1. Sheets
But if you sweat a lot at night, have oily skin, or use a lot of skin-care products before bed, you may benefit from washing your sheets more frequently, says Erum N. Ilyas, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and associate professor of dermatology at Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia.
2. Duvet Cover
A duvet cover goes over a comforter or other bedcover, and it can be removed and laundered as needed. Although it can take some wrestling to get the cover back on the insert, the cover itself is generally easier to wash than a bigger comforter.
As for how often to do it, that depends on whether you use a top sheet, says Patric Richardson, a laundry expert known as the “Laundry Evangelist” and the author of Laundry Love. If you do not use a top sheet (also called a flat sheet), treat the duvet cover like a sheet and wash it with the same frequency as your sheets. If this sounds like a hassle, you may want to pop a top sheet on your bed.
If you always use a top sheet, then your cover still needs a wash on occasion because it’s not completely protected from your skin. (Ever notice that the top, by your face, can become discolored over time?) Richardson recommends that those who use a top sheet wash their duvet cover every four to six weeks.
3. Comforter
The same washing rules apply for a comforter as a duvet cover, but because it’s one piece, it comes with its own challenges.
Comforters can be big and bulky, so make sure you add these to the wash alone. Be careful not to overstuff the laundry machine, says Dr. Ilyas. “For front-loading washing machines, you should be able to comfortably place your arm in the machine on top of the (items) with plenty of space,” she says. Washing will release dirt from the items, and the space is needed so that the dirt can be rinsed out of the machine — not deposited back into fabrics.
If your comforter is a down alternative, keep an eye on it during the drying cycle, and remove it right when it’s dry, he says. Overdrying down alternatives can make the material inside stick together, which will compromise how well it works to manage your body temperature.
4. Mattress Protector
Richardson recommends washing mattress covers every few months. As a bonus, while your mattress is bare, you can take advantage of this time and sprinkle baking soda on the mattress itself to make it smell better. He advises letting it sit for 10 minutes to absorb any odors, then vacuuming it. “If you’ve never done it before, the results are dramatic,” says Richardson.
5. Pillows
Aim to throw these in the wash once a month, recommends Ilyas. Even if you use pillowcases, you might notice that pillows can accumulate yellow staining. That may be from fluids like sweat and drool, but that’s not all. “I suspect the increased use of skin-care products is contributing to the accumulation of residues here,” she says.
After washing pillows, you’ll need to dry them. They can become misshaped after a tumble dry, so just like with a comforter, Richardson recommends drying pillows with a few tennis balls to make them fluff up and go back to their job of providing neck support at night.
Another option is to cover pillows with pillow protectors (also known as dust mite covers) so that you don’t have to wash pillows as frequently, says Ilyas. You still need a pillowcase, which goes over the pillow protector, and both of these can be thrown into the wash with your sheets. This can help protect the pillow itself from stains and potential odors, as well as dust mites that may accumulate in the pillow.
6. Pillowcases
Because pillowcases are in constant contact with the oils of your skin and hair, toss them in the weekly wash with your sheets. If you notice they’re becoming dirty or stained before the week is finished, you may want to wash them even more frequently, or better yet, have an extra set of pillowcases on hand so you don’t have to wash them midweek.
If an oily or discolored spot appears on pillowcases, Richardson recommends adding an oxygen bleach (a chlorine-free bleach that’s color-safe) to the wash, which will break down oils and help remove stains.
7. Blankets
Blankets can be thrown between your sheet and comforter, or spread on top of your bed for some extra warmth on a particularly chilly night. Of course, you might also use blankets to snuggle up with on the couch.
When considering how often to wash blankets, consider whether your blanket is being used directly on your or your family members’ skin, and how it’s being used. “Blankets that are in direct contact with the skin should be washed with the same frequency as bedsheets,” says Ilyas. “However, if these blankets are usually used over clothed skin, then frequent washing may not be as necessary.”
Richardson washes his blankets once per month. If you have a weighted blanket, read the label to determine whether you can wash it. While many can be thrown into a washing machine, others, such as those filled with buckwheat, cannot be washed, says Richardson.
You can also hand-wash a weighted blanket by laying it longways in your tub, covering it with warm water and a bit of liquid soap or detergent, and swishing it around a couple of times. Let it sit for 30 minutes. Drain the water, fill it with clean water, and rinse twice. Let it lay there for six hours (it will be too heavy to move anyway), then toss it over a railing (if you have access to one) to finish drying.
Why It’s Important to Wash Bedding Regularly
How often to wash bedding can vary from one household to another and can depend on several factors. Here are some that Ilyas recommends taking into account:
- Does this bedding item come in direct contact with your skin? Do you use a top sheet or just a blanket or duvet cover?
- Is your bedding likely to accumulate dust, dirt, or other debris?
- Do you use skin-care products before bed, such as lotions and oils? (When residue from skin-care products stays on bedding, bacteria can flourish.)
The Takeaway
Washing bedding regularly is important because sweat, oils, and skin-care products can transfer from your own skin to your sheets, comforter, and blankets. If left to linger long enough, this can cause an unpleasant odor and allow germs to grow. Wash sheets weekly and clean comforters, duvet covers, blankets, and pillows monthly.
