Here's How Often You Should Really Wash Your Sheets

For so many of us, washing our clothes is a total bore. But when it comes to washing our bedsheets, it's a whole different story. Possibly one of the worst chores you have to do, if you're anything like us, you try to put it off for as long as possible. But according to laundry expert Mary Marlowe Leverette (via GoodtoKnow), "Infrequent cleaning of sheets and pillowcases allows the fluids to seep into the pillows and mattresses, and those are much more difficult to clean than tossing sheets in the washer."

Worse still, "This can lead to a variety of problems ranging from skin irritation to acne to possibly even infections in a worst-case scenario," Joshua Zeichner, M.D., director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, told Reader's Digest. Yikes!

So, how often should we really be washing our bedsheets?

According to Laura Goodman, M.S., senior scientist for P&G Fabric Care (via Prevention), you should be aiming to wash your sheets once every week or two. However, if you sleep naked, sweat a lot through the night, or have recently been sick, it's important you up your washing sheets routine to once a week.

And what's even more important is the temperature you do the cycle on. "In a study, scientists found that washing items at hotter temperatures was more effective at removing traces of tree pollen, so when you wash your sheets, make sure it's at a temperature of 40C or above — ideally at least 60C," Sealy UK's Chief Sleep Officer, Neil Robinson advised Glamour (around 104 to 140F).

Ultimately, you're probably going to sleep better with clean sheets, so taking 10 minutes or so out of your busy week to put a load of your sheets in the wash is totally worth it (not to mention more hygienic!).