Quick answer: how often to wash bedding
Wash your sheets and pillowcases weekly (every two weeks at the absolute minimum), and launder duvet covers every one to two weeks. Pillows and duvet inserts only need washing a few times a year, since a duvet cover takes the daily wear and means you rarely have to wash the insert itself. Mattress and pillow protectors can be washed about once a month.
Pillows are a critical part of a good night's sleep — find out today which one is right for you!
Find the Best Pillow!How Often to Wash Your Bedding
| Item | How often |
|---|---|
| Sheets & pillowcases | Weekly |
| Duvet cover | Every 1–2 weeks |
| Pillows | 2–4 times a year |
| Duvet / comforter insert | 1–2 times a year (or spot clean) |
| Mattress protector | Monthly |
| Mattress pad | Every 1–2 months |
A duvet cover means you rarely wash the insert itself.
When was the last time you washed your sheets? Each day, your sheets are covered in body oil, dead skin cells, sweat, and saliva. This makes it a haven for dust mites — microscopic pests that feed on what our bodies shed throughout the night. Many people have severe allergies to dust mites, which is why it is so very important to wash your sheets frequently.
How Often Should You Be Washing Your Sheets?
The MINIMUM is once every two weeks, but ideally, you should be changing them and washing them once a week. With mattress covers and pillow protectors, these things can be washed once a month as they do not collect as much dirt because of the sheets. It is important to wash your pillows and comforter as well when possible or have them dry cleaned at least twice a year.
Washing With Hot Water
Cotton sheets can generally be washed in warm or hot water to kill dust mites and bacteria. Always check the care label first. Bamboo and silk sheets should be washed in cold water on a delicate cycle.
Duvets and Comforters
Down inserts are best dry cleaned or washed in a large commercial machine. Wool duvets are usually spot cleaned only. Some mulberry silk inserts are machine washable in a commercial-size machine. Always check the care label first, and use a duvet cover so you rarely need to wash the insert at all.
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Find the Best Pillow!Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I wash my sheets?
Wash your sheets and pillowcases weekly. Once every two weeks is the absolute minimum, since sheets collect body oil, dead skin cells, sweat, and saliva that attract dust mites.
How often should I wash my duvet cover?
Launder your duvet cover every one to two weeks. Using a duvet cover means you rarely need to wash the insert underneath it.
How often do pillows and duvet inserts need to be washed?
Pillows should be washed two to four times a year, and duvet or comforter inserts only need washing (or dry cleaning) about one to two times a year, or can simply be spot cleaned.
What water temperature should I use to wash my sheets?
Cotton sheets can generally be washed in warm or hot water to kill dust mites and bacteria, but always check the care label first. Bamboo and silk sheets should be washed in cold water on a delicate cycle.
Can I machine wash a down duvet insert?
Down inserts are best dry cleaned or washed in a large commercial machine. Wool duvets are usually spot cleaned only, while some mulberry silk inserts are machine washable in a commercial-size machine. Always check the care label first.
How often should mattress protectors and pads be washed?
Mattress and pillow protectors can be washed about once a month, while mattress pads should be washed every one to two months.
Lise St-Germain
April 21, 2024
I really enjoy this article full of information on maintaining a good household clean. It’s refreshing in keeping good habits. Thank you