September 14, 2026, 10:57 am | Read time: 3 minutes
Sleeping in freshly washed bed linens not only provides more comfort but also contributes to hygiene. During the night, sweat, dead skin cells, and other residues accumulate on pillowcases and bed covers. To maintain a clean sleeping environment, regular changes are important. But how often should bed linens actually be washed? myHOMEBOOK investigated.
How Often Should You Wash Bed Linens?
The frequency with which you should change your bed linens depends on your sleeping habits, according to the German Cosmetic, Toiletry, Perfumery and Detergent Association (IKW). Those who like to sleep naked or sweat a lot should change their sheets weekly. This short interval is also advisable during the hot summer months. In cooler seasons, washing the bed linens every two to three weeks is sufficient.
In addition to sweat and skin particles, bacteria or bedbugs can also nest in the bed linens over time. After all, the body releases about one and a half liters of moisture overnight. Combined with body heat, this creates an ideal breeding ground for pests.
5 Common Mistakes Almost Everyone Makes When Washing Bed Linens
7 home textiles washed far too rarely
What Temperature Should You Wash Bed Linens At?
Although many wash their bed linens at 60 degrees Celsius, in most cases, 30 to 40 degrees Celsius is completely sufficient when using full or universal detergents. Sixty degrees are only necessary if the laundry is heavily soiled. A lower temperature, on the other hand, preserves the textile fibers and colors. For colored bed linens and color detergents, it should not exceed 60 degrees.
Related: What to Wash at 60 Degrees – and What Not To
Tips for Allergy Sufferers
If you suffer from a dust mite allergy, you should wash your bed linens more frequently. A weekly wash cycle is recommended. Additionally, allergy sufferers should wash their bed linens at 60 degrees to effectively combat mite infestations.
Note: There are also special anti-mite bed linens for allergy sufferers. You can learn more about this topic and why you shouldn’t make your bed immediately in the morning in this article.
Extra Tip
“Whether you want your pets to sleep in bed with you is up to you. Personally, I must admit that I couldn’t–nor would I want to–stop my cat. If you’re like me and appreciate a purring hot water bottle, you should also wash your bed linens more frequently. A weekly change is advisable. To better remove hair, special lint brushes are suitable. Especially those areas where the pet likes to rest should be cleared of pet hair.”