The Truth About Towels and Sheets: How Often Should You Really Wash Them?

Let’s be honest: laundry isn’t exactly anyone’s favourite weekend plan. And while we’re all (mostly) on top of our daily outfit rotation, there’s one area of home hygiene many of us gently ignore - our bed sheets and towels.

But how long is too long before that crisp white bedding turns into a bacteria spa? And is that fluffy towel harbouring more than just yesterday’s makeup?

We asked the experts, and yes, your mum was probably right.

How Often Should You Wash Your Bed Sheets?

The golden rule? Once a week.

According to dermatologists and microbiologists, our beds are havens for dead skin cells, sweat, body oils, dust mites, and if you sleep with pets or eat in bed (guilty!), the list only gets longer. Leaving your sheets for too long can irritate skin, trigger allergies, and in some cases, even cause breakouts.

Exceptions:

• If you’re a hot sleeper or prone to night sweats: aim for every 3–4 days

• Pet in the bed? Twice a week

// What About Towels?

Towels are moist, warm, and perfect breeding grounds for bacteria, especially if they’re left to sit scrunched on the bathroom floor. The general rule of thumb? Every 3–4 uses.

And yes, hand towels need even more love—they should be swapped out every 1–2 days, especially in shared bathrooms.

Always hang towels flat to dry between uses. A damp, bunched-up towel can start to grow mould or mildew in as little as 24–48 hours.

// The Gross Truth - That Might Motivate You

• A 7-day-old pillowcase can have more bacteria than a toilet seat.

• Bath towels can carry coliform bacteria (the kind found in, you guessed it, faeces).

• Unwashed sheets may worsen acne and eczema.

Think of laundry not just as a chore, but as a little act of self-care. Clean sheets = better sleep. Fresh towels = happier skin. And let's face it, there’s no better feeling than slipping into a freshly made bed after a long day. Bonus points if it smells like lavender.