Here's a fun fact that might make you want to strip your bed immediately: After just one week, pillowcases and sheets contain between 3 and 5 million CFUs (colony-forming units) of bacteria per square inch. And that's when they're still considered relatively fresh. By the fourth week without washing, you could be up to 12 million CFUs, according to a study by Amerisleep.
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The reality is that most of us are pretty terrible at keeping our sheets clean. A Sleep Advisor study showed the average person changes sheets roughly every 24 days, or a bit less often than once every three weeks. But that's nearly double what experts recommend, and honestly, it explains why your bed sometimes feels less like a cozy sanctuary and more like a petri dish. Summer makes this even more urgent because we're sweating more, creating the perfect breeding ground for bacteria that love warm, moist environments.
In this article: DOZ Sheet Set, 100% Viscose derived from Bamboo, BOLL & BRANCH Percale Hemmed Sheet Set and CGK Unlimited King Size 4-Piece Sheet Set
When temperatures rise and humidity increases, sweat, body oils, dust mites and bacteria accumulate faster. But a simple washing routine can solve all these problems.
The short answer that sleep experts agree on is simple: You should wash your sheets around once a week, especially in summer. When you add summer heat and increased sweating to your sleeping equation, you're essentially creating a bacterial paradise right where you sleep. If you have fewer people, activities and health concerns, you can stretch it to two weeks during cooler months.
However, if there are more people, pets and activities in the bed, or you have health-related concerns, go for the once-a-week option.
Amazon Basics Lightweight Super-Soft Sheet Set
Over 10,000 shoppers have purchased these sheets in the last month and that's because they're a budget-friendly find made of breathable brushed microfiber. They come in tons of colors and in every standard mattress size.
DOZ Sheet Set, 100% Viscose derived from Bamboo
Made from organically grown bamboo, these sheets offer buttery-soft texture and deep pockets to fit mattresses up to 16 inches. The viscose bamboo material provides natural moisture-wicking and cooling properties, making them ideal for hot sleepers and humid summer conditions.
Crafted from 100% organic cotton, these ultra-breathable sheets provide exceptional cooling and comfort. The crisp feel maintains temperature regulation throughout the night, while the organic cotton is durable and softens with each wash.
CGK Unlimited King Size 4-Piece Sheet Set
These sheets boast a hotel-like feel at a great price offering cooling comfort, a snug fit and plenty of color options. The sheets are stain-proof, fade-proof and won't wrinkle or pill.
Bedsure Cooling Sheets are easy on the wallet, but offer cooling comfort thanks to rayon derived from bamboo. They wick away moisture for cool, comfy sleep and are available in tons of colors.
SLEEP ZONE Nanotex Super-Soft Cooling Queen Bed Sheets Set
BestReviews testers found that these budget-friendly cooling sheets look great, and thanks to their proprietary Nanotex technology, they do a great job of keeping most sleepers cool and dry all night. The fabric is less soft than other options though, and they're prone to pilling.
Sleep Philosophy Smart Cool Microfiber Moisture-Wicking Breathable 4-Piece Cooling Sheet Set
BestReviews testing showed that these moisture-wicking microfiber sheets offer Smart Cool technology with extra-fine material to keep you cool and dry during sleep, plus deep pockets to fit most mattresses. However, the fabric is thin, making longevity a concern.
Comfort Spaces Queen Cooling Sheets
According to BestReviews testers, these cooling microfiber sheets are soft and breathable, though best suited for thinner mattresses — the fitted sheet can slip off thicker mattresses.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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