Martha Stewart's Bedding Routine: Experts Weigh In on Sheet Washing
Martha Stewart, the queen of domestic perfection, has long been a beacon for impeccable home standards. In a recent Amazon livestream titled 'In Bed with Paige DeSorbo,' the 82-year-old icon dropped a bombshell about her personal hygiene habits: she changes her sheets every two to three days. 'It's so nice to get into a fresh bed,' Stewart enthused, visibly shocked when DeSorbo admitted to weekly changes. 'That's a little long,' she quipped, suggesting at least every five days. This revelation has sparked widespread curiosity—how often should you really wash your sheets for optimal health and comfort? We turned to laundry and sleep experts for the definitive answer.
The Ideal Frequency for Washing Sheets
According to Hannah Yokoji, head of marketing and product development at The Laundress, the sweet spot for most people is once a week. 'Your sheets are in such close contact with your skin for hours at a time, so they naturally collect body oils, perspiration, dead skin, and other residues even if they look clean,' she explains. Weekly washing removes stains and buildup, ensuring bedding stays fresh while preserving fabric integrity.
Todd Layne Ofsink, founder and CEO of Todd Layne Cleaners, backs this up with data. Analyzing 19 years of cleaning records, he confirms weekly washes as the optimal interval. 'That's how long a sheet can go before needing a deep clean,' he says. Beyond aesthetics, this routine supports sleep health by minimizing allergens and bacteria that can disrupt restful nights.
When to Wash More Frequently
Not everyone fits the weekly mold. Yokoji advises more frequent changes—every three to four days—if you sleep hot, exercise before bed, suffer from allergies, apply heavy nighttime skincare, or share your bed with pets. Stewart's own routine aligns perfectly here; she shared that her dogs join her in bed, adding extra fur, dander, and oils to the mix. For pet owners or allergy sufferers, this accelerated schedule prevents irritation and maintains a hypoallergenic sleep environment.
Jon Bresler, founder of LAFCO New York, highlights a key subset: pillowcases. Even if full sheets go weekly, swap pillowcases twice a week. 'The face produces more oil than the rest of the body and sheds more skin cells,' he notes. Plus, exhaled breath adds moisture, fostering a breeding ground for microbes if neglected.
Material Matters: Choosing and Caring for Your Sheets
Sheet material influences both comfort and care needs. Stewart, ever the trendsetter, prefers percale or sateen weaves over linen. 'Those are the sheet choices nowadays,' she told DeSorbo. Natural fibers like cotton, linen, bamboo, and silk are breathable but require regular washing to release trapped oils. Synthetics like polyester, however, cling to sweat and odors, demanding vigilant maintenance to avoid mustiness.
Regardless of fabric, experts stress rotation. Yokoji recommends multiple sets to allow fibers recovery time between washes. For underused guest beds, wash after each stay and air them out periodically—freshening without over-washing preserves longevity.
Mastering the Art of Sheet Washing
Achieving Stewart-level crispness isn't about aggressive scrubbing; it's technique. Yokoji emphasizes isolating sheets in the wash: 'Don't toss in gym clothes—give them VIP treatment.' Avoid overloading the machine for full detergent circulation, and opt for cool to warm water to clean effectively without fiber damage.
Product Picks and Pitfalls
Skip harsh detergents that strip fabrics. Instead, try specialized options like The Laundress Beauty Sleep Detergent, formulated for bedding to tackle skincare residues without residue. The Laundress Signature Detergent is another versatile choice for everyday linens.
A universal no-no? Fabric softeners. Bresler warns they coat fibers with silicones, reducing breathability, trapping dirt, and boosting heat retention. Ofsink concurs: 'They hinder absorbency and freshness, ultimately shortening sheet life.'
For drying, tumble low or air dry to prevent shrinkage. Ironing percale enhances that hotel-luxe crispness Stewart adores, but it's optional for most.
Why Fresh Sheets Boost Overall Wellness
Beyond luxury, clean sheets safeguard health. Accumulated oils and dead skin can harbor dust mites, exacerbating allergies or skin issues. Regular washing reduces these risks, promoting better sleep quality—a cornerstone of immunity and mood. Stewart's ritual isn't just fastidious; it's a smart wellness hack.
In today's fast-paced world, where bedtime routines often include serums and screens, bedding hygiene feels more crucial than ever. Whether you're a once-a-week washer or aspiring to Martha's pace, consistency is key. Start by assessing your habits: Do pets or night sweats factor in? Adjust accordingly, and you'll wake up to beds that feel—and smell—renewed.
As Stewart proves, small rituals yield big rewards. Next time you slide into bed, ask yourself: Is it fresh enough for the domestic diva? With expert-backed tweaks, it can be.
