Here's What Happens to Your Body if You Don't Wash Your Sheets Regularly

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Laundry is likely at the top of the pile when it comes to things you don't like to do, especially bedsheets. Changing the fitted sheet that goes over the mattress is way more challenging and time-consuming than it needs to be. Yet, skincare experts stress that it's crucial to do the dirty work and wash your sheets regularly.

"Sheets and bed linens accumulate shedding skin cells, debris, dirt, dust mites and bacteria," explains Dr. Jeffrey Fromowitz, MD , a dermatologist with Dermatology of Boca.

That's bad news for the skin—your largest organ—and the rest of the body in a way no serum or supplement can fix.

"The skin is a barrier organ—it responds to internal and external factors," says Dr. Mathew Avram, MD, JD , the director of the Mass General Dermatology Laser & Cosmetic Center. "Your behavior affects its health and vitality."

That behavior includes washing the sheets. Experts share exactly what happens if you don't wash your sheets, and reveal how often to throw them in the laundry.

Related: I’m a Celebrity Dermatologist in My 60s and Here’s the 5-Minute Skincare Routine I Swear By

7 Things That Can Happen if You Don't Wash Your Sheets Often Enough

Not washing your bed sheets can trigger skin issues that have a ripple effect on the rest of your body, from breakouts to bed bug bites. Experts share that these risks are way worse than having to redo the fitted mattress sheet because you (once again) put it on incorrectly. Here's precisely what can happen to your body if you don't wash your sheets.

1. Your skin barrier function can get compromised

This one is a biggie and factors into most of the issues experts will discuss below.

"Debris and/or bacteria can lead to an imbalance in good and bad bacteria on the skin, impacting the skin's barrier function," Dr. Fromowitz warns.

For the uninitiated, the Cleveland Clinic notes that the skin barrier is the outer layer of your skin. Its main goal is to act like a shield and protect the rest of your body from harmful things, like pollutants and bacteria.

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2. You may experience breakouts everywhere

Your natural oils, sweat and dead skin cells can transfer to the pillow and then back to your skin, resulting in something you likely want to avoid.

"The extra sebum oil, dirt and sweat that builds up on bedding is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, which will ultimately lead to acne breakouts," warns Dr. Anna Chacon, MD , a board-certified dermatologist. "It’s important to wash your face prior to getting into bed. Removing makeup and other products before bed is a must [for] me."

Ditto for washing sheets regularly, especially since breakouts can appear on areas other than your face.

"If your sheets are not clean, they can contain dirt [and] debris, which can lead to acne on the rest of the body," points out Erica Marie Gatt , an esthetician and the founder of EM Skin Studio.

Avoidable bacne ? No thanks.

3. Your allergy symptoms could be a year-round killjoy

Nasal congestion, sneezing and itchy eyes are often reserved for peak allergy seasons (usually the spring and fall). However, not washing the sheets can make them a four-season affair, and we're not talking about the luxury hotel.

"Allergens and irritants in your physical environment—detergents, fragrances, pet dander—can trigger reactions unrelated to skincare products," Dr. Avram says. "It can get complicated teasing out a cause."

However, Dr. Chacon isn't kidding when she says allergies could be that trigger.

"Things like dust, pet dander, and any mites can add up on sheets, causing allergies before or after you head to bed," she explains. "Washing regularly and wearing clean clothes can also help minimize this factor."

4. Your skin conditions could get worse

Dr. Avram points out that the environment isn't limited to the Great Outdoors, the actual home of the pollen that can transfer to your bedsheets. Your bedding is also part of your environment.

"Environmental hygiene, like pillowcases, towels and sheets, can carry bacteria, oils and allergens that aggravate/worsen skin conditions like acne, eczema and contact dermatitis," he says.

5. You may notice rashes and dry spots

These symptoms are common in individuals with conditions such as eczema and dermatitis. However, just neglecting laundry duties can trigger them.

"Bacteria and sweat build up in your sheets can also lead to rashes or dry spots," Dr. Chacon says. "Again, it's best to be consistent with washing to avoid these irritations."

6. Sorry, but you might smell

Your nose may know that you haven't washed your sheets in a while. Worse? Other people might say the same.

"You may notice an odor without frequent cleansing of your bedding," Gatt shares. "The odor can come from your bedding, and then you may also notice body odor."

7. Bed bugs might bite you

"Good night, sleep tight, don't let the bed bugs bite" is supposed to be a sweet way to say good night—not a genuine wish for someone. Godspeed if you don't wash your sheets, though.

"Not washing your bedding can also attract bugs that feed off of the dead skin cells, oils and sweat, so keeping your linens freshly laundered is really important considering this too," Dr. Chacon says.

The Environmental Protection Agency warns that bed bugs carry risks, including infection, allergic reactions and anxiety.

Related: Do You Use This Common Shower Item? Doctors Say It Could Be Making You Sick

How Often Should I Wash My Sheets?

Dr. Avram recommends washing sheets once a week as a benchmark for most people.

"Pillowcases, in particular, should be washed more frequently than the full set—every two to three days for those with acne or seborrheic dermatitis," he adds. "They can harbor irritant and infectious materials."

There are also exceptions to the bedsheet rule of thumbs, including for people:

• With acne or eczema : Every three to four days
• Who have night sweats : Every three to four days
• Who have pets in the bed : Every three to four days
• Who sleep nude: Every three to four days
• With allergies/asthma: Weekly or more "depending on dust levels"
• Who travel frequently and aren’t in bed nightly : Every two weeks (maybe)
• With immunocompromised conditions : Two to three per week with hot water
• Who are recovering from skin infection : Two to three per week with hot water

Related: Most People Forget To Clean This One Spot on Their Bodies—and It’s a Breeding Ground for Bacteria

Exactly How To Wash Your Sheets

How often you wash your sheets is important (generally once per week). However, the process is also critical. First things first, choose the right detergent.

Dr. Avram says the best laundry detergents for skin are those that are:

• Fragrance-free or hypoallergenic
• Non-ionic surfactants
• Enzyme-based cleansers, such as protease and amylase, break down organic residue (Note: Dr. Avram advises caution, as these cleansers can worsen sensitive skin)
• Plant-based or biodegradable detergents (if you’re environmentally conscious)

With the right detergent in hand, Dr. Avram says to:

• Use hot water (130°F / 54°C) when possible—especially if you're concerned about dust mites or fungal contamination ("For delicate fabrics, warm water is a compromise," he says.)
• Use the correct dose ("Excess detergent can leave residue and irritate skin," he warns. You can usually find dosing instructions on the detergent bottle.)
• Choose longer or deep clean cycles if the sheets are heavily soiled.
• Use high heat when drying to kill microbes.
• Ensure sheets are completely dry before folding or using them to prevent mold growth.

Because honestly, mold is the last thing you want on your sheets after all that!

Up Next :

Related: You Should *Never* Leave This Item in the Shower, Dermatologists Warn

Sources:

• Dr. Jeffrey Fromowitz, MD , a dermatologist with Dermatology of Boca
• Dr. Mathew Avram, MD, JD , the director of the Mass General Dermatology Laser & Cosmetic Center
• How To Tell if Your Skin Barrier Is Damaged and What To Do About It. Cleveland Clinic .
• Dr. Anna Chacon, MD , a board-certified dermatologist
• Erica Marie Gatt , an esthetician and the founder of EM Skin Studio
• Bed Bugs: A Public Health Issue. Environmental Protection Agency .