We spend around a third of our lives in bed, and at the end of a long day, the last thing we want to think about is what may be hiding in our bedsheets. On average, fewer than half of all Americans wash their sheets once or twice a month, resulting in an accumulation of sweat, skin cells, and dust that allow for bacteria and mold to thrive, providing a less than restful experience. This makes the washing of sheets essential, so let’s take a closer look at how often bedspreads should be changed.

Pillowcases

Throughout the day, hairs collect a buildup of oils and dirt, which are transferred to our pillowcases when we sleep. It was found that the average pillowcase gains nearly 3 million bacterial colony forming units (CFU) per square inch for every week it is not washed, which is almost 10 times more bacteria than a standard pet food bowl. This includes gram-negative and gram-positive rods which can cause skin infections. This accumulation of dirt and oils can also contribute to skin blemishes including blackheads and acne.

Bedsheets

Like pillowcases, after one week of use, bedsheets soon become home to 5 million CFU, which is 238x more than the average kitchen sink.

In addition to bacteria, bedsheets are often covered in dead skin cells. The average adult sheds 500 million skin cells each day, which are then consumed by dust mites. The longer we go without washing our sheets, the more time these mites have to grow, multiply and produce waste which many people are . Dust mite allergies may cause symptoms similar to seasonal allergies, including sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and congestion, while more serious allergies can result in respiratory issues including asthma.

Mattresses

Mattresses are also home to millions of bacteria. Mattresses that are one year old were found to have 3 million CFU, the same as a one-week-old pillowcase, while a seven-year-old mattresses has a wider variety of bacteria and over 16 million CFU. Thankfully, since mattresses are touched less frequently than pillows and sheets, they accumulate microbes much more slowly. Mattresses can be very difficult to clean, so frequent washing of sheets and the use of mattress protectors may slow this process down further.

How Often Should I Wash My Sheets?

• Sheets should be washed regularly, at least once a week with warm or hot water. 60°C is recommended to kill bacteria and fungus. For more specific cleaning instructions refer to the care label
• While mattresses may not be able to be washed at home, vacuuming with an upholstery attachment can remove dust and lint from the surface
• Pillows and duvets should be professionally cleaned, rather than cleaned at home, as improper drying of these items can result in mold growth
• Before making the bed, allow the moisture in the sheets to evaporate and the bedspread to cool down as a means of minimizing mold growth and dust mites
• Use a mattress protector for an extra layer of protection, and wash it every two months
• Consider using antimicrobial pillows and bedspreads to minimize the microbes sharing your bed

Bio-Vanguard’s antimicrobial treatment process offers long-lasting protection against harmful bacteria and odor-causing molds that grow on fabrics. Treated fabrics trap and puncture microbes, preventing them from growing and multiplying on your bed. This technology is easy to apply and incorporate into a variety of manufacturing processes, is compatible with a wide range of textiles including examples, and is remains effective even after ##### washes, to provide long-lasting hygiene and odor-control. Learn more about Bio-Vanguard’s antimicrobial fabric treatment process, and how they can be incorporated to protect your products info@bio-vanguard.com.