The Surprising (and Gross) Reason Scientists Advise Against Making Your Bed in the Morning

We’ve all been there: the calming ritual of making your bed in the morning, smoothing out the sheets, and fluffing the pillows just right. It’s a small act that can make your room look cleaner and feel more organized, giving you that satisfying sense of accomplishment. The right combination of soft sheets and pillows might even give you a refreshing start to your day.

But here’s the kicker—The Surprising (and Gross) Reason Scientists Advise Against Making Your Bed in the Morning. As it turns out, making your bed may not be as beneficial as we once thought. A study we came across revealed that the act of tucking, smoothing, and fluffing your sheets could actually invite some unwelcome guests into your bed: dust mites. According to a 2005 study in the Building Services Engineering Research & Technology Journal, when you leave your bed unmade, the environmental conditions of the mattress become less favorable for dust mites, which makes it harder for them to thrive.

“You can therefore say there is evidence that suggests by not making your bed in the morning this will have a positive impact on reducing dust mite populations, however small,” Stephen Pretlove, director of sustainable engineering at the University of Roehampton, London, explained to The Washington Post.

Dr. Tania Elliott, a board-certified allergist, supports this idea. Instead of making her bed immediately after waking up, she allows her sheets to air out for a few hours. By doing so, she avoids creating the warm, folded environment where dust mites thrive, and it also prevents locking in moisture or grime from the night before. This is especially helpful for anyone who sweats at night, as it gives the sheets a chance to dry out before being tucked back in.

So, The Surprising (and Gross) Reason Scientists Advise Against Making Your Bed in the Morning really boils down to dust mites and your mattress’s ability to stay fresh. But that doesn’t mean you should skip the bed-making ritual entirely. If you prefer the neatness of a made bed, there are still ways to reduce the impact of dust mites in your home. The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences recommends the following:

1. Control humidity: Use a dehumidifier or air conditioner to maintain humidity levels below 50% in your bedroom.
2. Protect your bedding: Use dust-proof or allergen-proof covers for your mattress and pillows.
3. Wash your bedding weekly: Clean your sheets, blankets, and pillowcases in hot water (130–140°F) once a week to eliminate dust mites.
4. Vacuum smartly: Opt for a vacuum cleaner with a double-layered microfilter bag or a HEPA filter to trap dust and allergens.

In the end, whether you make your bed right away or give it a few hours to air out, there are steps you can take to keep your bedroom cleaner and healthier. The key is balance—enjoy the ritual while still being mindful of your bed’s environmental impact.