We Asked Laundry Pros How Often to Wash Sheets in Winter, and They All Agreed

The Spruce•January 5, 2026•health

Key Points:

Despite common belief, laundry experts advise washing sheets every one to two weeks year-round, including winter, because shedding dead skin cells and allergens continues regardless of season.
Winter conditions, such as spending more time indoors with closed windows, can increase the accumulation of body oils, skin cells, dust mites, and pet dander in bedding, making regular washing important.
To protect dry winter skin, experts recommend using hypoallergenic detergents free of dyes, synthetic fragrances, and harsh chemicals, and adding white vinegar to the rinse cycle to reduce detergent buildup and irritation.
Washing sheets with hot water (at least 130°F) and using wool dryer balls in the dryer can help kill bacteria, reduce drying time, and prevent static,