#health myths #healthy lifestyle #dermatology+3

How Often Should Bedding Be Changed?

28 października 2025

2 min czytania

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Most people change their bedding (including sheets, pillowcases, and sometimes blankets) once every two to four weeks. Allergists and dermatologists say that it should be done more often than this. When should you do it, and how do you take care of your bedding in general?

Najważniejsze wnioski

Most people change their bedding (including sheets, pillowcases, and sometimes blankets) once every two to four weeks.
How often should you change bedding?
What fabric to choose

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Autor artykułu

Dr. Natalie

Allergist-immunologist

How often should you change bedding?

We spend 6–9 hours a day in bed. During this time we sweat, particles of epithelium remain on the linen, the pillowcases get sebum products of the head and saliva, and the dust settles on the bed. All of this put together creates an ideal environment for the reproduction of bacteria.

The optimal period for changing the bed linen is every 7 days if you sleep without any clothing, and every 14 days if you sleep with pajamas or other clothing. Either way, pillowcases should be changed every 5–7 days, and it is better to wash them at 140 degrees F or higher if the fabric composition allows it.

What fabric to choose

Some believe that it is best to sleep in silk underwear, but this is only true for pillowcases as silk has a better effect on the skin and hair. For sheets, hygroscopicity is more important — so satin, chintz, bamboo fabrics, calico, poplin, percale, and flannel are optimal. The duvet cover can be made of anything — but in general, it is more comfortable if the fabric of the sheet and the duvet cover are the same.

Should you iron?

There is no consensus here, as both have their pros and cons.

Pros:

Disinfection and extra protection against bacteria
A more pleasant touch
Aesthetics

Cons:

Hygroscopicity decreases due to the compaction of fabric fibers
Decreases wind permeability
Loss of fit and finish faster

Linens should be ironed if the person has skin diseases, more acute respiratory infections or if he or she lets pets sit or sleep in the bed.

How do I wash my bedding?

It is better to choose liquid products with softening components and without perfumes and fragrances. The temperature regime depends on the type of fabric: for silk, the optimal washing temperature is 86 degrees F, and for satin and cotton it is 140 degrees F.

How should pillows and blankets be cared for?

At least once a month, pillows and blankets should be aired out by spreading them out on a well-ventilated surface and letting them "breathe" for 10–12 hours. Blankets should be washed once every 2–3 months, then allowed to dry flat — ideally in the fresh air.

Bedding accessories should be changed as they wear out. On average, pillows last for 2–3 years, blankets 5–7 years, and mattresses 5–10 years. However, if the pillow no longer holds its shape, the blanket appears hollow or lumpy, or the mattress doesn’t feel as dense and smooth as it originally did, it is time to replace them.

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