How often should you really wash your sheets?
25th Feb 2025
We've all been there, putting off washing our sheets for longer than we'd like to admit—no judgment here.
But maintaining clean and fresh sheets is crucial for a comfortable and healthy sleep environment. So, what's the bottom line? How often should you actually be washing everything in your bedroom?
When to Wash Your Sheets
The rule of thumb is to wash your sheets weekly to keep them fresh and hygienic. This applies to all types of sheets, whether they're made from bamboo, cotton, or flannelette. Our body oils, sweat, and dust particles accumulate quickly, making regular washing essential for maintaining cleanliness.
Hot tip: Use our signature laundry liquid — thoughtfully designed to be tough on stains while being gentle on fabrics.
Get the look
What Happens If You Don't Wash Your Sheets Regularly?
Skipping a wash here and there isn’t the end of the world, but try to not make it a habit. Dirty sheets can lead to various health issues. Not washing your sheets regularly can cause a buildup of dust mites, dirt, and mould, which can trigger asthma, allergies, and skin irritation.
Get the look
Factors to Consider When Washing Your Sheets
While weekly or fortnight washing is a good rule of thumb, you can adjust this based on your lifestyle. These are a few factors to consider:
● Hygiene habits: Your shower routine and sweat levels play a big role. If you shower at night, your sheets might stay cleaner longer. Hot sleepers or those who sweat more should wash their sheets more frequently.
● Illness: If you’re unwell, it’s best to wash all your bedding, regardless of when it was last cleaned, to prevent the spread of illness.
● Sleeping with pets: If you sleep with pets, their fur and dirt can build up on your sheets and blankets. Wash your sheets every 3-4 days to maintain cleanliness.
Hot tip: Rotating your sheets is a smart practice that extends their lifespan and maintains their quality. By having a few sets of sheets on hand and rotating them regularly, you allow each set to rest between washes, which can reduce wear and tear. This not only ensures that your sheets remain in good condition for longer but also gives you a chance to inspect and address any issues like stains or damage.
Additionally, using a flat sheet can help protect your quilt cover, allowing you to wash it less frequently. If you're a hot sleeper, consider opting for bamboo or bamboo-cotton sheets, as these materials are excellent for moisture-wicking and keeping you cool at night.
Get the look
How Often Should You Wash Everything in Your Bedroom?
Your sheets aren’t the only bedding items that need regular care. Here’s how often you should clean the rest of your bedding:
Fitted and Top Sheets
Wash your top sheets once a week or a fortnight, depending on your personal preference, lifestyle and usage.
Get the look
Pillowcases
Aim to wash your pillowcases once a week to keep them fresh and free from oils and drool.
Get the look
Pillows
Every 3 to 4 months. For those with Canningvale pillows, you’re in luck! Most Canningvale pillows are machine washable, making maintenance a breeze. For more detailed instructions, check out our article How to remove stains from your pillows.
Get the look
Quilt Covers
Since quilt covers don’t come into direct contact with your skin as much as sheets do, they can be washed less frequently. If you use a top sheet, wash your duvet cover once a month. Once a week if you don’t use a top sheet.
Quilts should be washed every 3 months to ensure they stay clean and comfortable. Many of our Canningvale quilts are machine washable, which simplifies the process.
Get the look
Mattress Toppers and Underlays
These sit under your sheets, so they only need to be washed every 3 to 4 months.
Get the look
Blankets and Throws
Most blankets and throws should be washed once or twice a month. If you use them primarily as decorative pieces, you can wash them less frequently.
Hot tip: Use our wool dryer balls to reduce the drying time of your bedding. They help to separate the layers of fabric, allowing hot air to circulate more efficiently, which can shorten the drying process and leave your sheets feeling soft and fresh.
Following this schedule will ensure your bedding remains fresh and comfortable, providing you with the best possible sleep environment. Happy sleeping!