Do You Clean Your Bedding Items Enough? Here’s a Helpful Schedule

Most people’s excuse for not cleaning their bedding items regularly is that they simply don’t know how often they should. With clothes, the line between “dirty” and “wearable” is usually obvious – jeans feel stretched, a T-shirt smells like yesterday’s workout, and into the hamper they go. Bedding, on the other hand, hides its dirtiness behind crisp pillowcases and a comforter that looks perfectly fine from a distance.

What your bedding looks like isn’t always the best indicator of what it needs. That’s why a consistent, informed schedule matters so much. The right cleaning rhythm keeps your sleep space healthier and helps your bedding last longer. Here’s a quick guide to how often each piece should actually be cleaned.

Sheets and Pillowcases: Every Week

As you sleep in your bed every night, your sheets and pillowcases pick up sweat, oils, skin cells, and even allergens like dust mites. That buildup can lead to skin irritation, acne, and a stuffy nose if you let it go too long.

Washing them weekly keeps your sleeping space fresh and reduces unwanted odors and bacteria. This is especially important if you have sensitive skin or allergies. Clean sheets also extend the life of your mattress and pillow.

Smart Washing Tips for Bed Linens

1. Use warm water for cotton or polyester blends to effectively kill germs without weakening the fibers.
2. Avoid overloading your washing machine. Let the water circulate to lift away body oils and stains.
3. Use a gentle detergent with minimal fragrances if you have sensitive skin.
4. Dry on medium heat to prevent shrinkage and preserve the structure of the textile.
5. Iron if needed, but only if you prefer a crisp finish.

BONUS tip: Rotate between at least two sheet sets. That way, you always have a clean set ready on laundry day.

Blankets: Every Month

Blankets can seem clean for a while, especially if you don’t use them every night. But they still collect dust, pet hair, body oils, and even food crumbs over time. A once-a-month wash keeps them cozy and fresh. It also prevents buildup that can irritate your skin or trigger allergies. Monthly care helps preserve the texture of both decorative and daily-use blankets.

Washing Blankets the Right Way

1. Check the care label first. Some wool or weighted blankets need special handling.
2. Use a large-capacity washing machine if your blanket is bulky.
3. Wash in cold or warm water, depending on the fabric, and select a gentle cycle.
4. Use mild detergent and avoid fabric softeners that coat fibers.
5. Dry on low heat or air dry flat to maintain shape and avoid overheating.

BONUS tip: If your blanket has a leather trim or embellishments, spot-clean only or take it to a professional cleaner.

Comforters and Duvets: Every 2 to 3 Months

Comforters and duvets may not touch your body directly, but they trap dirt, sweat, and allergens over time, especially if they aren’t covered. If you use a duvet cover, you can stretch the timeline a little, but you should still deep clean the insert seasonally. Regular cleaning keeps your bedding breathable and light. It also prevents mildew from forming in the filling.

Comforter Cleaning Tips

1. Use a commercial washer or laundromat if your comforter doesn’t fit comfortably in your home machine.
2. Wash on a gentle cycle with cold or warm water.
3. Add a couple of clean tennis balls or dryer balls when drying to fluff the filling.
4. Make sure the comforter is fully dry before storing or using — it can mildew easily inside.
5. Consider dry cleaning if your comforter is down-filled or made with delicate materials.

BONUS tip: Use a duvet cover and wash it weekly with your sheets to cut down on washing the comforter itself.

Pillows: Every 3 to 6 Months

Pillows collect more than just dreams – they’re filled with sweat, drool, skin flakes, and dust mites. If you’ve never washed them, now’s the time. A clean pillow promotes better skin and clearer breathing at night. Washing them twice a year is usually enough, but check yours more often if you sweat a lot or have allergies.

Best Methods to Clean and Dry Pillows

1. Down or synthetic pillows can usually go into the washing machine.
2. Use cold water, gentle detergent, and wash two pillows at once to keep the machine balanced.
3. Foam pillows should not be machine-washed, so spot clean or vacuum instead.
4. Dry on low heat with dryer balls to keep them fluffy and fully dry.
5. If the pillow smells or feels damp after drying, run an extra cycle.

BONUS tip: Always use a pillow protector. It catches sweat and bacteria, making the pillow itself last longer.

Mattress Protector: Every 1 to 2 Months

A mattress protector is your mattress’s first line of defense. It shields against sweat, spills, dead skin, and sometimes even pet accidents. Washing it regularly helps it do its job without becoming a source of odor or bacteria. If you’ve never cleaned yours, don’t worry, it’s easier than you think.

Mattress Protector Washing Guide

Here’s how to keep it clean without damaging its waterproof lining:

1. Wash with warm water using mild detergent; avoid bleach or harsh chemicals.
2. Always use a gentle or delicate cycle to preserve the backing.
3. Air dry when possible, or use low tumble if the tag allows.
4. Avoid high heat, as it can melt or warp the waterproof layer.
5. Wash separately from large clothing or bedding items to let it rinse properly.

BONUS tip: Always let your protector dry completely before putting it back on the bed to prevent mildew.

Bed Skirt or Canopy: Every 3 to 6 Months

These parts of your bedding don’t see much direct contact, but they attract dust, pet fur, and floor grime. If you have allergies or live with pets, you’ll want to clean them more often. Skipping these can undo the benefits of washing the rest of your bedding. A clean bed skirt or canopy gives your room a polished, fresh look.

Proper Cleaning for Skirts and Canopies

Handle these items with care, especially if they’re decorative or made of delicate fabric:

1. 1. Remove and shake them outdoors first to release loose dust.
2. 2. Wash on a gentle cycle with cold water to protect seams and stitching.
3. 3. If the material is silk, lace, or embroidered, consider dry cleaning or hand washing.
4. 4. Don’t overload your washer. These items wrinkle easily if cramped.
5. 5. Hang to air dry or tumble on low heat, depending on the label.

BONUS tip: Vacuum along the bed skirt edges weekly to keep dust from building up between washes.

Throw Pillows and Decorative Shams: Every 2 to 3 Months

Even if you don’t sleep on them, throw pillows and shams can collect dust, pet dander, and occasional makeup transfer. People often forget they need cleaning, but it makes a big difference, especially in preventing odors and helping allergy sufferers. Refreshing these items keeps your bedroom looking and feeling clean.

Cleaning Tips for Throw Pillows and Covers

Take time to separate the pillow insert from the cover if possible:

1. Removable covers should be machine washed on a gentle cycle using cold water.
2. Air dry or tumble dry on low to prevent shrinking or fading.
3. For non-removable pillows, use a fabric-safe spray or spot-clean with mild soap and water.
4. Avoid soaking throw pillows. Too much moisture can damage the filling or cause mildew.
5. Consider vacuuming them between washes to lift dust and hair.

BONUS tip: Keep a small spray bottle of fabric refresher nearby and spritz lightly after tidying up your room.

Get Professional Comforter Care from Columbus Dry Cleaning & Laundry Services!

Bring in your bulky comforters, duvet covers, or oversized blankets and see how our expert care can make your bedding cleaner, fresher, and more comfortable. At Columbus Dry Cleaning & Laundry Services, we know great sleep starts with a hygienic bed. That’s why we use state-of-the-art cleaning equipment and environmentally friendly cleaning solutions that home washers simply can’t match.

Whether you deal with lingering odors, stubborn stains, or simply need a seasonal refresh, we offer professional comforter cleaning that extends the life of your bedding. Don’t have time to drop it off? No problem! Our free Pickup and Delivery Service is available across Central Ohio, so you can enjoy clean bedding anywhere and any time you want. Simply schedule your pickup, leave your comforter out, and we’ll handle the rest.

Questions? Call us at (380) 205-8890 to talk to our team. Sleep better tonight! Trust Columbus Dry Cleaning & Laundry Services for all your comforter cleaning needs.