How to Wash Bedding the Right Way
Sheets, duvet covers, comforters, and pillows each have their own rules. Here’s how often to wash them and how to get them fully dry.
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Fresh sheets are one of the small pleasures of keeping a house, but bedding is also heavy, bulky, and easy to wash badly. Overloaded machines, too much detergent, and pieces that come out still damp in the middle are the usual problems.
The care label comes first. What follows is general advice for when the label gives you room to decide.
How often to wash what
| Item | General guide |
|---|---|
| Sheets and pillowcases | Every 1 to 2 weeks |
| Duvet cover | Every 2 to 4 weeks, or with sheets if no top sheet is used |
| Blankets and throws | Every few months, or as needed |
| Comforter or duvet insert | A couple of times a year, if the label permits |
| Pillows | Every 3 to 6 months, if washable |
| Mattress protector | Every 1 to 2 months |
Wash more often if you’ve been ill, sweat at night, have allergies, or share the bed with pets.
Washing sheets and pillowcases
Before you start
- Read the care labels
- Treat any spots
- Close zippers and buttons on duvet covers and pillow shams
- Wash sheets apart from towels, which shed lint and take longer to dry
- Don’t overstuff. Sheets need room to move. Wash one set at a time in most home machines.
- Measure detergent. Follow the label for load size. Too much can leave residue on the fabric.
- Pick a temperature. Warm water suits many cotton sheets. Delicate fabrics such as silk or some bamboo blends may need cold and a gentle cycle.
- Dry on low to medium. High heat can be hard on fibers and can cause shrinkage. Remove sheets while they’re still very slightly damp to reduce wrinkles, then let them air-dry fully.
- Untangle partway. Sheets tend to ball up in the dryer. Shake them out midway through so the centers dry properly.
Washing a comforter or duvet insert
Check the label first: some must be dry-cleaned. If it can be washed, the machine must be large enough for the comforter to move around freely. If it’s a tight squeeze, a laundromat’s large-capacity washer is a good option.
- Repair any tears so the filling doesn’t escape.
- Use a gentle cycle with a mild detergent, and choose an extra rinse if you have that option.
- Dry slowly on low heat. Add wool or rubber dryer balls to break up clumps. Plan for this to take a while.
- Take it out and fluff it every 30 minutes or so.
- Check that it’s dry all the way through. Damp spots in the middle can lead to musty smells. Finish by airing it out if you’re not sure.
Washing pillows
Pillows vary widely.
- Down, feather, and many polyester-filled pillows can often be machine-washed. Wash two at a time to balance the load, if your machine has room, and dry on low with dryer balls until fully dry.
- Memory foam and latex generally shouldn’t go in a washing machine. Follow the manufacturer’s advice. They often call for spot cleaning and airing out.
- If a pillow stays lumpy or smelly after washing, it may be time to replace it.
Pillow protectors, with a zipper, are easy to wash and can help keep the pillow itself cleaner.
Between washes
- Pull back the covers for a little while in the morning to let moisture escape
- Rotate between two sets of sheets so neither gets excessive wear
- Store clean sets in a cool, dry closet, and tuck each set inside one of its own pillowcases
- Vacuum the mattress when you change the sheets
Frequently asked questions
How often should sheets be washed?
Every one to two weeks is a common recommendation. Wash more often if you’ve been sick or if you sweat heavily at night.
Can I wash sheets and towels together?
It’s better to keep them separate. Towels are heavier, shed lint, and take longer to dry.
Can I wash a king comforter at home?
Only if your machine has enough space for it to move freely. If not, a large commercial washer or a professional cleaner may be a better option.
Why does my comforter smell after washing?
Usually because the center never dried completely. Run it again on low heat, fluff it often, and air it out before using it.
This guide is general information. Your home, appliances, and products may differ, so follow manufacturer instructions and product labels. Spot an error? Tell us, or read our Editorial Policy.
