‘More bacteria than a toilet seat’ — study reveals exactly when we need to wash pillowcases and bed sheets for healthier sleep

A woman inspects her sage-colored bed sheets. In the top right foreground, a circular frame shows an extreme close up of dust mites embedded in the fabric of a mattress cover. .

It's a task often at the bottom of the to-do list, but a study by Amerisleep has found that for every week you neglect washing your bedding, more and more germs make themselves at home in your sheets.

We recommend washing your bed sheets once a week, not only for freshness but to avoid sleep disruptions; allergic reactions, itching, and even illness can all result from dirty bedding.