How often should you wash your sheets?

Nothing causes a debate quite like asking how often you should wash sheets. Everyone’s answers can vary with different wash schedules that range from every week to every month (and sometimes even longer!). 

But, how often should you actually wash your bed sheets? We’ve created the ultimate guide to washing bed sheets with all the answers that you need. You’ll find out how often to wash sheets, how to wash them (including linen sheets) and if you should wash new sheets before putting them on your bed.

How often to wash bed sheets

Generally, it’s recommended that you wash your bed sheets at least once a week. This includes your quilt cover, fitted and top sheets, and pillowcases. Ideally, pillowcases should be changed even less than a week. That’s because your pillowcase can collect more dirt from your hair, which can then impact the skin on your face. 

Washing your bed linen weekly will help remove the built-up dirt, dead skin, mites, fungus and bacteria that can begin to gather in as little as one day. You may find yourself washing your sheets two times a week if it’s particularly hot, like the summer months, when you may sweat more. 

How to wash bed sheets

So how exactly do you wash your bed sheets to keep them soft and smelling fresh? Whether you’re using a washing machine, or washing by hand, it’s easy to keep your bed sheets clean.

How to wash your sheets by hand

If you don’t have a washing machine or prefer to wash by hand, there are plenty of ways you can easily wash them by hand. Here’s how:

• If you have multiple sets to wash, start by separating them by colour. 
• Fill your bathtub, kitchen sink or a large, clean tub with water at the temperature indicated on the care label of your sheets.
• Add one tablespoon of detergent to the water per set of sheets, gently stirring it to ensure any powder detergent is fully dissolved.
• Submerge your sheets fully in the water, and leave for 30 to 60 minutes. If they are particularly dirty or soiled, you can soak them overnight.
• Drain the tub or sink, and rinse your sheets with fresh water until no longer sudsy. 
• Ring out your sheets as much as possible.
• Hang on the line to dry.

How to wash bed sheets in washing machine

One of the easiest and best ways to wash sheets is to pop them in your washing machine. But, what setting to wash bed sheets with? If your washing machine has one, always use the sheets setting. However, a gentle cycle will also work just as well. You should also use the warmest water outlined on your sheet’s care label to ensure you’re properly disinfecting your sheets.

If possible, hang the sheets on a washing line to dry as the UV light will help further sanitise your sheets, and can even help brighten white sheets. Where you do need to put them in a dryer, be sure to check the care label to check for a specific setting.

How to wash linen bed sheets

Linen bed sheets are a more delicate fabric, so need a little extra care when washing than your standard cotton sheet sets. To best care for them, you should always wash linen sheets on a gentle or delicate washing cycle, avoiding hot water. Make sure to always check your care label for what water temperature to use - especially for linen sheets. It’s best to use a mild detergent, ideally made for delicate fabrics.

Should you wash new sheets before using?

You should always wash new sheets before using them. Washing new sheets will help remove any leftover substances from the manufacturing process, as well as any bacteria. Plus, it can help remove any smell that may have built up while they were stored.

You should always wash new sheets separately following the care instructions to ensure you don’t stain other fabrics and to best care for your new bedding. 

Should I wash bed sheets separately?

Should you and can you wash bed sheets with clothes? The short answer is no, you shouldn’t. 

If you’ve ever washed your bedding with your clothes, you’ll know how easily they can become tangled together. It’s best to separate them so that your sheets have enough room in your machine to be effectively cleaned. Clothes can also have buttons, zips and other accessories that could damage your sheets, particularly more delicate sheet fabrics, like linen. Plus, this way you can avoid that stray sock from getting thrown into the mix! 

Sheets may also need different detergents, temperatures and wash cycles to ensure they’re properly cleaned and to help them last. 

Looking for more advice on all things bedroom and sleep? Explore our blog with articles like whether cotton, linen or classic sheets truly are the best and other ways to make your bedroom nice and cosy.