Here's How Often You Should Clean Bed Sheets In The Summer (& The Best Way To Do It)

With how much time we spend in our beds, it's not surprising that we should be washing our sheets often. After all, they can accumulate bacteria, dirt, dead skin cells, dust mites, and oil.  Most experts recommend laundering sheets weekly, while others say it's okay if it's pushed back to every two weeks. What about during the summer, though? Since it's hot outside, it's extra sticky, meaning there's a lot more sweat being produced. That's why it's often best that sheets get tossed in the laundry more frequently than in the cooler months.

However, how often you wash your sheets in the summertime can depend on several factors. Having air conditioning can make a difference, as you're not getting as sweaty at night. If this is the case, it might be fine to stick to your weekly washing schedule. But if you reside in a very humid area, don't have AC, or are someone who sweats while you sleep, then washing and changing your sheets should occur every few days. Cleaning them twice a week during the summer is a good idea in order to keep them as germ-free as possible.

There are other reasons why you should be laundering your sheets more often in the summer. If you let your pets sleep with you at night, or you have asthma or allergies, it's important to put on a new set every few days. Also, change them if you or someone in your family has been ill and slept in the bed. To help keep your bedding fresh and clean, consider showering at night, wearing pajamas, not eating in bed, and not allowing your pets to join you. Try and keep your room as cool as possible to avoid becoming extra sweaty at night.

When it comes to cleaning your sheets, be sure to check the label for specific washing instructions before you toss them in. Separate them from other items, and if possible, use hot water as it's best for getting rid of germs. Otherwise, use a warm-water cycle with mild detergent. Shake the sheets out after washing, and let them dry in the sun or in the dryer on low heat. Before putting them away, make sure that they're completely dry to avoid mildew and mold.

Your other bedding should be washed more frequently in the summer as well. It doesn't have to be as often as your sheets, which you lay directly on — but it's important that things like your duvet, blankets, and mattress pad get cleaned regularly as well. You should even be giving your pillows a deep clean from time to time. Make a summer routine for washing all your bedding, and it'll allow you to sleep better and more comfortably at night.