You Should Never Wait This Long to Wash Your Sheets (Do It Now!)

You might think of your bed as a soft, cozy place to get your rest, but I’m sorry to tell you that if you’re not washing your sheets enough then it can become a spot filled with dirt and grime — and that’s far from relaxing, in my opinion. According to a survey by Mattress Advisory, the average American swaps out their dirty sheets for fresh ones every 24 days, but sheets should be washed way more frequently — at least once a week (or more if you have pets or allergies). So take this as a sign to wash your sheets right now, along with any other bedroom items that need cleaning. 

Along with washing your sheets every week (or more), you’ll want to spend some time cleaning all your other bedroom items, like the duvet cover, pillowcases, throw blankets — you get the picture. Below, find important rules and reminders to follow when it comes to washing everything in your bedroom.

• Sheets should be washed weekly or more, depending on if you have pets or allergies.
• Comforters should be washed once a month to a few times a year, depending on if you have a duvet cover on it.
• Duvet covers should be washed weekly or monthly.
• Blankets should be washed weekly, but throw blankets that you don’t use often (and don’t sit on your bed) can go longer between washes.
• Pillow covers should be washed weekly.
• Pillows should be washed twice a year.
• Decorative pillows should be washed every other month.

Again, like sheets, this can all change based on whether you have allergies or pets, as that can affect how often you should be cleaning these items. 

• Be sure you’re thinking of load size, temperature for washing and drying, and what should be hand-dried vs. machine-dried. Read the care instructions on each item and proceed as stated. 
• Use no more than two tablespoons of detergent — any more and it can be harmful (and wasteful) to your laundry and washer. 
• If you have to visit a laundromat, make sure you are optimizing your time there. 
• To whiten sheets, try using baking soda and vinegar (but not together!). Add half a cup of baking soda to the drum of your washing machine and then some distilled white vinegar to the fabric softener dispenser. They’ll each work their magic to whiten up your clothes.
• And for anything super soiled or if you have a very delicate fabric that’s difficult to wash, you might want to take it to a professional. 

What did you wash today? Tell us in the community forum.

• Sign up for email updates.
• Visit the Spring Cleaning Cure page and catch up on assignments.
• Download the Spring Cleaning Cure calendar.
• Check off that you’ve completed this task and track your overall progress here.
• Join the conversation by checking out the Cure board in our community forum.