Should You Ever Wear “Outside Clothes” in Bed? Cleaning Experts Explain

It’s one of the internet’s most hotly debated topics: Wearing “outside clothes” in bed. Some people think it’s no big deal to lie down on their bed still wearing the clothes they wore out for the day; others shudder at the mere thought. We asked scientists and cleaning pros to settle this debate once and for all.

I live in New York City and frequently take public transit, so I’m firmly on team “No outside clothes on the bed.” But even before I lived here, I generally felt grossed out at the prospect of getting the dust, germs, and other debris from the outside world in my bed. Some people take it a step further and won’t even sit on their furniture until they’ve changed out of their outside clothes. And yet, I’ve also met plenty of people who see no issue with plopping down on the bed in the clothes they wore to work or out for the day. While this is generally a matter of personal preference, pros did share a few things you should keep in mind about wearing outside clothes at home.

Below, experts weigh in on whether your outside clothes should ever touch your bed or your furniture.

According to the ISSA, outside clothes — particularly work clothes — have the potential to transport germs that have latched onto the fabrics into your home.

“Clothes that have been worn outside can carry dirt and dust. These contaminants can transfer to bedding or upholstery, leaving unwanted soils on your indoor fabrics. Additionally, outdoor clothing may harbor odors that can linger in your living space,” says P&G Fabric Care Scientist Kimberly Romine.

The Home Care & Cleaning Lab’s former executive director Carolyn Forté agrees that while she would potentially sit on the couch with “outside clothes,” the bed is a hard no.

If you’re running errands in your car or going on a quick walk around town, it’s not as crucial to change your outside clothes before taking a seat around the house. However, high-traffic areas like the airport and public transportation are another story. To avoid spreading germs at home, follow these expert-approved tips.

• Change your outfit as soon as you get home.
• Wash clothes after each wear (especially if you’re wearing them in crowded urban areas).
• Aim to wash your bedding every week. If you skip a week every so often, that’s not a problem. Still, try not to go longer than two weeks without washing, Forté recommends.
• Use a high-quality detergent with each load of laundry.

While changing out of your outside clothes isn’t necessarily a widely-accepted rule, Romine highly recommends it. “This simple step helps prevent the transfer of dirt and odors to your bedding, ensuring a cleaner and more pleasant sleep environment,” she says.

When it comes to other surfaces in your home, like the couch or your dining room chairs for example, the guidelines are a bit more relaxed. Just consider where you’ve been that day — if the chances you’ve managed to pick up a few unwanted germs are high, consider getting into a fresh pair of pajamas before settling in for the night. It’s cozier that way anyway, at least in my opinion.