Health Hazards When You Don’t Wash Your Sheets

Sources Medically Reviewed on 08/28/2019 Reviewed by Hansa D. Bhargava, MD on August 28, 2019
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SOURCES:
American Council on Science and Health: “Household Items You Never Clean, But Should.”
American Cleaning Institute: “Room By Room Cleaning Guide.”
CDC: “Scabies Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).”
Mattress Advisor: “A Clean Sleep: A Study on How Often Americans Change Their Bedding.”
American Chemistry Society: “The Skinny on How Shed Skin Reduces Indoor Air Pollution.”
Cleveland Clinic: “Here’s How Often You Should Wash Your Sheets in the Summer — and the Disgusting Reasons Why,” “Scabies,” “Athletes Foot, Jock Itch, and Ringworm of the Scalp.”
Amerisleep: “Bacteria in Your Bed.”
University of Kentucky: “House Dust Mites.”
American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology: “Dust Allergy.”
American Academy of Dermatology: “10 Things to Try When Acne Won’t Clear.”
The National Sleep Foundation: “How Often Do I Really Need to Wash My Bedding?”
National Health Services (UK): “How long do bacteria and viruses live outside the body?”
Molly Maid: “How Often Should You Wash Your Sheets?”
The Journal of Hospital Infection: “Laundering of Hospital Staff Uniforms at Home.”
Infection Ecology & Epidemiology: "Level of decontamination after washing textiles at 60°C or 70°C followed by tumble drying."
New Mexico State University: “Getting Clothes Clean.”
Allergy: “Fungal Contamination of Bedding.”
Consumer Reports: “How to Wash a Pillow to Keep It Smelling Fresh.”
Merry Maids: “How to Wash Your Sheets.”
Environmental Protection Agency: “Bed Bug Myths,” “Preparing for Treatment Against Bed Bugs.”
National Jewish Health: “Increasing Your Bed Bug Awareness.”
Reviewed by Hansa D. Bhargava, MD on August 28, 2019
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