How often do YOU wash your sheets? Australians confess how many times they clean their bedding per month – as experts reveal the right way to do it
- Consumer advocacy group CHOICE asked Aussies how often they wash sheets
- The answers ranged from every two days to once a year depending on person
- CHOICE recommend washing your bed sheets and pillowcases once a week
- It also recommends vacuuming the mattress once a month to remove dust mites
- Team said to check mattress is supportive after a year and change as needed
Australians have revealed how often they wash their bed sheets in an eye-opening survey, with answers ranging from every two days to once a year.
Consumer advocacy group CHOICE posed the question of how often was normal for each household to strip the beds on Facebook, asking its followers to ‘be honest’.
The results differed dramatically, with one woman saying she washes her sheets once a week but her mother insists that every second day is more appropriate.
‘I do mine fortnightly. With a large family I’d be forever washing sheets otherwise (and there’s already enough clothes keeping me busy),’ said a mother.
‘Twice a week! Anything less to me is gross with the amount of dead skin cells we shed,’ said another.
Consumer advocacy group CHOICE posed the question of how often was normal for each household to strip the beds on Facebook
‘I have a king size bed and sleep on my own so I sleep on one side of the bed for a week then the other side for the second week before washing,’ said one man.
Others were less regimented with their washing schedule and made infrequent trips to the laundry room
‘They were clean when I bought them. That’s all they need,’ said one man.
According to CHOICE Australians should be washing their sheets once a week, including the pillowcases
‘Once a year whether they need it or not,’ said another.
According to CHOICE Australians should be washing their sheets once a week, including the pillowcases.
This prevents a build up of dust mites, which feed off dead skin cells, sweat and seminal fluid.
A person sheds on average 1.5 grams of skin each day – and if that’s not ‘disgusting’ enough, that amount of dead skin can feed one million dust mites, Good Housekeeping reported.
Each month the team recommend rotating or flipping your mattress to avoid ‘grooves’ from forming where you sleep each night
‘Use a mattress protector or mattress topper to protect your mattress from sweat stains,’ CHOICE suggested.
‘This can pay dividends if you need to make a warranty claim, as excessive staining could see claims refused. Likewise pillow protectors can help keep your pillows at their best.’
Each month the team recommend rotating or flipping your mattress to avoid ‘grooves’ from forming where you sleep each night.
During this time it’s also important to vacuum the mattress to get rid of dust mites that may live there.
Each year should see you assess the mattress for comfortability, and if it’s not providing the support you need, getting a new one.