Washing bedding isn’t always fun, but that fresh sheet feeling afterwards is always worth it. More importantly, regular washing helps keep your bed clean, comfortable and ready for a great night’s sleep.
So, how often should you be washing your bedding to keep it feeling its best without causing unnecessary wear?
We’ve broken down everything you need to know, from how often to wash your sheets to the best way to care for them.
How often should I wash my bedding?
For most people, washing your bedding every 1 to 2 weeks is ideal. This helps remove everyday build-up like sweat, dust and pet hair, keeping your sheets feeling fresh and comfortable.
However, this can vary depending on your lifestyle. You may want to wash your bedding more frequently if:
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You have allergies
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You tend to sweat at night
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You share your bed with pets
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You’ve been unwell
In these cases, washing your sheets once a week can help maintain a cleaner, more comfortable sleep environment.
While it’s tempting to wash your bedding as often as possible, over-washing can cause fabrics to lose their softness and colour over time. Sticking to a regular routine helps strike the right balance between cleanliness and care.
What happens if you don’t wash your bedding regularly?
Over time, bedding naturally collects dust, sweat and dead skin cells. Without regular washing, this build-up can affect both the feel of your bedding and your overall sleep quality.
Unwashed bedding can:
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Feel less fresh and comfortable
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Trigger allergy symptoms
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Reduce the lifespan of your sheets
Keeping a consistent washing routine helps ensure your bedding stays soft, clean and inviting night after night.
What is the best way to wash bedding?
Washing your bedding correctly is just as important as how often you do it. The right approach will help maintain softness, colour and durability.
As a general guide, washing at 30 to 40°C is suitable for most bedding. This temperature is warm enough to remove dirt and bacteria, while still being gentle on fabrics. Lower temperature washes are also a more energy-efficient option, helping you care for your bedding and the environment at the same time.
To keep your bedding looking and feeling its best:
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Wash similar colours together
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Turn patterned or coloured bedding inside out
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Avoid overloading the washing machine
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Use a gentle detergent
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Dry thoroughly before putting back on your bed
For more detailed advice, explore our guide to caring for cotton and Egyptian cotton bedding.
How often should you change your bedding?
Changing your bedding goes hand in hand with washing it. Ideally, you should switch your sheets every 1 to 2 weeks, in line with your washing routine. Having more than one bedding set makes this much easier. It allows you to rotate between sets, keeping your bed fresh without putting too much strain on a single set of sheets.
Having multiple duvet covers and pillowcases is a great way to switch up your bedroom décor too. During summer months, you can opt for florals and lighter colours. You might want a gingham set to match the look of a picnic blanket or perhaps a dusty pink inspired by summer sunsets.
And then in autumn and winter, it’s all about the burnt orange of fallen leaves and deep plums. But of course, there’s always the classic crisp white bedding that looks stylish and cosy no matter what season we’re in. The choice is all yours!
Should you wash new bedding before using it?
We always recommend washing new bedding before using it for the first time. This helps soften the fabric and ensures it feels as comfortable as possible from the very first night.
Now, this is less about cleanliness, and more about giving yourself the ultimate cosy night’s sleep from the very first snooze in your fresh sheets! It also allows you to refresh the bedding with your preferred scent, creating that clean, just-washed feel straight away.
As with all bedding, be sure to follow the care instructions on the label to keep it looking and feeling its best.
Keep your bedding feeling its best
A simple washing routine can make all the difference to how your bedding looks, feels and lasts over time. By washing regularly and caring for your fabrics properly, you can enjoy that fresh, comfortable feeling every night.
Looking to refresh your setup? Explore our collection of bedding, from breathable cotton styles to cosy options designed for cooler nights.
FAQs
How often should you wash bed sheets?
Most bed sheets should be washed every 1 to 2 weeks. If you have allergies or sweat more at night, washing them weekly is recommended.
What temperature should you wash bedding at?
A temperature of 30 to 40°C is suitable for most bedding, helping to remove dirt while protecting the fabric.
Can you wash bedding too often?
Yes, washing bedding too frequently can cause fabrics to wear out more quickly. A regular routine of once every 1 to 2 weeks is ideal.
