What Happens If You Don’t Change Your Bedsheets for a Month: The Gross Truth You Can’t Ignore

If you’re among the people who tend to delay changing bedsheets because they don’t “look dirty enough”, you need to read on. People often go for over a month without washing bedsheets, and are basically brewing a hotspot for germs, sweat, oils and other microscopic organisms on their beds.

Washing bedsheets often is integral to leading a healthy and happy life. It may seem basic, but forgetting to change bedsheets in time can have long-lasting consequences.

Read: 5 Embroidered Bedsheet Designs To Give Your Room A Luxurious Look

Read on to find out what these can be, and how often it is ideal for you to change your bedsheets.

Dust Mites Pile Up On Dirty Bedsheets

We shed millions of skin cells every day. When we roll around in bed for six to eight hours, these tend to pile on on the bedsheet. Dust mites, mostly invisible to the naked eye, love to feed on the shed cells.

Possible effects of dust mites:

• Their waste products can trigger allergies
• They can also worsen asthma
• Itchy eyes and sneezing
• Coughing or wheezing at night
• Runny nose or congestion

Breakouts and Skin Problems

Dirty sheets and pillow covers are known to worsen acne and breakouts. The pile up of oil and grime clog pores, leading to a host of skin issues.

People with sensitive skin are encouraged to be more cautious about changing sheets regularly.

Those with acne-prone skin are often recommended to change their pillowcases every three to four days.

Read: Guide To A Clean Bed: How Often You Should Change Bedsheets, Pillow Covers & More

Bacteria and Fungi Start to Grow

Even if it’s not visible, sheets start to grow sweat, saliva, skin oils, and even food crumbs. Over time, it becomes the perfect place for bacteria and fungi to start growing. Some experts and studies have highlighted that unwashed pillowcases can potentially harbour higher bacterial levels than toilet seats!

How Often Should You Change Sheets

Here’s how frequently you should change your bedsheets:

• Best: Once a week
• Minimum: Once every two weeks
• More often, if: You sweat heavily, have allergies, are sick, or have pets sleeping in your bed

Going a month without changing your bedsheets may not have big, noticeable repercussions, but it will have a detrimental effect on the quality of your life. Allergens, itchiness and foul odours from unwashed sheets can hamper your sleep quality significantly, and consequently affect your stress, anxiety and work life.