How often bedding should be changed
Short answer: Every other week covers everyday use. If you sweat at night, sleep without nightwear or have allergies, the bedding should be changed more often, usually every week. The pillowcase can be changed a little more often than the rest, because it touches your face every night.
Every other week as a starting point
Bedding collects skin cells, sweat and skin oils, even when it does not look dirty. Two weeks is roughly when most people start to notice it in the smell and in fabric that feels less fresh. Every other week is therefore a good starting point for most. See bamboo bedding.
More often if you sweat
If you sweat at night, the sheet gets damp every night, and moisture encourages odour. Then once a week is more suitable. The same applies in warm summer months, when most people sweat more than usual. Leave the bed open in the morning so the moisture can escape before you make it.
Nightwear stretches the interval
If you sleep in nightwear, it absorbs part of the sweat and skin oils instead of the sheet. That keeps the bedding fresh for longer. In return, the nightwear needs washing more often, usually after two or three nights. See bamboo nightwear for women.
The pillowcase more often
The pillowcase touches your face and hair and gets dirty faster than the rest. Face cream, traces of make-up and hair products settle in the fabric. Some people change only the pillowcase in between, for example halfway through the interval. It is an easy way to keep the bed fresh.
With allergies
If you are allergic to dust mites, it can make sense to change and wash your bedding every week. Mites feed on skin cells and thrive in warmth and humidity. A hot wash at 60 degrees may be part of it, but talk to your doctor about what suits you.
Air it every morning
It helps to leave the duvet folded back while you have breakfast. The moisture from the night can then evaporate before you make the bed. A bed made straight away traps the moisture. Air the bedroom as well so the air is replaced. That extends the time your bedding feels fresh.
Two sets in rotation
With two sets you can change without having to wash and dry on the same day. That makes it easier to keep a regular routine. Each set is also used less, which extends the life of both. Wash at 40 degrees without fabric softener. Read more in washing and care.
The duvet and pillow
The duvet and pillow themselves do not need washing as often as the covers. Air them a few times a year, ideally outdoors on a dry day. Follow the care label on the duvet if it is washable. A duvet that is never aired can start to smell even when the cover is clean.
Listen to your bed
The interval is a starting point and not a rule. If the sheet smells or feels clammy when you lie down, it is time to change, whenever you last did it. On the other hand, someone who sleeps cool and wears nightwear can go a little longer. What matters is a bed that feels clean.
Frequently asked questions
How often should bedding be changed?
Every other week with normal use. If you sweat at night, sleep without nightwear or have allergies, every week is more suitable, especially in the warm summer months.
Does nightwear help with the interval?
Yes. Nightwear absorbs part of the sweat and skin oils instead of the sheet. In return it needs washing more often, usually after two or three nights.
Should the pillowcase be changed more often?
Many people do, because the pillowcase touches face and hair and gets dirty faster. Changing it halfway through the interval keeps the bed fresh with little extra effort.
See our range of Nordic Weaving bedding.
