Most people change their bedding only when it becomes visibly dirty, usually every 2-3 weeks or more. However, bedding will get dirty much sooner than it shows any obvious signs.
You may not have thought about how much dirt bedding may hold. After a week, countless parasites, invisible to the naked eye, will settle on the pillow cover, feeding on dead epithelial cells and pieces of skin.
On average, we sleep 6-9 hours a day, and during this time we are in great contact with bacteria and microbes, which multiply fast at body temperature.
Dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, director of cosmetic research at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York, reveals how often bed linen should be changed.
He claims that bedding is full of dead epithelial cells and pieces of skin, which makes it a great habitat for various creatures and dust mites that can cause acne and allergic rashes.
Bed linen should be washed at least once a week, even if it appears perfectly clean. It is advisable to wash it even more often in case of illness or if one does not take a shower before going to bed.
Sheets should be washed at the highest temperatures indicated on the label. The warmer the water, the more effectively it kills microbes and mites. Avoid using fabric softeners, as they can only exacerbate skin irritations.
Source: rd.com