Do You Need to Wash Bedding More in Winter? Here's What Experts Say

Slipping into a bed made with freshly laundered sheets is one of life’s little pleasures. "Clean bedding isn't just about hygiene," says household cleaning expert Becky Rapinchuk. "It's one of those simple things that can really make a difference in how you feel." Much like tidying up a cluttered space, fresh linens can help boost your mental well-being and make the entire room feel more like a sanctuary for relaxation and recharging. 

When it comes to washing and drying bedding, the routine largely comes down to personal preference. Many experts, including Rapinchuk, agree that swapping out sheets weekly is ideal. “This helps remove oils and skin cells that accumulate naturally,” she explains. Winter, however, may bring a handful of factors that might have you reaching for the laundry detergent more often. 

Below, learn why you may consider upping your wash routine in the winter.

We Spend More Time Indoors 

Although we tend to sweat less in winter than in summer, we also spend significantly more time indoors. According to Rapinchuk, the dry winter air may lead to an increased shedding of dry skin cells, which then collect in our bedding as we sleep. If it’s cold outside, we may be hunkering down and are less likely to open the window to let fresh air circulate.

We May Shower Less

During the harsh, colder months, some people choose to shower less frequently to keep their skin and hair from drying out. While this practice may help lock in moisture, it can also lead to a faster buildup of oils, pesky allergens, and general day-to-day grime on bedding. If pets share the bed, allergy-triggering dander adds another layer of buildup, making more frequent washing especially important.

There Are More Seasonal Illnesses  

Spending more time indoors is one of several factors associated with the seasonal rise in colds and other respiratory illnesses. When someone in your household has the sniffles, Rapinchuk recommends washing your bedding more often and switching out pillowcases nightly. This may help reduce contamination and keep germs from lingering on fabrics.

So, How Often Should You Wash Your Bedding in the Winter?

Rapinchuk says that for good hygiene, washing sheets and pillowcases once a week is still expert-recommended—even in winter.

That being said, if anyone is getting over a cold, a snowstorm has kept you cooped up for days, or your home just has that stale, mid-winter feeling, try switching out your sheets. It may just give you the boost you need to carry you through until spring. To make things easier, keep two or more sets on hand, so you always have a clean one in rotation.