How Often Should Should Bedding Be Washed?

Nothing beats that fresh sheet feeling! While you may not need to wash your bedding as often as you wash your clothes or your dishes, it’s important to have a regular cleaning schedule. So, how often should that be? It’s mostly a matter of personal preference, but if you’re unsure where to begin, we have some guides that can help.  

Bedsheets & Pillowcases

Your linens are the barrier between your body and your bed. While you sleep soundly each night, your bedsheets and pillowcases are collecting dirt and grime. This includes dead skin cells, body oils, makeup residue, sweat, saliva, dust mites and bacteria. If prolonged, this direct contact with your skin could cause negative reactions such as acne, eczema and allergies. 

As a rule of thumb, you should wash your sheets and pillowcases every week or every other week. You may consider washing them more often in certain situations. For example, if you sweat more during the summer, you eat in bed, your pets sleep on the bed, you go to bed without showering or washing your face.

It’s also a good idea to consider replacing your bedsheets and pillowcases when you notice any real wear. Luckily at Mattress Firm El Paso we have many options that fit your needs. Bedding may not be in our name, but we have it all and our sleep experts are ready to help you choose what’s right for you. If you need help choosing the right bedsheets, check out our blog with some helpful tips on what material, thread count, and weave type is best for you.

Comforters & Blankets

Your blankets don’t need to be washed as often as your sheets since they typically don’t have as much direct contact with your skin. Whether you use a duvet cover or a comforter, you should wash it every month or two. To keep your blanket fluffed and fresh between washings, you can toss it in the dryer on a high setting for 10-15 minutes at a time.

Mattress & Pillow Protectors

Your bedding protection helps extend the overall life of your mattress and pillows. These pieces protect your investments by acting as the last line of defense – so it’s important to clean and care for them regularly. You should wash your mattress protectors and pillow protectors once every two or three months. If you spill something on your bed, you should wash your protector immediately to prevent stains and mildew. Be sure to check and follow the cleaning instructions on the care label. Keep in mind that these protectors don’t last forever, when it’s time to replace them, we have a variety of options to fit your needs.

Pillows

Your pillow is the bedding item that is most likely to be overlooked when it comes to washing. Even if you use pillowcases and protectors, your pillows can still collect bacteria and debris. You should wash your actual pillows every three to six months. The best washing method depends on the material inside your pillow. Certain types can go in the washer and dryer while others are spot clean only. You should read the tag on your pillow to find its specific cleaning instructions.

Mattress Firm has a wide selection of the best pillows for you, from cooling, memory foam, bamboo, and even reversible ones! Stop by any of our local Las Cruces and El Paso locations where you can find the best pillow for you.

Mattress

Your mattress may not fit inside the washing machine, but there are still a few ways you can keep it clean. Using the upholstery attachment, vacuum the tops and sides of your mattress every three to four months. If you notice any stains on the mattress, spot clean them with cold water and dish soap. To remove odors, sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda on top of the mattress. Let the powder sit for a few hours or overnight and then vacuum again to remove.