Do you have a washing schedule you strictly follow, or do you wash your bedding items only when they look dirty? If you belong to the latter, how’s that going for you so far? Even with a full work schedule and busy weekends, establishing a cleaning routine for your bedding is one of the easiest ways to maintain a fresh, healthy sleeping environment.
If you’re unsure where to start, this article lays out a simple Bedding Cleaning Checklist to help you figure out what to wash weekly, monthly, and seasonally. Let’s get started!
Bedding Items You Should Wash on a Weekly Basis
Your bed is a magnet for sweat, oils, dust, and allergens, so regular cleaning is non-negotiable for those bedding items used daily. Here’s your comprehensive checklist for which bedding items to wash each week and how to do it correctly:
1. Sheets
Why Wash Weekly
Sheets come into direct contact with your skin and collect sweat, oils, dead skin cells, and dust mites.
How to Wash:
- Use hot or warm water to kill bacteria and dust mites.
- Choose a gentle detergent to avoid skin irritation.
- Wash light and dark-colored sheets separately to prevent color bleeding.
2. Pillowcases
Why Wash Weekly
Pillowcases absorb oils from your hair and face, making them prone to bacteria buildup that can lead to acne and allergies.
How to Wash:
- Turn them inside out to ensure thorough cleaning of the side that touches your skin.
- Use warm water and a mild detergent for delicate fabrics like silk or satin.
3. Duvet Covers
Why Wash Weekly
While the duvet insert doesn’t need frequent washing, the cover protects it and collects dust, sweat, and allergens over time.
How to Wash:
- Remove the duvet cover and wash it separately using a warm or cold setting.
- Avoid harsh detergents to maintain fabric softness and prevent fading.
- Avoid using bleach unless the care label specifies it’s safe.
- Iron or steam after drying to keep the cover crisp and wrinkle free.
4. Throw Blankets (If Used Daily)
Why Wash Weekly
Frequently used throw blankets, especially those on shared couches or beds, collect dirt, sweat, and even crumbs.
How to Wash:
- Check the care label and use a gentle cycle for delicate fabrics.
- Dry on a low-heat setting or air dry to maintain the texture of soft materials.
5. Pet Bedding or Covers (If Applicable)
Why Wash Weekly
If your pets share your bed, their bedding or covers should be cleaned weekly to remove fur, dander, and odors.
How to Wash:
- Use a pet-safe detergent to avoid skin irritation for your furry friend.
- Wash separately from human bedding to ensure thorough cleaning.
- Use hot water to eliminate bacteria and allergens.
- Air dry or tumble dry thoroughly to prevent lingering odors.
6. Bed Skirts and Decorative Shams (Optional)
Why Wash Weekly
These items can collect dust, especially if your bed is near windows or vents, but weekly washing is only necessary in dusty environments.
How to Wash
- Follow care label instructions to avoid damage to delicate fabrics.
- Use a gentle cycle and mild detergent.
Tips for an Effective Weekly Bedding Routine
- Spot clean any visible stains on your bedding with a stain remover before tossing them in the washing machine.
- Don’t overcrowd the washing machine—bedding needs space for thorough cleaning.
- Damp bedding can harbor mold and mildew, so ensure everything is fully dry before use or storage.
- Add dryer balls to help fluff items like duvet covers and to prevent wrinkles.
- Choose a specific day each week for your bedding routine to make it a habit
What to Wash Monthly for Deeper Cleanliness
While weekly washing takes care of the essentials like sheets and pillowcases, some bedding items benefit from a more thorough, monthly cleaning routine. These items don’t come into direct contact with your skin as often, but they still collect dust, allergens, and bacteria over time.
As such, regular monthly washing ensures these layers stay fresh, prolongs their lifespan, and creates a healthier sleep environment. Here’s a rundown of those bedding items that should be cleaned every month.
1. Blankets and Throws
Why Clean Monthly
These cozy layers are frequently used for extra warmth or lounging, making them prone to picking up dirt, sweat, and odors.
How to Wash:
- Use warm or cold water on a gentle cycle.
- Choose a detergent that’s safe for the blanket’s fabric type (e.g., microfiber or cotton).
- Air dry or tumble dry on low heat to prevent shrinkage or damage.
2. Mattress Protectors and Pads
Why Clean Monthly
Mattress protectors shield your bed from sweat, spills, and allergens, but they absorb dirt and bacteria over time.
How to Wash:
- Use hot water if the fabric allows it to kill dust mites and bacteria.
- Add a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle for extra odor fighting power.
- Dry completely to prevent moisture from lingering, which can lead to mildew.
3. Decorative Pillows and Shams
Why Clean Monthly
Decorative pillows and shams collect dust and dirt, especially if they’re frequently handled or used as extra support.
How to Wash:
- Remove pillow covers (if applicable) and wash them according to their fabric care labels.
- Spot clean non-washable inserts or take them to a professional cleaner if needed.
4. Weighted Blankets
Why Clean Monthly
These blankets, often used nightly, can trap sweat, oils, and bacteria, especially without a removable cover.
How to Wash:
- If machine washable, use a large-capacity washer with cold water and mild detergent.
- For blankets with glass beads or unique fillings, hand wash or follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.
- Air dry flat to prevent clumping or damage to the filling.
5. Quilts and Bedspreads
Why Clean Monthly
These top layers may not require weekly washing but still collect dust and allergens over time.
How to Wash:
- Use a gentle cycle with cold or warm water, depending on the fabric.
- Avoid overloading the washing machine to prevent uneven cleaning.
- Hang to air dry or use a low-heat dryer setting.
6. Pillow Inserts
Why Clean Monthly
Even with pillowcases, inserts can harbor dust mites and allergens, especially in high-humidity environments.
How to Wash
- For machine washable inserts, use a delicate cycle with mild detergent.
- Tumble dry on low with dryer balls to maintain fluffiness.
- For delicate materials like down, consider professional cleaning.
7. Comforters and Duvets (If Not Covered)
Why Clean Monthly
Comforters without a protective cover need monthly cleaning to remove dust, dirt, and bacteria.
How to Wash:
- Follow care instructions, especially for down or synthetic fillings.
- Use a front-loading machine with plenty of space for thorough washing.
- Add clean tennis balls or dryer balls in the dryer to prevent clumping during drying.
Tips for Monthly Bedding Maintenance
- Inspect all bedding items for stains or spills and treat them before washing to ensure thorough cleaning.
- Always follow the care labels to avoid damaging delicate materials.
- Shake out blankets and pillows weekly to remove dust and maintain their fluff.
Bedding Items that Greatly Benefit from Seasonal Washing
Items to Wash During Summer
1. Lightweight Comforters and Quilts
Wash at the start and end of summer to remove sweat, oils, and dust. Use a gentle cycle with cold or warm water to preserve the fabric and filling.
2. Pillow Inserts
Wash pillow inserts that are used without heavy covers to remove accumulated dust and bacteria.
3. Throw Blankets
Clean lightweight throws monthly if frequently used for lounging during warmer nights.
Items to Wash During Winter
1. Thick Comforters and Duvets
Wash or dry clean comforters and duvets at the start and end of the winter season. If using a duvet cover, clean the cover more frequently to reduce the need to wash the duvet itself.
2. Wool Blankets
Hand wash or dry clean wool blankets to remove dirt and odors while preserving their texture and insulation.
3. Flannel Sheets
Wash flannel sheets biweekly during the winter season to remove body oils and prevent pilling.
4. Heavier Mattress Toppers
Clean memory foam or down mattress toppers seasonally to maintain hygiene and extend their life.
During Transitional Periods
As the seasons change, it’s the perfect time to give your bedding a refresh.
- Rotate Seasonal Bedding. Wash summer bedding before storing it and winter bedding after bringing it out of storage to remove dust or odors.
- Inspect for Damage. Check for rips, loose seams, or thinning fabric, and repair or replace items as needed.
- Reorganize Your Linen Closet. Sort bedding by season, ensuring the items you’ll need next are clean and easily accessible.
- Air Out Heavier Bedding. If winter bedding has been stored for months, hang it outside for a day to freshen it before use.
Storage Tips
For Summer Bedding in Winter
- Wash all summer bedding thoroughly before storage to prevent stains or odors from setting.
- Store lightweight blankets and sheets in cotton or linen storage bags to allow airflow and prevent moisture buildup.
- Skip plastic containers, which can trap moisture and lead to mildew.
For Winter Bedding in Summer
- Make sure thick comforters and wool blankets are thoroughly dried before storing to prevent mold or mildew.
- Choose a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and humidity.
- Add natural moth repellents to your storage bags to keep away pests.
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