Are You Sleeping in Dirty Sheets?

When it comes to sheets, there’s a wide range of cleaning schedules and routines – some people wash their sheets once a week, while others wash them once a month; some feel comfortable waiting several months between washes, and others prefer to sleep in clean sheets every night.  So how often should you really be changing your sheets?  Read the guide below to understand the importance of keeping your bed linens clean, and how often you should be putting your sheets through the wash.

What’s in your bed?

It sounds gross, but your bed is actually crawling with tiny bugs   known as dust mites. Commonly found in mattresses and pillows, dust mites are microscopic bugs that feed off of dead skin cells. Although harmless, they do produce waste that we breathe in while we sleep. These droppings, known as fecal pellets, contain allergens which can trigger asthma, itchy eyes, and a runny nose when inhaled.

How often should you wash your sheets?

Most experts agree that every other week is a good rule of thumb.  However, if you sweat a lot at night, you should try to wash your sheets once a week instead.  Your comforter, on the other hand, only needs to be washed 2 or 3 times a year.  Pillows should be changed every two years, as they harbor mold, yeast, and bacteria that can cause asthma or bronchitis.

Other ways to keep your bed clean:

• Buy a mattress protector to prevent exposure to dust mites and repel liquids. Make sure to clean it regularly.
• Change your PJs at least once a week to avoid a build-up of sweat dirt, and dead skin cells.
• Get a new mattress every seven years. Try to find one that’s hypoallergenic.
• Don’t let your pets sleep with you. Fleas can get stuck in your bed for weeks, or even months.
• Don’t snack in bed. Any leftover crumbs will attract bugs.