We spend about eight hours a night in bed — or at least we should — so it’s worth asking: how often should you really wash your bed sheets?
The topic of cleaning bed sheets recently stirred debate online when influencer Stacey Solomon revealed on Good Morning Britain that she changes her sheets once a week.
Some viewers were stunned. “She’s a mother of how many? She is honestly saying she changes every single bed every single week AND does the housework? She must have a cleaner,” one user commented on X. Others admitted to washing their bedding less frequently, often every two weeks, claiming it was “plenty.”
But according to dermatologists, washing your sheets weekly is more than just a good habit — it’s essential for your skin and respiratory health.
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Why dirty sheets could be damaging your skin
Dermatologists agree that unwashed sheets can become a breeding ground for bacteria, fungi, dust mites, and allergens, all of which can worsen existing skin conditions or trigger new breakouts.
“If you have a bacterial or inflammatory skin condition such as acne or psoriasis, I recommend washing your sheets at least twice per week,” says Cigdem Kemal-Yilmaz, chemical engineer and founder of Skin Masterclass.
During the day, your skin picks up pollution, oil, sweat, and dead skin cells — all of which end up on your bedding. These contaminants, when left unchecked, can clog pores, inflame sensitive skin, and contribute to conditions like acne, eczema and psoriasis.
To protect your skin, Cigdem recommends washing your sheets and pillowcases in the warmest temperature suitable for the fabric — ideally 60°C — to kill lingering pathogens. Drying sheets in a tumble dryer or well-ventilated area is also key to preventing damp and mould build-up.
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More than just skin health
The impact of dirty bedding goes beyond skin. Prolonged exposure to dust mites and allergens can exacerbate asthma and allergies, particularly in warmer months when sweat and pollen are more prevalent.
“Those with eczema or asthma may experience worsened symptoms if their sheets aren’t cleaned regularly,” says Dr. Hamdan Abdullah Hamed, a dermatologist. “Regardless of the material, bedding should be washed at least once a week to reduce exposure to bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other irritants.”
Even if your sheets look clean, they may be harbouring microscopic threats that affect your breathing, especially overnight. Experts from Clear It Waste, a London-based waste management company, also highlight the risk of parasites, body odours, and pollen build-up — particularly in summer.
“With rising temperatures, people sweat more during sleep, which makes regular washing every one to two weeks essential,” they advise.
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The best pillowcase for skin and hair
Looking to level up your beauty sleep? Dr Hamdan recommends switching to a silk or satin pillowcase. These materials reduce friction on the skin and hair, helping to prevent wrinkles, split ends, and moisture loss.
“Silk absorbs less moisture than traditional fabrics and is especially helpful for maintaining skin hydration and reducing irritation,” says Dr Hamdan. “It’s a simple swap that can really improve both skin and hair health.”
How often should you change your sheets?
Experts say once a week at minimum, and twice weekly if you’re dealing with acne, allergies or eczema. For even better results, wash at 60°C, dry thoroughly and consider upgrading to silk pillowcases to protect your skin and hair.
Your bed should be a place of rest — not a breeding ground for bacteria. A consistent cleaning routine could make all the difference in how your skin looks and feels, while also supporting your overall health.
Feature image credit: Canva
