together, the sheets may overdry while the towels are still damp,” she explains. If you do combine loads, lightweight cotton items are usually fine—but avoid mixing in towels.

The bottom line

Overall, experts recommend washing your bed sheets once a week to prevent the buildup of dirt, sweat, and allergens. While that may not always be realistic with a busy schedule, aiming for a weekly routine will help keep your bedding cleaner, fresher, and more comfortable.