How often should you wash your sheets? You might not like the answer

I hate to break it to you, but your bed might be kind of gross right now. Even if you're the type to shower before climbing in, every night while you sleep, you sweat and shed dead skin cells, oils and bacteria. All that builds up on your sheets and pillowcases, creating a nasty brew that can lead to skin irritation and breakouts. The unpleasant news doesn't stop there. Those dead skin cells you're shedding attract dust mites, and those nasty little guys leave behind all sorts of grime and allergens.

The average American changes their sheets every 24 days, according to a Sleep Advisor survey. That’s far less frequent than what health experts recommend. We spoke with Dr. Shoshana Marmon, a board-certified dermatologist, and Dr. Sakina Bajowala, an immunologist and medical director at Kaneland Allergy and Asthma, to get the lowdown on how often you should really be washing your bedding — including blankets, pillowcases, mattress covers, pillows and even your mattress. Turns out, unless you like sleeping in a petri dish, this is one chore you shouldn't put off.

Here's what to know about how often you should wash your sheets, blankets and other bedding, and why it matters.

Your sheets are in constant contact with your skin, so it’s no surprise that both Marmon and Bajowala recommend washing them once a week. Think of it like changing clothes — you wouldn’t wear the same outfit for a week without washing it; your sheets deserve the same treatment.

Sleeping for eight hours a night means you’re exposed to sweat, oils, dead skin, dust and more for 56 hours every week. Over time, that buildup attracts dust mites, which can lay up to 50 eggs every few weeks. The longer you wait to wash your sheets, the more you invite these microscopic pests into your bed.

If you have sensitive skin, eczema, acne, psoriasis, or if you sweat a lot (or share your bed with pets), Marmon advises washing your pillowcases and sheets even more frequently.

To make your laundry routine easier, it's smart to keep a few sheet sets in rotation. If you're in the market for new bed sheets, a viscose and bamboo blend is great for comfort, but if you tend to sleep hot, consider investing in a good set of cooling sheets.

Because your pillowcases spend hours in direct contact with your face and hair, they're quick to collect oils, dirt and anything your hair picks up during the day. That grime doesn't just stay put — it can work its way into your pores while you sleep, potentially leading to breakouts, irritation and even eye infections.

"Washing your pillowcases at least once a week is generally recommended to maintain good skin hygiene," Marmon says.

And if you use hair products, sleep in makeup or skip nighttime showers, you might want to toss them in the wash more often. If you've had a recent cold, toss them in the wash tonight. If you're in a pinch, flipping your pillow mid-week can give you a slightly fresher surface until laundry day.

Even if your comforter isn't in direct contact with your skin, it's still picking up oils and sweat, especially if you tend to cuddle it or skip the top sheet. Without that extra layer acting as a barrier, your comforter requires weekly washing along with your other bedding.

Use a top sheet? You've bought yourself some extra time. In that case, Marmon says your comforter only needs to be washed every one to two months. If you use a duvet cover, be sure to wash it monthly — and you can go longer between cleanings for the insert.

Can't remember the last time your comforter or duvet saw the inside of a washer? Play it safe and toss it in the wash this week.

The answer depends on which type of mattress protector you have. If you have a vinyl mattress protector, Bajowala says to wipe it down every time you wash your sheets and let it air dry.

If you have a cloth mattress protector that isn't tightly woven, she says those aren't very helpful for keeping dust mites off your mattress and instead recommends using a tightly woven allergen cover. "Dust mite covers and allergen covers are designed to be tightly woven so the space between the threads is microscopic and allergens can't get through." Those typically only need to be washed once a month.

You may not think about your pillows much since they're covered by pillowcases, but you should be washing them too. Marmon recommends giving them a good cleaning every 3 to 6 months. You can extend that time if you use pillow protectors — I use these. Make sure you check the cleaning label before you toss your pillows into the washer and dryer: some, like feather pillows, may have special instructions.

Since pillows can also harbor dirt, oil, sweat, dust mites and dead skin (and inevitably lose support over time), Marmon recommends replacing them altogether every 1 to 2 years. If it's past that time for you, take a look at our list of the best pillows for every type of sleeper.

If you've spent any time on CleanTok (that's code for the cleaning videos on TikTok), you've probably seen creators vacuuming their mattresses. While the thought of standing on your bed vacuuming might sound crazy, it actually works to remove those dust mites and dead skin cells. (A cordless vacuum may be easier to work with here.)

"Vacuuming your mattress helps eliminate dust mites, dead skin cells and allergens," says Marmon. Bajowala agrees, adding that "using a HEPA filter-equipped vacuum can remove dust mites and their particles." However, she emphasizes that you should vacuum your mattress monthly to reap the benefits and warns that vacuuming alone is insufficient. You still need to wash your bedding regularly in hot water and manage indoor humidity to ensure your bed stays clean and fresh.

Bajowala recommends washing your sheets at the highest temperature the fabric can withstand. "The sterilize cycle or 130°F will get the job done," she says, when it comes to killing dust mites.

That said, not all sheets can take the heat, so always check the care label first. For example, some bamboo sheets are labeled for cold water only, while silk sheets should definitely avoid hot water due to how delicate they are (which is why I've never taken the plunge on buying a set). Cotton, on the other hand, tends to be more durable and can usually handle higher temps.

Still, Bajowala cautions, "Don’t buy bedding that can't be washed in hot water," especially if you're sensitive to dust mites. "People with dust mite allergies shouldn't purchase those types of sheets."

While there's no universal rule for how often you should wash your sheets, once a week is a good baseline, especially if you're not showering at night or you share your bed with pets. That said, small changes can help stretch the time between washes: rinse off before bed, keep furry companions off the covers and rotate your pillowcases midweek. And while more frequent washings might feel like one more thing to pile onto your already long to-do list, there is something undeniably satisfying about climbing into freshly washed sheets.