TV cleaning guru settles debate on how often to wash your bedsheets and pillows

12 September 2023 , 11:59

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You may have to wash sheets and pillows more often than you think (Stock Image) (Image: Getty Images)

How often you're supposed to wash household items sparks quite the debate. Recently, it was revealed that 3% of Brits only wash their towels once a year, and some people were horrified - especially when they learned that towels should be washed every three uses. But people are also always wondering how often you should wash your bedding and pillows.

Cleaning expert Kim Woodburn has shared how often bedsheets and pillows should be washed, sharing that there's "no excuse" to not clean often enough in today's society, as we're more than aware of what is hygienic and what is not.

Bedsheets should be washed "at least once a week" according to Kim, and sheets should be put on a hot wash of at least 60 - but 80 degrees if you can. Kim highlighted that you spend a lot of time in bed "doing all sorts", so it's super important to not leave it longer than a week, the Sun reports.

And it's important that your pillow gets a proper deep clean every six months to keep it free of dust mites and to "keep it fresh." Also, she recommends washing on a sunny day so that it can be dried effectively, but she said: "Always check the care label on your pillow before putting it in the washing machine as some materials need to be hand-washed or dry cleaned." Kim also shared that a protective pillow case is ideal to use.

This is similar advice to bedding experts at Bed Kingdom, who said: "Once a week is a healthy balance between washing sheets regularly enough to avoid the build-up of bacteria, germs, and dirt, without being so often that it becomes hard to fit into your routine. Still, changing your bed sheets weekly can feel like a hassle, especially if you're busy with work, taking care of kids, or just keeping on top of daily chores. So why do you need to change your bedding this often?

Cleaning guru shares why you shouldn't make your bed first thing in the morning

"We lose a lot of fluid and body oils each night through sweating and respiration. We shed dead skin cells, and dirt rubs off our bodies as we toss and turn. These can build up over a week, making your bed sheets dirty and smelly. This can attract bacteria and fungi, which can cause various skin and health conditions."

Danielle Kate Wroe