Should You Wash Your Sheets More Often in Winter? Experts Say Yes—Here’s Why

There’s something deeply comforting about crawling into a warm bed in the middle of winter. Maybe it’s the weight of the comforter, the sound of wind outside, or the fact that your sheets seem to wrap around you like a cocoon. It feels clean, cozy, and safe. But if it’s been a couple of weeks (or longer) since you last washed your sheets, that cozy feeling might be... a little misleading.

I’ve had this conversation more than once with friends and readers—when it’s freezing outside, it’s tempting to delay laundry a bit. After all, you’re showering more (hello, dry skin), you're not sweating as much (right?), and your bed feels clean. But many health experts, allergists, and sleep specialists actually recommend washing your sheets more often in winter, not less. And once you understand why, it starts to make a lot more sense.

Let’s dig into the science and the practical reasons behind this advice, and figure out what your winter bedding routine should really look like.

Why Winter Isn't an Excuse to Skip the Laundry

At first glance, winter seems like the “cleanest” time of year—less sweat, fewer allergens floating in from outdoors, more time indoors away from city smog and pollen. But that’s actually where the problem starts.

You Spend More Time in Bed During Winter

This one’s pretty straightforward: we stay in bed longer when it’s cold. Netflix marathons, lazy Sunday mornings, and early nights wrapped under the covers are just part of the season. But the more time you spend in bed, the more contact you have with your sheets—and the more skin cells, sweat, oils, and bacteria you leave behind.

And here's something most of us don’t think about: the average person sheds about 30,000 to 40,000 skin cells every hour, even while they sleep. That’s more than enough to keep dust mites happy and multiply the gunk building up between wash cycles.

Indoor Heating Changes Everything

Most homes run on some form of central heating during the colder months, which tends to dry out the air significantly. According to the EPA, indoor humidity levels in winter often drop below the recommended 30%–50% range. That dryness can lead to increased skin flaking, dry scalp, and nasal irritation—all of which contribute to more debris ending up in your bedding.

On top of that, dry air can also affect your bedding itself. Fabric fibers can trap more particles when the humidity is low, and static cling makes it easier for dust and pet hair to stick to sheets and blankets.

More Layers Mean More Trapping

Winter bedding usually includes heavier blankets, thicker comforters, flannel sheets, and maybe a few heated elements (electric blankets, hot water bottles, etc.). All that extra fabric can hold onto more allergens, bacteria, and odors than your lightweight summer bedding.

And because you’re probably layering up in pajamas or socks, there's also the added friction and insulation, which may increase perspiration at night—even if you don't feel hot. Trapped sweat and body oils can build up quickly without us noticing.

The Health Factor: Germs, Allergies, and Sleep Quality

There’s also a health angle that’s worth paying attention to here, especially during cold and flu season.

Beds Can Hold Onto Bacteria and Viruses

When you’re sick, you spend even more time under the covers. That’s good for recovery—but not necessarily great for your sheets. Your bedding can hold onto germs for longer than you might think. Some viruses, like the common cold, can live on soft surfaces for several hours to a few days, depending on the type of fabric and conditions in the room.

This doesn’t mean your sheets are going to make you sick, but if someone in the house has been ill, regular laundering becomes a pretty easy step toward supporting better hygiene and preventing spread—especially if you share your bed or have kids who love to sneak in.

Dust Mites and Allergens Thrive in Winter

It’s true that spring and fall tend to get all the attention when it comes to allergies, but indoor allergens are often worse in the winter. With windows closed and HVAC systems running, allergens don’t circulate out of the home as easily. And since dust mites feed on dead skin cells, your cozy bed becomes their ideal habitat—especially if sheets aren't washed regularly.

In fact, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology suggests that managing indoor allergens like dust mites is critical for reducing asthma and allergy symptoms—especially during the winter months when we’re exposed to them constantly.

Dirty Sheets Can Affect Sleep Quality

There’s also a psychological aspect here. Multiple sleep studies have shown that people sleep better in clean sheets. One report from the National Sleep Foundation found that people who washed their sheets and bedding regularly reported significantly better sleep than those who did not.

Beyond the allergens and germs, there’s something soothing about slipping into fresh linens. It's a sensory reset—clean sheets feel cooler, smell better, and contribute to a more restful mindset.

So, How Often Should You Wash Your Sheets in Winter?

The general recommendation for year-round sheet washing is once a week, but many people stretch it to every 10–14 days. In winter, though, experts suggest leaning into the more frequent end of that scale, especially if:

• You sleep with multiple layers or sweat during the night
• You’re prone to dry skin, allergies, or eczema
• Someone in your household has been sick
• You spend a lot of time lounging or working from bed
• You share your bed with a partner, pet, or child

If you're in any of those groups (and let’s be honest, most of us are during winter), washing your sheets weekly is the ideal baseline. If you're recovering from illness, washing every 3–4 days for a week or two can help reduce lingering bacteria or viruses.

What About Blankets, Comforters, and Other Bedding?

Good question. Your sheets are the front line—they’re in direct contact with your skin—but they're not the only pieces that need attention.

• Duvet covers: Wash every 1–2 weeks with your sheets.
• Blankets and throws: Every 2–4 weeks, depending on use.
• Comforters and quilts: Every 1–2 months, or more often if you use them without a cover.
• Pillowcases: Ideally, wash these twice a week if you’re prone to breakouts, allergies, or oily hair.

Also, don’t forget to wash your actual pillows every few months and replace them every 1–2 years, especially if you notice yellowing or a lingering smell that won't go away even after washing.

Choosing the Right Products for Winter Sheet Care

You don’t need to overhaul your entire laundry setup, but a few tweaks can make your winter routine more effective and comfortable.

Use Gentle, Fragrance-Free Detergents

Dry, sensitive winter skin often reacts more to strong scents or harsh formulas. Look for a hypoallergenic or dermatologically tested detergent, especially if your skin is easily irritated in colder weather.

Wash in Hot Water (When It’s Safe)

Hot water—above 130°F—can help kill dust mites and bacteria more effectively, but always check your sheet care label first. Many modern cottons and blends can handle hot water, but delicate fabrics like bamboo or silk may not.

Add Vinegar or Baking Soda for a Boost

A half cup of white vinegar during the rinse cycle can help break down detergent residue, neutralize odors, and soften fabric naturally. If you’re dealing with extra mustiness, try adding baking soda to the wash cycle too.

Don’t Overdo the Fabric Softener

While it might feel counterintuitive, fabric softener can build up over time and actually make sheets feel less breathable. In winter, this can trap more body heat and sweat, which can backfire on your sleep comfort.

The Keep-It Habits

1. Set a Sheet Day Pick one consistent day of the week—say, every Sunday—to change and wash your bedding. Attach it to another routine (like grocery shopping or meal prep) so it sticks.

2. Keep a Spare Set Ready to Go Always have a second set of sheets clean and folded. It makes the swap quicker and takes away the excuse of not having something fresh on hand.

3. Upgrade to Breathable Fabrics In winter, flannel is cozy, but high-quality cotton or bamboo sheets might be better if you tend to sweat. Natural fibers help regulate temperature and wick moisture.

4. Dry Completely, Then Air Out Make sure your sheets are fully dry before putting them back on your bed, and give them 10–15 minutes to cool. This helps avoid that slightly damp, musty feeling.

5. Add Essential Oils Mindfully If you like a touch of scent, try a couple of drops of lavender or eucalyptus oil on wool dryer balls—not directly on the fabric. It’s calming, but without the irritation that sometimes comes with synthetic fragrances.

Warm, Clean, and Worth It

Clean sheets might not feel like the most glamorous part of winter wellness, but they make a bigger impact than most people realize. It’s about more than hygiene—it’s about comfort, sleep quality, and giving your body a healthier environment to rest and restore.

So yes, washing your sheets more often in winter really does make sense. It’s one of those little shifts that creates a ripple effect across your routine. You sleep better. You breathe easier. And your bed—the place where you spend nearly a third of your life—becomes the kind of space that truly supports you.

And honestly? Slipping into a freshly made bed on a cold night feels like a luxury you didn’t have to buy.