Are you one in three people who only wash their sheets once per year? If so, you might want to think twice about how often you wash sheets!
The frequency of washing your sheets matters to both the health of your body and the longevity of your sheets. Proper care of your sheets can even help you get a better night’s sleep as well.
But what is the right way to care for and change bedding? If you’re ready to take care of your sheets and gain a better sleep, keep reading to learn more.
Why You Should Wash Your Sheets
It’s easy to forget about washing your sheets when other pressing items need washing. But once you begin the habit, it becomes part of your routine.
One of the reasons why it’s important to make washing sheets part of your washing routine is because your sheets begin to build up bacteria, bodily fluids, skin cells, hair, dirt, and other debris. If you sleep with your pet on the bed, you’re introducing your sheets to whatever your pet brings in the bed as well: saliva, dog hair, dirt, and more.
While you may not contact an illness from sleeping on dirty sheets, it could irritate your skin or trigger your asthma if you have breathing problems. You may also experience dust mites that want to make your dirty sheets their home.
You should always wash new sheets before putting them on your bed. This way, you break them in free of the dust and dirt they may have accumulated while in the factory or on the shelf at the store.
How Often Should You Wash Sheets?
How often you should wash your sheets depends on a couple of factors. Generally speaking, you should wash your luxury sheets about once a week, but there are some caveats.
If you sleep with another person in your bed you may want to wash and change your sheets once to twice a week. With two people in the bed, you have twice the amount of dirt and debris, so washing more frequently will keep your sheets long-lasting.
If you have pets that sleep with you, you’ll want to change your sheets 3-4 times per week. When you find yourself under the weather, try to change your sheets every day so you diminish the germs in your home.
If you rarely sleep in your bed, you can get by washing your sheets every two weeks. This works best for someone who sleeps alone.
Proper Care of Your Sheets
Washing your sheets keeps all the dirt and debris out of your bed. But what’s the best way to wash your sheets to ensure they’re clean? Here are some washing tips to keep your luxury sheets in the best possible condition.
1. Read the Instructions
Different materials require different washing methods. To wash your sheets properly, the best way is to read the instructions about the care of your sheets. Due to the types of materials sheets are made of, some sheets can only be hand-washed or dry cleaned.
Washing your sheets incorrectly could potentially ruin them, so read the instructions carefully.
2. Wash in Hot Water
Unless otherwise noted by the instructions, wash your sheets in the hottest water possible. This will kill any bacteria or organisms that might be lingering in your sheets.
Some hot water will fade the color of your sheets, so wash them in warm water if you want to maintain a vibrant color.
3. Use Stain Removal
Do you find stains on your sheets more often than you’d like? Use a stain remover before you wash your sheets. Be sure to follow the directions on the stain remover and do not use stain remover on delicate sheets unless directed.
4. Wash Your Sheets Alone
Sheets become bulky and heavy in the washing machine. To avoid bunching and overloading your machine, wash the sheets alone.
When you wash sheets with towels or other clothes, they often do not become completely clean. This is another reason to throw your sheets in the washing machine by themselves.
5. Drying Time
The proper temperature and time the sheets spend in the dryer are vital to them being as clean as possible and improving their softness. Once they’re finished in the wash, place them in the dryer as soon as possible to avoid mold or odor. You should dry them on a medium or low setting to preserve the sheets.
If you prefer, allowing the to line dry in the sun is a great way to give your sheets a clean and crisp feel. Only line dry if the instructions permit.
6. Detergent Matters
The type of detergent you use matters when it comes to washing your sheets. For people with sensitive skin, using a laundry detergent that’s specifically made for sensitive skin should eliminate any itchiness, redness, or dryness you experience.
Remember that some sheets recommend detergents, so be sure to look at the instructions.
7. Don’t Forget Covers
While sheets should be washed once a week, you should also wash your blankets or other comforters on a regular basis. While you don’t have wash them with as much frequency as your sheets, tossing them in the washing machine once every two weeks should do the trick.
Wash Sheets More Often
To wash sheets is to keep your bed a clean and inviting place to sleep after a long day. Washing your sheets keeps them in great condition so you keep your skin and body healthy.
Are you looking for the best luxurious sheets? Visit our website today to see all of our bedding selections. Sleep tight!
