How Often Should I Wash My Bedding?

We know that the bothersome pile of dirty clothes and bed sheets never seems to stop growing. And between all the other tasks on your to-do list, the idea of washing your sheets might seem like too much of a faff. But washing your bed sheets is crucial for cleanliness, as well as giving them a sumptuously soft feel, meaning you can doze off in peace. 

Now, the question is, how often should you wash your bedding so they’re clean but not damaged from over-washing?

Well, from how much you need to wash your bedding to how often you should change your sheets, we’ve got all the bed washing know-how for you, right here!

How often should I wash my bedding?

Slipping under freshly washed sheets is one of life’s smallest yet greatest pleasures, so you’d be forgiven for wanting to wash your bed set as much as possible. But over-washing your linen can actually cause more damage than good! 

“Then, how often should I be washing my sheets?!,” we hear you wondering!

Well, the answer is around every two weeks. As things like sweat, dust, and pet hair gather on your pillows and duvet, they can start to lose their cosy, luxurious feel – a simple spin in the washing machine gives them a new lease of life!

However, this answer does differ slightly from person to person. For example, allergens can build up on your bedspread quite quickly, causing pesky allergy symptoms to keep you awake. So, if you have allergies you may want to wash them more - around once a week will help keep those sneezes at bay. 

Just keep in mind that while the temptation of a fresh sheet sleep might be calling your name, your laundry really goes through the wringer here. Between the super high speeds and hot, hot, hot temperature of your machine, delicate bedding fibres can start to tear and lose their colour when washed too much. 

But by sticking to that two-week rotation, you can keep them looking – and feeling – as fresh as possible!

What is the best way to wash my bedding?

How often should I wash my bedding is one question, but what is the best way to wash them to retain their luxurious feel for longer? 

Generally, around 30 to 40 °C is a safe temperature for washing all bedding as it is hot enough to remove germs and dirt, but cool enough to limit those lovely bed sheet colours draining. In fact, a colder wash is not only safer for your sheets, it’s also an environmentally friendly way to wash your sheets too!

If your bed sheets are quite vibrant with lots of eclectic colours or patterns, then it’s a good idea to wash them inside out too! This is a great way to give a bit more protection to the colour of your sheets, so they don’t lose their stylish appeal. 

Looking for more advice on washing your bed sheets safely? Then check out our handy guide on how to wash cotton and Egyptian cotton sheets! If you’re still unsure, our bed sheets do come with their own care label too, where you can find all the proper care instructions.

How often do I need to change my sheets?

Now you know how often to wash your sheets, you might be wondering how often you should change your bedding. 

While you can change your bedding as much as you like, we do recommend you change them as often as you’d wash them - between the 1 and 2 week mark minimum. But to avoid washing the same bed set too much, it’s handy to have at least two sets – one for the wash and one to cosy up under. 

In fact, having multiple duvet covers and pillowcases is a great way to switch up your bedroom décor too! During summer months, you can go wild with the pastels and patterns. You might want a gingham set to match the look of a picnic blanket or perhaps a dusty pink inspired by those soothing summer sunsets. 

And then in autumn and winter, it’s all about the burnt orange of fallen leaves and deep plums like the winter sky at twilight. But of course, there’s always the classic crisp white bedspread that looks stylish and cosy no matter what season we’re in. The choice is all yours!

Do I need to wash new bedding?

How often you should change your sheets or how much you should wash them is all about keeping them fresh. So, if that’s the case, do you need to wash new bed sheets? 

Well, we recommend you wash your bedding even if it is brand new. 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! 

Washing new bed sheets is a great way to give them a fresh smell, so you can doze off surrounded by fields of flowers or the sweet scent of sandalwood and honeysuckle. Just be sure to stick to the care instructions on the label to keep them looking brand new. 

Now you know how often you should wash your bed sheets and whether you need to wash new sheets, it’s time to move on to styling your bedding! To discover how you can make your home feel tranquil with some designer bed dressing tips, head over to our inspiration page!