It’s important to keep in mind that natural body oils, sweat, dead skin cells, bacteria, and body care products can build up on your pajamas. If you continue to wear them without washing them, it can cause skin irritation – and may even start to smell bad.

If your pajamas are your only diaper, they should be treated as an undergarment and washed after each use. If you wear your pajamas with underwear, you should wash them at least as often as you would with clothes worn during the day. The American Cleaning Institute recommends washing every three to four days.

When deciding on a wash program, consider the following factors:

• How much you sweat when you sleep – more sweating requires more frequent washing.

• Whether you take a shower in the evening before putting on your pajamas, it keeps them cleaner.

• What material are your pajamas made of – wool, for example, is resistant to moisture, so it can be worn a little longer before washing.

• When washing pajamas, be sure to read the label for best practices. Flannel should be turned inside out, while silk is generally best cleaned by hand.

• Wash in cold water, unless otherwise specified.

• Use your favorite fabric softener, it provides ultimate sleeping comfort.

• For an extra treat, steam or iron before wearing.