Did you know that sleeping in a bed with sheets that have not been washed in a long time can make you sick? The biggest problem is mites. As you sleep, dead skin cells are constantly falling off your body, into your sheets and pillowcases. Dead skin cells are food for dust mites. Mites and their feces accumulate in your bedding. You can’t see mites without a microscope, but everybody’s got them. As much as 10% of the weight of a pillowcase that has not been washed in a year could be mite feces. (Disgusting, isn’t it?) A lot of other unhealthy things accumulate in unwashed sheets and pillowcases: fungal mold and spores, dander, bodily secretions, bacteria, dust, lint, insect parts, pollen, soil, and cosmetics. Plus, there’s your own sweat. A person can perspire as much as one quart a night, even more in hot weather or if you have a thick blanket over you. All this stuff in your sheets can lead to infections and cause respiratory problems.

The solution to all this is very simple – wash your sheets and pillowcases frequently, at least once a month. All of my rentals have a free-operation washing machine and dryer in the unit, so what’s your excuse? How long has it been since you last washed your sheets, pillowcases, and towels?