The Ultimate Guide to Keeping Your Bedding Clean

A clean bed is essential for quality sleep and overall well-being, and let’s be honest, sometimes we forget to wash our bedding as often as we should.

Your bedding collects sweat, skin cells, dust, and allergens daily, making regular cleaning vital—not just for comfort, but for your health.

But how often should you really wash your bedding? And what’s the best way to care for everything from sheets to pillows and mattresses? Here’s a practical, science-backed guide to keeping your bedding fresh and inviting.

Source: The Conversation, 2025, “How Often Should You Really Be Washing Your Bedding?” 

Your bedding plays a vital role in the quality of your sleep and your health. Unwashed bedding can harbor bacteria, fungi, and dust mites—tiny creatures that consume your dead skin cells. These unwelcome guests can trigger allergies, asthma, and even worsen respiratory issues. Plus, with every night’s rest, sweat and oil from your skin seep into the fabric, causing unpleasant odors over time.

The good news? Regular cleaning can address these concerns, giving you a cleaner, healthier sleep environment.

Sheets are in constant contact with your skin, absorbing sweat, oils, and shed skin cells. Microbiologist Primrose Freestone, who was featured in The Conversation, recommends washing your sheets weekly to minimize the buildup of bacteria and allergens. If you sweat heavily or sleep with pets, consider laundering them more frequently, such as twice a week.

To extend the freshness of your sheets between washes:

• Shower before bed to reduce sweat and dirt transfer.
• Avoid eating or drinking in bed.
• Brush off pet hair or dirt regularly if your furry friends share the space.

Your pillows absorb oils from your hair and face over time, making regular cleaning a must. Aim to wash your pillows every three months, though the frequency may vary depending on the material. Foam pillows typically have removable, washable covers, while feather and synthetic pillows can often go directly into the washing machine.

Don’t forget these tips for maintaining fresh, supportive pillows:

• Use pillow protectors to create an additional barrier against oils and allergens.
• Fluff your pillows daily to help them retain shape and prevent clumping.
• Replace pillows entirely every 1-2 years for optimal hygiene and support.

Since duvets often have covers, they don’t require washing as frequently. Experts recommend laundering them every 6 months, though seasonal bedding, such as heavy winter comforters, can be stored clean and washed once per season of use. Use a duvet cover and wash this cover weekly to protect the inner layers.

A mattress protector is your mattress’s first line of defense against sweat, dust, and spills. Wash your mattress covers around once every one to two months — more often if you have allergies or share the bed with pets.

Dust mites are microscopic creatures that thrive in bedding, feeding on skin cells. While they’re harmless to most, they can worsen allergies and asthma symptoms. To minimize their presence:

• Wash bedding in hot water — at least 130°F (55°C) — to kill mites effectively.

• Choose hypoallergenic bedding materials that resist dust mite infestation.

• Vacuum your mattress monthly using an upholstery attachment to remove dust and debris.

• Consider purchasing an encased mattress protector designed to block dust mite entry.

Your mattress is a long-term investment, and proper care can extend its lifespan and keep it hygienic. Here’s how:

• Vacuum regularly to remove dust and allergens trapped in the mattress surface and crevices.

• Treat stains immediately with a gentle cleaning solution of mild detergent and water. Dab — don’t rub — the stain, then air dry completely.

• Rotate your mattress every 3-6 months to prevent wear in specific areas and encourage even support.

If you’ve had your mattress for over 7-10 years, it might be time to consider a replacement — especially if you notice sagging, odors, or worsening sleep quality.

Most weighted blankets have removable washable covers. Wash them weekly or biweekly, while the inner blanket may only need cleaning every few months or as spills occur. Check the manufacturer’s care instructions, as some may require spot cleaning or dry cleaning.

Luxury silk sheets are softer on the skin but require extra care. Wash in cold water on a delicate cycle or hand wash with mild detergent. Air drying is best to maintain their smooth texture and longevity.

If pets sleep on your bed, choose pet-friendly materials that resist shedding and odors. Keep lint rollers handy for quick cleanup, and launder bedding more often — at least twice a week.