Exactly how often you should wash bedsheets in summer, according to experts

Daily Record

19-05-2025

Some folk love washing the bedsheets and are firmly in the once a week camp when it comes to clean, fresh bedding. For others it's a chore and they might be more likely to leave them on a bit longer to avoid the task. But how often should you be washing them in the summer months when the temperatures are warmer?
Experts have waded in on the debate and you probably should be washing your sheets far more often than you think, according to them. And the answer may surprise even those who have a regimented laundry regime for their bedding.
Of course, bedding should be washed regularly as every night your sheets, pillows and duvet cover accumulates dead skin and dirt which, although you can't see, makes them unsanitary after a while.
Experts at the Sleep Foundation found that the majority of householders don't wash their bedsheets often enough.
They said: "Even after a few days, bed sheets can accumulate significant amounts of dirt, dead skin cells, body oils, sweat, and dust mites - including their carcasses and faecal matter," reports The Express.
They recommend washing bedding at least once a week to rid it of dust mites which multiply rapidly and feed on dead skin cells.
Tens of thousands of dust mites can inhabit your mattress and bedding at any given time, but washing sheets regularly is the most effective way to eliminate them.
And if you share your bed with your pet, that frequency should increase.
But cleaning enthusiast and author of Live, Laugh, Laundry, Laura Mountford (@Lauracleanaholic), says that hot weather means bedding will inevitably get dirtier faster.
In the summer months she suggests washing pillowcases, duvet covers twice a week.
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Laura notes that it is easier than most people think, thanks to the efficiency of modern detergents; there's no longer a need to wash bedding at high temperatures.
She says that if you invest in good-quality detergents, they will clean effectively even on cool washes as low as 20 degrees.
If you are still dubious about washing bedding at this temperature, it could be worth using a laundry cleanser to kill bacteria and viruses.
In-wash scent boosters can prolong the fresh-scent of clean laundry, but many experts agree that drying bedding outdoors is just as effective - and uses no chemicals.
Lenor's laundry professionals explain that line-dried clothes have a unique smell, thanks to the photochemical reaction that takes place when solar rays hit wet fabric.
They said: "Hung outside, the ultraviolet light from the sun kills bacteria effectively in your laundry."
How to wash bed sheets
Regardless of how often you wash your bedding, it's important to always read and follow all of the care instructions on the label.
First, pre-treat stains, wash your bed sheets separately from other items, and avoid mixing lights, darks, and colours. The Sleep Foundation notes that overcrowding the washing machine can prevent a thorough cleanse.
Set the washing machine to the appropriate temperature setting.
Use a gentle detergent according to your machine's instructions.
Set your machine to a gentle cycle.
If you have sensitive skin, consider washing your bed sheets a second time in just water to remove lingering detergent residue.
Immediately transfer the bed sheets to the dryer or clothes line to avoid mould growth and odour.