How often should bed sheets be washed?

You should wash your sheets at least once a week , according to experts. Washing your sheets once a week removes dust mites, bacteria, dead skin cells, and bodily fluids that are shed throughout the week.

Should you wash other bedding before you use it?

Like new sheets, you should wash other bedding—like quilts, comforters, pillows, or blankets—before using it for the first time. Washing these items before using them helps to rid them of lingering dust or dirt from the factory or from the packaging.

Should You Wash New Sheets Before You Sleep in Them? Here's What Experts Say

Find out, once and for all, if you need to run new linens through the washing machine before making a fresh bed.

By

Nashia Baker

and

Alexandra Kelly

Updated on July 22, 2024

modern lamp on table side with picture frame on wall — Photo: KhongkitWiriyachan / Getty Images

After you buy a new set of sheets from the store, there's only one major thing left to do: Make your bed. But there's a catch. Even though your brand-new sheets have never been used, you may want to think twice before smoothing them across your mattress before cleaning them. Here, experts explain why washing your new sheets before you sleep on them is always the right call.

Christian Alexander, president and CEO of Nest Bedding
Mark and Ben McLean, sheet experts and the founders of Benji Sleep

Why You Should Always Wash New Sheets

Is it truly necessary to wash your new sheets before you use them? According to the experts, yes, it absolutely is. "This way, you remove the dust and dirt they may have accumulated while in the factory or on the shelf at the store," says Christian Alexander, the president and CEO of Nest Bedding.

These allergens like dust can cause skin irritation, so you'll want to clean them to avoid any potential health concerns, say Mark and Ben McLean, sheet experts and the founders of Benji Sleep.

How to Wash New Sheets

When washing your new sheets for the first time, Alexander recommends reading the manufacturer's instructions. Since different materials will require different care, this can help make sure your sheets are getting cleaned the right way (especially since some varieties are hand-wash or dry-clean only).

Materials You'll Need

Make sure you have these materials on hand when washing new sheets.

Washing machine
Gentle laundry detergent or specialized laundry detergent

Instructions

How you wash your sheets will depend on the fabric they're made from, as some sets require certain detergents or machine settings. Read the care tag on the label for more specified instructions. General steps are as follows:

Separate your new sheets from other items in your laundry load.
Add your gentle laundry detergent to the machine.
Wash your sheets in the hottest water possible to kill lingering bacteria and germs. (But wash them in warm water if the fabric is particularly bright—this way, the color will stay vibrant.)

You'll also want to wash the sheets separately from other items in your laundry load since the long fabric can become bunched in the washing machine; tossing them in with other items, like towels, might not result in the best possible clean.

How to Dry New Sheets

The drying process is pretty simple: Toss sheets into the dryer as soon as the wash cycle finishes to avoid mold growth or odor. Alexander suggests medium or low settings; lower heat will preserve their quality.

If you like to air-dry your laundry, and if the manufacturer's instructions allow for this, he says you can line-dry your fresh sheets in the sun to get them extra bright and crisp to the touch.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should bed sheets be washed?

You should wash your sheets at least once a week, according to experts. Washing your sheets once a week removes dust mites, bacteria, dead skin cells, and bodily fluids that are shed throughout the week.
Should you wash other bedding before you use it?

Like new sheets, you should wash other bedding—like quilts, comforters, pillows, or blankets—before using it for the first time. Washing these items before using them helps to rid them of lingering dust or dirt from the factory or from the packaging.