A microbiologist has urged Britons to wash their bed sheets weekly, warning that failing to do so creates a breeding ground for bacteria, dust mites, and allergens. The advice comes after a 2022 YouGov poll revealed that only 28 per cent of people in the UK wash their sheets once a week, with some leaving it up to eight weeks between washes.
Each night, sleepers shed hundreds of thousands of skin cells, excrete oils, and sweat up to half a pint of fluid, even after showering. This provides a rich environment for bacteria and fungi to thrive, including staphylococci which break down sweat into smelly byproducts. Dust mites, which feed on skin flakes, produce faecal droppings that are potent allergens linked to eczema, asthma, and allergic rhinitis.
Fungi such as aspergillus fumigatus have also been detected in used pillows, posing risks of serious lung infections for those with weakened immune systems. Pet owners face additional contamination from hair, dander, and faecal traces, making more frequent washing advisable.
The microbiologist recommends washing sheets at 60°C or higher with detergent to kill bacteria and dust mites. For deeper sanitisation, tumble drying or ironing is suggested, and pillows should be frozen for at least eight hours to target mites. Mattresses should be vacuumed weekly, aired regularly, and replaced every seven years.
Duvets, even with covers, should be washed every three to four months, either in a machine if the label allows, or professionally. Treating bedding like towels—with regular hot washes—is also advised to maintain hygiene.
