Keeping your bedding clean is essential for maintaining good hygiene and healthy skin. Every night, bedsheets and pillow covers collect sweat, body oils, dead skin cells, dust mites, bacteria and allergens. If left unwashed for too long, they can contribute to allergies, skin irritation and acne.
Here’s how often experts recommend washing different types of bedding.
Bedsheets: Once Every Week
Bedsheets should ideally be washed once every seven days to remove sweat, skin cells and allergens that accumulate during sleep. If you sweat heavily, sleep without nightwear, have allergies or share your bed with pets, washing them every three to four days is recommended.
Pillow Covers: Every 2–3 Days
Pillow covers come into direct contact with your face and hair, absorbing oils, sweat, skincare products and saliva. Washing them every two to three days helps keep them fresh and may reduce acne caused by bacteria and oil buildup. At a minimum, they should be cleaned once a week.
Pillow Protectors: Once a Month
Pillow protectors provide an extra layer of protection beneath pillow covers and do not require frequent washing. Cleaning them once a month is generally sufficient unless they become stained or visibly dirty.
Duvet Covers: Every 1–2 Weeks
Duvet covers should be washed every one to two weeks, particularly if you sleep directly under them. If you use a top sheet between yourself and the duvet, washing every two weeks is usually adequate.
Blankets and Comforters: Every 2–3 Months
Heavy blankets, quilts and comforters don’t need to be washed as often. Cleaning them every two to three months is typically enough. However, they should be washed sooner if they become stained, develop unpleasant odours or have been used while someone is ill.
When Should You Wash Bedding More Frequently?
You may need to wash your bedding more often if you:
- Sweat heavily while sleeping
- Have allergies or asthma
- Sleep with pets
- Are recovering from a cold, flu or another contagious illness
- Eat in bed regularly
- Frequently nap without showering after outdoor activities
Maintaining a regular bedding cleaning routine not only improves hygiene but also promotes better sleep, healthier skin and a cleaner sleeping environment.