Bedding is something we use every single day—and for that reason, it accumulates dirt, oils, and dust more frequently than other household items. While the general consensus is that sheets be changed once per week, other types of bedding can be washed less frequently.
We break down exactly how often to wash or change every piece in your bedding set, from your sheets to your shams.
How Often to Wash Your Bedding
Certain types of bedding, like sheets and pillowcases, need to be washed more frequently than others. More decorative items, like quilts, comforters, and mattress protectors, can be washed or changed less frequently since your sheets provide a barrier to them.
Bedding Type | How Often to Change/Wash |
Sheets | Once a week |
Pillowcases | Twice a week |
Duvet Covers | Once a month or as needed |
Duvet | As needed only; can tumble on high heat in dryer to fluff + freshen if washing isn’t necessary |
Comforter | For best results, only launder when soiled |
Quilts | For best results, only launder when soiled |
Bed Blankets | For best results, only launder when soiled |
Shams | Once a week if slept on, once a month if decorative |
Pillows | As needed only; can tumble on high heat in dryer to fluff + freshen if washing isn’t necessary |
Mattress Protector | Once a month or as needed |
Sheets and pillowcases should be washed more frequently than other types of bedding because they accumulate the most dirt and debris. Your duvet covers, mattress protector, and shams (if slept on) should be washed about once a month so that they stay fresh.
Duvets, comforters, bed blankets are more durable and only need to be washed when soiled to ensure they last as long as possible.
Why to Wash Your Bedding More Frequently
Use your discretion when deciding when to wash your bedding. You may find that you need to wash or change your sheets even more often than once per week if you:
- Perspire a lot
- Spend a lot of time in bed (i.e. work from bed)
- Let your pets or kids be in bed with you
- Are sick
- Suffer from allergies or asthma
- Have sensitive skin or acne
- Use hair products
Some people find that they change their bedding more often in the summertime due to being more active.
Why It’s Important to Wash Your Sheets
Since we use our sheets every single day, over time, they accumulate body oils, sweat, dead skin cells, dirt, and dust. This can cause skin irritation, help harmful bacteria grow and spread, and may trigger or worsen allergies.
Tips to Wash Bedding Less Frequently:
We know that washing your bedding can sometimes be a little inconvenient, even though it’s extremely important. To make life easier, here are a few tips to keep your bedding cleaner for longer stretches of time:
- Use a flat sheet so you don’t need to wash the duvet cover as often
- Use pillow protectors
- Take a shower before bedtime
- Wear clean pajamas
- Don’t let pets or kids sleep with you at night
- Keep an extra pair of sheets on hand for when you don’t have time to do laundry one week
- Keep an extra pair of pillowcases and shams on hand to change out more frequently than sheets
How to Wash Your Bedding
Every type of bedding has its own washing requirements that should be followed accordingly. Our bedding is made with organic cotton, for example, so they only need easy care when washing.
In general, bedding should be washed in cold water to help get any stains out and avoid shrinkage. It should also be washed with like colors and without any bleach or chemical brighteners. Depending on the product, you might not be able to use fabric softener, so be sure to check the laundry care guide whenever possible.