I Never Wash My Sheets Once a Week — Here’s Why

“How often do you wash your sheets?” It’s a question I’ve heard countless times — on social media and in casual conversations — and no matter the answer, it often feels like an invitation for judgment. While the most commonly cited rule of thumb is once a week, the truth is that how often you wash your sheets can (and should) vary based on lifestyle, climate, and personal needs.

Washing your sheets weekly is a solid guideline, but I personally don’t follow it. Sometimes I wash my sheets every nine days, and other times it’s every 12 days. Here’s why.

I’ve always been mindful of my water and electricity usage. Because of that, I’ve landed on a schedule that feels both practical and intentional, depending on the season. 

In the cooler winter and spring months here in Southern California, I wash my sheets every 12 days. And during summer and fall, I shorten that to about every nine days, adjusting as needed during heat waves. I wash my quilt or comforter roughly every six weeks, give or take, and I change my pillow shams every four days. Between washes, I like to give my bed and pillows a light spritz with a linen spray for a quick refresh.

According to experts, weekly washing isn’t the only acceptable option — but there is a limit. “It’s typically expert-recommended to wash your sheets between one and two weeks, depending on the season, allergies, and how ‘hot’ you sleep,” says Tom Ceconi, president of Heritage Park Laundry Essentials. “I would not recommend anyone go longer than two weeks between regular washing of sheets because even if you are not perspiring and your sheets seem clean, you are always shedding tiny skin particles which are food for dust mites, a microscopic yet significant allergen.” In short, stretching beyond two weeks isn’t ideal — but washing somewhere within that window can still be hygienic.

My slightly extended schedule also works because my husband and I don’t have skin sensitivities — something dermatologists say makes a difference. “If you have no acne, no eczema, no allergies, no pets in the bed, and you shower before bed, washing sheets every 10 to 14 days when the weather is cold is usually reasonable,” says Shamsa Kanwal, a board-certified dermatologist with over a decade of clinical experience.

That said, she adds an important caveat: “If you sweat at night, weekly is still the safer target. Most importantly, wash your pillowcases or shams every three to four days, especially if you use hair products often, and get a mattress protector if you don’t already have one and wash it monthly.”

Both Kanwal and Ceconi recommend using pH-neutral, fragrance-free, eco-friendly detergents and skipping dryer sheets, fabric softeners, and scent beads to keep your sheets, pillowcase covers, and other bedroom fabric items as clean as possible. Investing in a mattress protector can also make a noticeable difference. For me, those habits make it easier to push sheet-washing day without feeling guilty (or gross), while still being mindful about water and energy use.