If you’re worried that you may not be changing over your bedlinen and towels as often as you should then you’re definitely not alone. Over half of us admit that we probably should be putting things in the wash more often, but we all lead busy lives and it’s not always easy to find the time. Below is a handy guide as to how often you should wash or replace your sheets, bedding and towels.

Sheets

Wash every 1-2 weeks

The truth is, bed sheets acquire a serious collection of sweat, body oils, saliva, dirt and more (but we’ll stop there to avoid grossing you out too much).

On average, most experts recommend weekly washings. This is especially true if you or your partner are sweaty sleepers, if you’re allergy prone or if you sleep with pets in the bed. If none of those apply to you, you might be able to get away with washing your sheets once every two weeks.

Pillows

Replace every 2 years

Our heads are heavy, and bearing that weight night after night will eventually cause your pillow to flatten and lose its shape. Pillows are also a common breeding ground for dust mites which feed on the dead skin. A good quality memory foam pillow will last you longer than an inexpensive polyester pillow, but on average you should look to replace your pillow every 2 years. Some of the clear signs that your pillow must go are:

-There are noticeable lumps in the material

-There are permanent stains from body oil and sweat

-You wake up with aches and pains, particularly in your neck or back

-You wake up with headaches or are developing tension headaches

-You wake up with allergy symptoms

-You constantly have to fluff up your pillow to be comfortable (feather pillows only)

Quilt

Replace every 5 years

Your quilt is one of the most important elements of your bedding because it plays a key role in regulating your body temperature and keeping you comfortable while you sleep. The quality of your quilt will determine how long you should keep hold of it, with the higher quality, luxury quilts tending to last a little longer than others. If you’re not sure if your duvet needs replacing, look out for these red flags:

-It feels thin and limp due to the filling being compressed

-It feels lumpy due to the filling being unevenly spread

-The filling is leaking out due to rips, split seams or thinning of the casing

-There are permanent stains from body oil and sweat

Protectors

Wash every 2 months

It’s recommended to wash your mattress and pillow protectors once every two months unless anyone has an accident or a spill in which you should wash them immediately. The purpose of a protector is to shield your mattress or pillow from stains and other bacteria and increase their longevity. If you don’t use protectors at all or don’t wash them often enough, you’re decreasing the lifespan of other more expensive bedroom items.

Mattress

Replace every 8 years

The general rule is that a mattress should be changed every 7 to 10 years. This is for both hygiene and health reasons. As not all mattresses are of the same quality, when it hits the 7 year mark and you’re wondering whether it needs replacing, just listen to your body and look out for the following signs:

-There are lumps in the pillow top

-There are dead spots in the springs

-You can visibly see your sleep impressions

-You are waking up with aches and pains

Bathroom Towels

Wash every week

Despite only being used against your already clean body, towels need to be washed much more regularly than you may think. Each time you use your towel to scrub your body, dead skin cells cling to the material. If you start to get a musty smell from your towel, that’s bacteria growing on the towel itself. As towels are often damp and warm, they’re the perfect breeding ground for bugs and germs. Failing to wash your towels regularly enough could also lead to skin irritation and breakouts.

Tea Towels

Wash once or twice a week

Tea towels are usually extremely absorbent and spend a lot of time being damp which means they are the perfect home for bacteria. Wash and rotate your tea towels at least once a week if not twice and avoid using them as ‘hand towels’ after washing your hands. Try and keep a separate towel for your hands and one for drying the dishes. 

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