How to Wash Bed Sheets Properly: Frequency, Settings, and Care Tips
By Sonia Hwang & the Genier's Appliances Team - Updated May 2026
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.
Quick Answer: Wash sheets at least once a week in hot water at a minimum of 54C (130F) to kill dust mites and remove allergens, according to the Mayo Clinic. Use a gentle cycle with sheets washed alone, and follow the care label for drying temperature to prevent shrinking and fibre damage.
- What it covers: How often to wash sheets, what builds up in unwashed bedding, and the washer and dryer settings that clean most effectively.
- Why it matters: According to Health Canada, dust mites are microscopic organisms that live in beds and their waste products can trigger allergic reactions and aggravate asthma.
- What you can do now: Check the care label on your sheets and confirm your washer has a sanitise or hot wash cycle.
- If your washer lacks a hot cycle: Older machines may not reach temperatures high enough to kill dust mites. A newer model with a sanitise cycle addresses this directly.
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.
A few situations where weekly (or more frequent) washing makes the most difference:
- You or your partner sweat heavily at night
- You have allergies or asthma
- Pets sleep in or near the bed
- Someone in the household has been ill
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.
At-a-Glance: Sheet Washing Checklist
| Step | What to Do | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency | Once a week minimum | Kills dust mites, removes allergens and bacteria |
| Temperature | 54C (130F) or higher | Required to kill dust mites per Mayo Clinic guidance |
| Cycle | Gentle or sanitise | Protects fabric while cleaning thoroughly |
| Load size | Sheets only, drum not overfilled | Prevents tangling and ensures even washing |
| Pre-treatment | Treat stains before loading | Stains set further in a hot wash if untreated |
| Drying temperature | Follow care label; medium or low heat | Prevents shrinking and fibre breakdown |
| Dryer balls | Use instead of dryer sheets | More even drying, no residue buildup on fabric |
FAQ
> What temperature kills dust mites in bedding?
According to the Mayo Clinic, washing in water heated to at least 54C (130F) kills dust mites and removes allergens. If your sheets can't tolerate hot water, tumble drying at above 54C for at least 15 minutes also kills mites, though it doesn't remove the allergens the way washing does.
> Can I wash sheets with other laundry to save time?
It's better not to. Sheets tangled around other items don't move freely enough through the water to wash evenly, and they can transfer lint or cause snags on more delicate fabrics. Washing sheets as a separate load also lets you run the sanitise cycle at a higher temperature you wouldn't want to use on regular clothing.
> Does my washer need a sanitise cycle to clean sheets properly?
Not strictly, but it helps significantly if dust mites or allergens are a concern. A sanitise cycle heats water to a temperature that kills mites, which a standard warm or cold wash doesn't reach. If your current washer doesn't have this feature and allergies are a concern in your household, it's worth considering when you next upgrade.
> Where can I find washers and dryers in Vernon or Kelowna?
Genier's Appliances carries a wide selection of washers and dryers at our Vernon showroom, serving Kelowna, Kamloops, and communities across the Okanagan. Our advisors can help you find a model with the cycles and capacity your household needs.
Is It Time to Do Some Appliance Shopping?
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, it helps to have a washer with a proper sanitise cycle and enough drum space to wash sheets without overpacking. 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.
Browse washers and dryers at Genier's or contact us to speak with an advisor.
Genier's Appliances helps Okanagan homeowners choose durable, premium appliances with confidence. Visit our Vernon showroom or contact us for help.
Sources: Mayo Clinic - Dust Mite Allergy: Diagnosis and Treatment; Health Canada - Dust and Dust Mites