How Often Should You Change Your Bedding? The Hygiene Guide

Short answer: Change your bedding every week or every other week. If you sweat a lot at night, sleep without nightwear or are ill, you should change more often, ideally twice a week. Pillowcases can be changed more frequently than the rest, because they collect skin oils and bacteria.

Why bedding needs changing

Over the course of a night, your body gives off sweat, skin cells and skin oils to the bedding. That becomes food for bacteria and dust mites, which can bother both your skin and your airways. A clean sleeping environment quite simply gives you a fresher and healthier night's sleep. Read more about a good sleeping environment in the article on better sleep with bamboo.

Rules of thumb

Every week or every other week suits most people. Change more often if you sweat a lot, sleep without nightwear, share your bed with pets or have been ill. If you keep two sets of bamboo bedding in rotation, changing is never a hassle, and each set lasts longer. Remember to change the fitted sheet too.

Wash it correctly

Wash bamboo bedding at 40 degrees without fabric softener, and preferably let it air dry. Also air out your duvet regularly, and air out the bedroom every day so the moisture leaves the room. You will find the full routine in our guide to washing and caring for bamboo clothing.

Frequently asked questions

How often should you change your bedding?

Every week or every other week for most people. With heavy night sweats, illness or pets in the bed, you should change more often.

How often should pillowcases be changed?

Preferably more often than the rest of the bedding, for example once a week, because they collect skin oils and bacteria close to your face.

What happens if you change your bedding too rarely?

Sweat, skin cells and skin oils build up and create good conditions for bacteria and dust mites, which can irritate skin and airways.