How often bedding should be changed

Short answer: Once a week is the usual advice. If you sweat a lot, sleep with a pet or go to bed without washing, then more often.

What builds up in a sheet

Skin cells, sweat and skin oils are deposited every night. After a week the amount is enough to notice in the smell. See bamboo bedding.

The pillowcase first

The pillowcase gets dirty fastest, because your face rests on it all night. Change it more often than the rest.

Nightwear extends the interval

If you sleep in nightwear, less sweat and skin oil reaches the sheet directly. See bamboo sleepwear and bamboo sleepwear for women.

Frequently asked questions

How often should bedding be changed?

Once a week for most people. Every three to four days if you sweat heavily at night.

Is changing only the pillowcase enough?

As an interim measure yes. The pillowcase soils fastest of all the pieces.

Does nightwear affect how often you wash bedding?

Yes, it absorbs some of the sweat, so sheets stay clean a little longer.