A person typically spends upward of eight hours in bed each day, which leads to the buildup of dirt, body oils, dead skin cells, sweat, and other grime on their sheets and bedding. All of this residue isn’t just gross to think about, it can also provide fodder for dust mites, put extra strain on the fabric’s fibers, and trigger issues including allergies, skin irritation, and acne—not exactly ideal for a peaceful night’s sleep.
The average person changes their sheets about every 24 days, according to a survey by Mattress Advisor. But that isn’t the best schedule for optimal hygiene and freshness. How often you should wash your sheets depends on a few factors, but some general rules work for most people. Read on to learn exactly how often to wash your sheets and how to preserve their freshness if you decide to bend the rules a bit.
