The Bacteria in Your Bed: What You Need to Know

Did you know that your bed is one of the dirtiest places in your home? That’s right, your pillowcases, bed sheets, and mattresses can harbor millions of bacteria, even if they’ve been washed recently.

A study by Amerisleep found that pillowcases can harbor up to 17,000 times more bacteria than a toilet seat. Sheets fared even worse, with nearly 25,000 times more bacteria than a bathroom doorknob.

So what are all these bacteria? Most of them are harmless and come from our own bodies. We shed skin cells, sweat, and other bodily fluids all night long, which provides a breeding ground for bacteria.

However, some of the bacteria found in our bedding can be harmful, especially if we have a weakened immune system. For example, Staphylococcus aureus, a common bacteria found on our skin, can cause skin infections, pneumonia, and other serious illnesses.

So how often should you wash your bedding? The general rule of thumb is to wash your sheets and pillowcases once a week. If you sweat a lot or have allergies, you may need to wash them more often.

You should also wash your mattress cover every few months. If you have pets, you may need to wash them more often.

READ MORE: Unwashed Pillowcases Have 17,000x More Bacteria Than Toilets (READ MORE)

Here are some tips for keeping your bedding clean:

• Air your bedding out every day. This will help to reduce the moisture and heat that bacteria thrive in.
• Use a mattress protector. This will help to protect your mattress from sweat, dirt, and other debris.
• Wash your bedding in hot water. The hotter the water, the better it will kill bacteria.
• Use a mild detergent. Harsh detergents can irritate your skin and make it more susceptible to infection.

By following these simple tips, you can help to keep your bedding clean and free of bacteria.

The Good News

Even though there are millions of bacteria in our bedding, most of them are harmless. In fact, some of them are actually beneficial. For example, the bacteria on our skin help to protect us from harmful germs.

So while it’s important to wash your bedding regularly, don’t let the thought of all those bacteria keep you up at night. Just remember that most of them are harmless and actually help to keep you healthy.

The Bottom Line

The bacteria in our bedding can be a bit of a shock, but it’s important to remember that most of them are harmless. By following a few simple tips, you can help to keep your bedding clean and free of harmful bacteria.