Key Points
- Experts suggest washing your sheets weekly during winter.
- Staying indoors more and closed windows increase the need for frequent cleaning.
- Use a high-quality detergent and ensure sheets are dried thoroughly.
A popular belief is that washing sheets isn’t necessary as often in the winter. It makes sense at first, right? Colder weather could imply less sweating at night, which might mean less need for washing. But, believe it or not, this idea is actually quite off base, according to experts in the field.
We asked several laundry professionals how frequently sheets should be washed in winter, and they all agreed on the same point.
How Often to Wash Sheets in Winter
Some people think that during the winter months, you can wash your sheets less because you sweat less. However, laundry experts clarify that this is just a misconception. You should really wash your sheets as often in winter—every one to two weeks—as you would during any other season.
“The idea that you can wash less in winter stems from the belief that sweating decreases, but you’re continuously shedding skin cells no matter the season,” says Matt O’Connor, co-founder and CEO of NoScrubs.com.
Moreover, since more time is spent indoors with closed windows, your bedding might actually collect more oils, skin cells, and allergens than during other times of the year.
“Winters indoors can become a haven for allergens and irritants, especially dust mites and pet hair,” adds Tom Ceconi, president of Heritage Park Laundry. “If you do sweat a bit, those warm, damp conditions are perfect for musty smells—even mold can thrive.”
Frej Lewenhaupt, co-founder and chief product officer at Steamery, echoes the concerns from O’Connor and Ceconi, pointing out that people tend to linger in bed more when it’s cold outside.
“Generally, you should wash your sheets every two weeks throughout the year to keep them fresh,” says Lewenhaupt, and that’s true even in winter.
How to Wash Sheets
- Choose the right detergent. According to Ceconi, dry skin during winter can be an issue, so it’s best to avoid detergents that contain dyes, synthetic fragrances, or harsh chemicals. Opting for a hypoallergenic detergent can also help reduce irritation.
- Use the right water temperature for your detergent. High-quality detergents usually work well with cool or warm water, but if you go with something else, experts recommend using half the detergent you think you’ll need, along with hot water at a minimum of 130°F to eliminate bacteria and dust mites.
- Add white vinegar in the rinse cycle. This step is useful for those with dry skin, as vinegar can help cut down on detergent residue. “It’s better than fabric softener for stripping detergent buildup and won’t leave that waxy coating that traps oils,” notes O’Connor.
- Dry thoroughly with warm heat and wool dryer balls. Lewenhaupt suggests air-drying when possible, although that can be tricky in winter. If you must use a dryer, adding wool dryer balls can help improve air circulation and make drying quicker. Just keep an eye on the heat setting to avoid shrinkage or damage.
Additional Tips for Washing Sheets
- Always check the care label on your bedsheets to ensure you’re using the correct washing and drying methods.
- Consider incorporating a vinegar rinse during winter to lower detergent buildup and skin irritation.
- Swap fabric softeners or dryer sheets with wool dryer balls to avoid unnecessary chemicals and speed up drying.
- Steer clear of bleach since it can irritate your skin and damage the fabric.
- Shake sheets well after washing to expedite drying.
- If possible, skip the dryer and air-dry your sheets instead. O’Connor recommends hanging them indoors by a heat vent or radiator, while Ceconi suggests a clothesline on a cold, sunny day (just remember fire safety rules).
- Lastly, Lewenhaupt recommends using a steamer between or after washes to rid sheets of wrinkles, surface dirt, and bacteria.
