How often should you change your bedsheets? Experts explain when it's time for fresh bedding

There's more to changing your bedsheets when they're due for a wash. If you're sleeping under the same sheets all year long, it's likely you're overheating in the summer and too cold in the winter. Aside from hygiene, it's important to switch out your sheets for bedding that is most appropriate for the season. The same bed set won't do you any favors as the weather changes.

Key to getting a great night's sleep, the best bed sheets have benefits that go beyond a place to rest at the end of the day. Your sheets should be cozy, comfortable, and clean. When the hot weather comes, it's important your bedding doesn't cause you to overheat, and during the cold months, forget layering all the blankets you have, your bedding should keep you at the optimal temperature night after night. 

Find out when it's best to switch your bedding, according to the experts below, and browse a few of our best bed sheets based on the season. 

How often should you change your bed sheets? 

Experts explain you should wash your bed sheets every week, or every two weeks depending on your sleep setup. Katie Elks, Brooklinen's director of design and product development, suggests you should alternate between different sets to help save on drying time. But when it comes to switching your sheets from a linen set to cotton covers, for example, you should consider how hot you're sleeping at night, the bedroom look you're going for, and the quality of your current set. Here are the main times you should change your bedding: 

When to switch your sheets

• The change of the season: Switching out your cozy cottons for some breezy summer sheets will help you sweat less and stay cool at night. Bed Threads founder Genevieve Rosen Biller says bedding made from natural materials like linen is moisture-wicking, lightweight, and cooling'. If you have polyester bedding that's prone to oil and bacteria 'you'll have to wash your sheets more frequently in the summer when you are more likely to perspire,' add Danielle Mason, head of product development at The Fine Bedding Company. Washing sheets less often, and on a lower temperature however 'is better for the environment, and on your bank account.' 
• When you're wanting a new bedroom scheme: Changing your bed sheets is one of the simplest ways you can switch up the scheme in your room. Swap out a neutral bedding set for one of bright color and you've transformed your bedroom. You can double the effect by changing material at the same time. A velvet bedspread, for example, gives depth and elegance, yet change it for a lightweight linen option and you've got a chic, Scandi look instead. 
• If your bed sheets are old: Having only one set of bed sheets may mean they wear quicker. To maintain good quality sheets, you should replace them every 2-3 years. To prevent your bedding from deteriorating as quickly, Elks advises having two sets you can 'alternate' between washes. 

Katie Elks

Katie is the director of design and product development at Brooklinen
She has worked in design and product development in New York City for Everlane, MM LaFleur, Tracy Reese, J.Crew, Calvin Klein, and The Row.
She is a graduate of the Apparel Design program at Cornell University.

Switch to these sheets

If you only have one sheet set, it's worth investing in another. These are the best sheets for winter, summer, and all seasons, so you can change your bedding when the weather turns or have a few options to alternate between. Recommended by me, H&G's sleep expert, these bedsheets wash well, and will keep your bed looking and feeling fresh: 

FAQs

Changing your bedsheets for the season will work wonders for getting a great night's sleep – but unless you have an all-season comforter, you should also swap your duvet insert from a lightweight summer option to a thicker tog type for winter, and vice versa.