How Often Should You Wash Your Pajamas?

A common guideline is to wash pajamas every three to four wears, the same rhythm often suggested for bath towels, bras and sweaters. Wash them sooner if they are sweaty, soiled or no longer smell fresh, and if you have a skin condition, ask your dermatologist what is right for you.

That is the short answer. Below is how to think about where you fall in that range, laundry tips for sensitive skin, and how to wash modal and washable silk pajamas so frequent laundering does not wear them out.

The general rule: every three to four wears

Common laundry guidance groups pajamas with bath towels, bras and sweaters as items to wash every three to four times you wear them, while sheets and pillowcases go on a weekly schedule. It is a guideline rather than a hard rule, and published guidance on pajamas specifically is limited, so treat it as a starting point.

• Three to four wears: a sensible default if you shower before bed and do not sweat much at night.
• Weekly for sheets: sheets and pillowcases are generally washed once a week.
• More often with allergies: some people with allergies choose to wash bedding and pajamas more often; ask your doctor what is right for you.

When to wash pajamas more often

How quickly pajamas need a wash varies from person to person. Consider washing after fewer wears if any of these apply:

• You sweat at night: pajamas that are damp with sweat in the morning are due for the laundry sooner than ones that are not.
• You have eczema, psoriasis or very sensitive skin: there is no single published schedule for pajamas, so talk to your doctor or dermatologist about what is right for you, and see the laundry tips below.
• You skip a shower before bed: whatever is on your skin at bedtime ends up on your pajamas.
• There is a spill or odor: wash any time pajamas are visibly soiled or no longer smell fresh.

If night sweats are the issue, our guide to pajamas for hot flashes and night sweats may help.

Laundry tips for sensitive skin

If you have eczema or sensitive skin, these common laundry tips may help:

• Use a laundry detergent that is free of fragrance and dyes.
• Wash new clothes, including new pajamas, before wearing them.
• Use the extra-rinse setting if your machine has one, to remove detergent residue.

Whatever detergent you choose, follow your garment's care label for water temperature and drying.

How to wash pajamas often without wearing them out

Frequent washing is easier on fabric when you follow the label exactly. Here is how two of our signature pajama fabrics compare.

• Gisele TENCEL™ Modal Long PJ Set ($158, sizes XXS–XXL) and Gisele TENCEL™ Modal Shortie Short PJ Set ($138): "Turn inside out before washing. Machine wash cold with like colors on a gentle cycle. Use only non-chlorine bleach when needed. Tumble dry low. Warm iron if necessary."
• Inez Washable Silk Long PJ Set ($298, sizes XS–XL) and Inez Washable Silk Short PJ Set ($278): "Hand wash or machine wash cold on delicate cycle, separately. Remove promptly and lay flat to dry. Do not bleach. Mesh washbag recommended."

The Gisele Shortie Short PJ Set comes in sizes XXS–XL and the Inez Short PJ Set in XS–XL. For silk specifically, see how to care for silk pajamas.

Keep two or three sets in rotation

If you wash every three to four wears, a rotation keeps you from re-wearing a set just because the other one is in the laundry. It also spreads wear across several sets.

• Two sets: enough if you do laundry weekly and rarely sweat at night.
• Three sets: better for hot sleepers, anyone washing after one or two nights, or households with one laundry day.
• Mix fabrics by season: modal for everyday, silk for nights you want something smoother.

Building a drawer from scratch? Read the capsule sleepwear wardrobe, then browse Gisele pajamas and washable silk pajamas.

Frequently asked questions

How often should you wash pajamas?

A common guideline is every three to four wears. Wash sooner if they are sweaty, soiled or no longer smell fresh.

Is it okay to wear pajamas for a week?

A week is longer than the common three-to-four-wear guideline. If you shower before bed and do not sweat much, your pajamas may stay fresh a little longer, but wash them as soon as they are sweaty, soiled or no longer smell fresh.

Should I wash pajamas more often if I have eczema?

Ask your dermatologist how often is right for you. For laundry, a detergent that is free of fragrance and dyes, an extra rinse and washing new clothes before wearing them are common tips for sensitive skin.

Should I wash new pajamas before wearing them?

Yes. Washing new clothes before wearing them is a common tip, especially if you have sensitive skin.

How often should I wash my sheets compared with pajamas?

Sheets and pillowcases are generally washed weekly, while pajamas are commonly washed every three to four wears.

How do I wash Eberjey Gisele pajamas?

Turn inside out before washing. Machine wash cold with like colors on a gentle cycle. Use only non-chlorine bleach when needed. Tumble dry low. Warm iron if necessary.

How do I wash Eberjey Inez washable silk pajamas?

Hand wash or machine wash cold on delicate cycle, separately. Remove promptly and lay flat to dry. Do not bleach. A mesh washbag is recommended.

Sources

• Utah State University Extension, “Ask an Expert – The Dirt on Laundry: How Often to Wash?”
• American Academy of Dermatology, “Eczema types: Atopic dermatitis skin care”
• National Eczema Association, “Laundry Care for People with Eczema”
• Ochsner Health, “Make Healthy Sleep a Priority by Washing Your Sheets”
• Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, “Are you controlling allergens in your bedroom?”