Sheets and pillowcases should be washed once a week.
This is the general recommendation from hygiene experts because pillowcases and sheets are in direct contact with your skin, hair, and face every night.
You may need to wash them more often if:
- You sweat a lot at night
- You sleep naked
- You have allergies or asthma
- You’re unwell
- You have pets that sleep on the bed
If weekly washing feels unrealistic, aim for every 10 days at an absolute maximum.
How Often Should You Wash Duvet Covers?
Duvet covers should be washed every 1–2 weeks.
If you use a top sheet between you and the duvet, you may be able to stretch this to two weeks. Without a top sheet, weekly washing is better.
Duvet covers trap sweat and body oils just like sheets, even if they don’t always look dirty.
How Often Should You Wash Pillow Protectors and Mattress Protectors?
- Pillow protectors: every 1–2 months
- Mattress protectors: every 1–2 months
These layers help protect your bedding from sweat and spills, but they still collect dust mites and bacteria over time.
If you have allergies, children, or frequent spills, washing them monthly is best.
How Often Should You Wash Your Duvet and Pillows?
- Duvets: every 3–6 months
- Pillows: every 3–6 months
Always check the care label first. Most modern duvets and pillows can be washed at home, but some may need professional cleaning.
Using protectors helps extend the time between washes.
How Often Should You Wash Bedding if You Have Kids?
If you have children, especially young kids, bedding often needs washing more frequently.
You may want to wash bedding:
- Weekly as a minimum
- Immediately after illness
- More often if there are accidents, spills, or night sweats
Kids’ bedding tends to get dirtier faster, even if it doesn’t always look it.
What Happens If You Don’t Wash Bedding Often Enough?
Not washing bedding regularly can lead to:
- Dust mite build-up
- Skin irritation or breakouts
- Worsened allergies or asthma
- Unpleasant smells
- Poor sleep quality
Clean bedding doesn’t just feel better — it genuinely supports better health and sleep.
What Temperature Should You Wash Bedding At?
For most bedding:
- 40°C is fine for regular washing
- 60°C is better for killing bacteria and dust mites
If someone in the household has been ill, washing at 60°C is recommended where the fabric allows.
Alternatively, you can use a laundry sanitiser if you prefer washing at cold temps. Cold washes can help with making your bedding last longer and stay feeling soft and lovely a bit longer – and keeping electricity bills down!
Quick Bedding Washing Schedule
If you want a simple rule to follow, use this:
| Item | How Often |
|---|---|
| Sheets & pillowcases | Weekly |
| Duvet covers | Every 1–2 weeks |
| Pillow protectors | Monthly |
| Mattress protectors | Monthly |
| Duvets & pillows | Every 3–6 months |
Keeping on top of your bedding washing routine is one of the easiest ways to improve hygiene, sleep quality, and comfort at home.
If you’re trying to build better laundry habits overall, you might also find it helpful to read why towels go hard after washing and how to keep them soft — it explains a common laundry problem that catches a lot of households out.
Clean bedding and soft towels go a long way in making your home feel fresher, without adding extra work.
