How Often Should You Wash Your Sheets?
Regularly washing the sheets keeps the sleeping environment clean and healthy. However, what frequency should be considered when laundering bed sheets? Seattle Green Maids, a top-rated eco-friendly cleaning service in Seattle, recommends washing your sheets every 1-2 weeks for optimal hygiene.
Why is frequent sheet washing so important? Our bodies naturally shed dead skin cells, and sweat, and generate natural oils at night. This creates a feeding supply for dust mites, which are microscopic creatures that feed on dead skin. Dust mite droppings are a common allergen that can cause symptoms such as sneezing, a runny nose, and itchy eyes in most people, particularly those with allergies and asthma.
Aside from dust mites, other items that may build up on sheets over time include germs, pollen, pet dander, and other potentially irritating particles. This buildup can cause skin irritation and acne, as well as exacerbate pre-existing allergies. Doing your sheets once a week, or at least every other week, will greatly limit your exposure to these allergens while also promoting a cleaner and better sleep environment.
Seattle Green Maids recommends using the hottest water that the fabric type of your bedding allows. Hot water effectively kills dust mites and removes body oils and sweat from the linens. If you have sensitive skin, choose a moderate, fragrance-free detergent that will not irritate it as much. Adding half a cup of baking soda to the cycle will naturally refresh and deodorize the sheets.
Drying things properly is just as vital as washing them. If feasible, apply high heat in the tumble dryer to eliminate any leftover dust mites, or just line dry them in bright sunlight. The sun's UV rays act as a natural cleaner, helping to rejuvenate your bedding.
Seattle Green Maids does, however, have a few very simple habits that will help keep your sheets cleaner between washes. Showering before bed, especially after sweating or applying lotions or oils to your body, will help reduce how much body soil ends up on your sheets. If you allow pets on your bed, consider using a washable pet bed or blanket to minimize the amount of pet dander and dirt. Finally, change your pillowcases more often than your sheets—ideally 2 to 3 times a week—as they directly come into contact with your face and hair.
But don't forget about the rest of your bedding—comforters, duvets, and blankets—which should be washed every 2-3 months, or more frequently if you have allergies or pets. Mattress coverings should be laundered regularly to keep dust mites, spills, and stains away from your mattress. Vacuum your mattress regularly, and if wanted, sprinkle baking soda on it for a brief amount of time before vacuuming to get an even deeper clean.
With these helpful and mitigating tips from Seattle Green Maids, you can ensure that your mattresses are fresh, clean, and allergen-free in the long run. Seattle Green Maids is a professional, eco-friendly cleaning service dedicated to helping Seattle residents achieve a better living environment. Their skilled team employs cutting-edge, non-toxic, ecologically friendly cleaning products and processes to offer improved indoor air quality and less chemical exposure.
Finally, to keep your bedding clean and hygienic, wash your sheets every 1-2 weeks with hot water and light detergent, tuck them in well to dry, and practice some simple daily habits like taking a bath or shower before sleeping and changing your pillowcases more frequently. Seattle Green Maids is an excellent supplier of eco-friendly cleaning solutions that can assist residents in keeping their bedding—and entire home—fresh and allergen-free. You'll sleep better if you wash your bedding on a regular basis and use green cleaning professionals like Seattle Green Maids.
