Freshly cleaned sheets can make starting your week feel rejuvenating, but there’s more lurking on your linens than you might realize. According to UC Santa Barbara, humans shed about 500 million skin cells daily. Given that we spend a quarter of our day sleeping, a significant amount of those cells end up on our sheets. Moreover, oils, lotions, and creams applied before bed can seep into your bedding, potentially causing skin issues if not washed off regularly.
“Dead skin cells attract dust mites, which can trigger allergies,” explains Becnel. “Additionally, sweat, drool, pet hair, and dust accumulate rapidly, so it’s wise to wash your sheets weekly to avoid stuffy noses and other discomforts.” Murphy adds that frequent washing not only benefits our health but also extends the life of our linens, particularly if you’ve invested in high-quality sheets that you want to last.
“Another reason to launder your linens weekly is that dirt and dead skin cells infiltrate the cotton fibers, causing them to break down and leading to pilling,” Murphy says. This degradation can shorten the lifespan of your sheets, making regular cleaning essential.
When washing your sheets, ensure they are thoroughly rinsed to remove all detergent residues. As modern washers and concentrated detergents are more efficient, you might need less detergent than you think. If your sheets lose their crispness, try an extra rinse cycle or two to eliminate any remaining detergent build-up. This can help restore their original feel.
Murphy also recommends avoiding heavily scented detergents with additives. These can irritate the skin and contribute to further build-up on your linens, defeating the purpose of cleaning them. Stick to gentle, fragrance-free options to keep your sheets in top condition and ensure a comfortable, healthy sleep environment.
