Washer and Dryer Tips: How Clean are Your Sheets?

Sonia Hwang
2019-06-13T12:00:00-04:00

We look at some of the reasons why sheets need to be cleaned, how often they should be washed, and how it should be done using your washing machine.
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Experts recommend changing the sheets on your bed once a week and using the proper settings on your washer and dryer to ensure they’re washed well.

Did you know that the average person spends around 3,000 hours in their bed each year? That’s a lot of time for sheets to collect dust mites, sweat, cookie crumbs and more. Washers and dryers are one of the best ways to clean them up and make them last.

Let’s take a look at what’s in your sheets, how often you should wash them, and how you should go about it.

What’s lurking in your sheets

Sweat – Even in the coldest of bedrooms, sweat can still build up on bedsheets.

Dead skin cells – Our body sheds nearly a million cells a day. If you spend a third of your day in bed like most people, that means your sheets are accommodating close to 333,000 cells per day.

Body fluids and oils – Whether you sleep naked or fully clothed, bodily fluids and oils are always present on bedding.

Dust mites – These microscopic bugs binge on dead skin cells. Because we shed a million skin cells daily, most of that in our sleep, dust mites love to hang out in sheets.

Food particles – Even if you have a rigid no-food-in-the-bed policy, food crumbs can still find their way in there.

Pet hair – If you’ve got pets, their hair can accumulate in your sheets, even if they’re not invited on the bed.

So, how often should your sheets be cleaned?

That depends on your cleanliness preferences and how busy you are. While some experts recommend changing your sheets weekly, you may find yourself only doing it once a month. There’s nothing wrong with that, but we wouldn’t recommend stretching that out any further.

If you find yourself extra sweaty or dirty before bed, hop in the shower before sliding between the sheets. A quick rinse will help ensure your sheets stay a little cleaner for a little longer.

Tips for Washing and Drying Sheets

Whether you clean your sheets once a week or once a year when it’s finally time to wash them, use these tips and tricks to ensure they’re thoroughly clean.

Loading the washing machine:

Don’t overfill the machine. If your washer is small, separate your sheets into a couple of loads instead of one.

Use a gentle cycle and gentle detergent for best results.

If you have a top loader, make sure your sheets don’t wrap around the agitator. They could tear or wrinkle.

Don’t put your other laundry in with the sheets.

Run your sheets through the sanitization cycle. The hot water will reduce allergens and kill bacteria.

Pre-treat stains before tossing the sheets into the washing machine.

Loading the dryer:

Follow the dryer temperature settings found on the tag. This will prevent shrinking, wrinkling, and over-drying, which weakens fibres. If your home appliances come with a “less dry” or “damp alert” setting, use it. That will allow you to check on the sheets. You may need to untangle them and toss them back in if they’re still really damp.

To ensure the sheets dry evenly, use dryer balls.

If it’s summertime, hang your wet sheets outside and skip the dryer. Your sheets will smell fresh, and the sun will add an extra layer of sanitization.

When it comes to washing your sheets, some appliances are better than others. To ensure your sheets are clean and all the harmful bacteria has been removed, we recommend Maytag appliances, Miele appliances, and GE appliances.

Is it time to do some appliance shopping? Trust the commission-free appliance experts at Genier’s in Vernon. Our team can help you find the perfect home appliances for your needs while providing expert advice.