Nearly three-quarters (72%) of Brits admit they don't wash their sheets after sex, according to a new survey by Laundryheap on Just Eat. The habit leaves many sleeping in sweaty, messy bedding for days, with some even confessing to 'marinating' in bodily fluids.
Survey reveals post-sex laundry habits
The survey found that most Brits are content to leave their sheets unwashed after intimacy. On Reddit, one person commented: 'I'm not going to wash my sheets every other day.' Another added: 'I mean how messy did it get? Towels are a thing.'
Some were more graphic in their confessions. One user said: 'I just marinate in bodily juices for a couple of weeks.' Another admitted: 'I just live with it until laundry day.'
However, a minority disagreed. One respondent said: 'I definitely wash sheets after. Even one session ends up with body parts and wetness randomly everywhere, and pillows are used for propping or thrown onto the floor.' Another added: 'I don't want to keep track during or be precious, I just wash everything afterwards.'
Health risks of unwashed sheets
Dr Clair Grainger, for Superdrug Online Doctor, told Metro: 'Throughout the night, our bed sheets collect sweat, dead skin cells, natural body oils and bacteria. Sexual fluids left on bedding can also add moisture and organic material, particularly if the sheets remain damp.'
Dr Grainger added: 'While sleeping in unwashed sheets after sex doesn't automatically mean you'll develop an infection, prolonged contact with damp or soiled fabric can irritate sensitive skin, including around the genital area.'
The doctor also noted that not washing sheets could lead to unpleasant body odour, especially for those who skip a morning shower. For people with sensitive skin, she said: 'For people with eczema or acne-prone skin, sleeping in dirty sheets may aggravate existing symptoms, potentially leading to itching, redness or breakouts.'
The pillowcase trap
Dr Henry Hackney, Head Clinician at DentaVacation, highlighted pillowcases as a particular concern. He told Metro: 'Kissing, oral sex and ordinary overnight drooling all transfer saliva onto pillowcases and sheets, and the mouth is home to hundreds of bacterial species. Many of those are the same bacteria responsible for plaque and gum disease. When saliva dries on fabric, those bacteria keep breaking down proteins and food residue, producing the volatile sulphur compounds that cause bad breath.'
Dr Hackney added: 'That's a big part of why a pillowcase can start to smell stale long before it looks dirty.' He suggested that dirty sheets could affect the skin around the mouth first, noting: 'Patients sometimes notice irritation or dryness at the corners of the mouth.'
Expert advice on washing frequency
Despite the risks, Dr Grainger doesn't think it's necessary to wash sheets after every sexual encounter. She explained: 'I'd generally recommend washing bed sheets at least once a week, although you may need to wash them more frequently if you sweat heavily, sleep without clothing or have sensitive skin. After sex, there's no need to assume you must change your sheets immediately every time. However, if bedding is visibly soiled or damp with bodily fluids, it's sensible to change and wash it rather than leave it for several days.'
Dr Grainger also advises following the fabric's washing instructions and ensuring sheets are thoroughly dried before reuse.
