Wash Sheets More Often to Stop Gross Dust Mite Spread

Most people do not wash their bed sheets and bath towels frequently enough, leading to the rapid spread of microscopic dust mites and germs. Experts recommend washing these items every one to two weeks, but the average person waits much longer. ^[1]

Studies show that the average person waits about 24 days to wash their bedsheets and up to 25 days to wash their pillowcases. A study in the UK found that single men often wait up to four months before washing their sheets. Overall, 5% of people wash their bedding only once or twice a year.

Humans shed skin cells every single day.

Humans shed skin cells every single day. Dust mites feed directly on these dead skin cells. The longer bedding goes unwashed, the more these distinct ecosystems of germs and mites grow into a larger microbial community. Hot water or special washing machine settings should be used to kill these organisms.

Allergy and immunology specialist Dr. Sandra A. Ho explains the importance of maintaining this cleaning routine. “So, regular removal of skin cells and dust mites with washing helps to keep your bed—where you spend a third of your life—optimized,” Dr. Ho said.

This microbial community can cause physical health problems. Dust mite allergies affect an estimated 20 million people in the United States. These organisms contribute to asthma, eczema flares, and allergic rhinitis. Complications can lead to hospital visits and severe skin infections.

There are visible signs that bedding needs immediate washing.

There are visible signs that bedding needs immediate washing. People should look for stains, sweat marks, dirt, crumbs, or bugs. A sticky texture or a bad odor also means it is time to do laundry. People suffering from unexpected allergy or asthma flare-ups should prioritize washing their sheets right away.