For most people, washing bedsheets once a week is the best habit, and most hygiene advice treats two weeks as the outer limit. Stick to weekly, ideally on a hot wash if the fabric allows, if you have a dust mite allergy or asthma, sweat at night, let pets on the bed, or it is hot weather. Bedding soiled by illness should be washed straight away. Duvets and pillows need washing far less often than the covers on them.
Every night your sheets collect sweat, body oils, dead skin and whatever else comes to bed with you. You cannot always see it, but it builds up quickly, and it is what makes bedding smell stale and feel less fresh. This guide is part of our wider advice on fresh, clean laundry in the UK.
How Often to Wash Bedsheets in Different Situations
| Your situation | How often | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Most adults, cooler months | Weekly, fortnightly at most | Sweat and skin build up even when sheets look clean |
| Hot weather or night sweats | Weekly | Moisture soaks into the fabric and starts to smell sooner |
| Dust mite allergy or asthma | Weekly, at 60°C if the label allows | Hot washing kills mites; cooler washes only rinse away the allergen |
| Pets sleep on the bed | Weekly | Hair, dander and outdoor dirt end up in the bedding |
| Sickness or diarrhoea in the house | Straight away, at 60°C, separately | Stops germs spreading to other laundry and people |
| Guest bed | After each guest | Fresh for the next visitor and stored clean |
Why Weekly Washing Matters
Sheets are not just collecting visible dirt. Body oils and sweat slowly work into the fibres, which is why white bedding can turn dull or yellow and why sheets start to smell stale after a while. Skin flakes also feed house dust mites. According to Allergy UK, mites live off human skin scales, thrive in humid conditions and are found in bedding, carpets and soft furnishings.
For people with a dust mite allergy, Allergy UK advises washing sheets and blankets every week. It explains that washing at 60°C or above kills the mites, while cooler washes rinse the allergen away but leave the mites alive to produce more. It also points out that washing alone is rarely enough, and recommends allergen-proof covers on mattresses, duvets and pillows as a first step.
Check the label first. Cotton and linen usually cope with a hot wash, but polycotton, bamboo, silk and printed bedding may not. Our guide on what temperature to wash clothes at explains how to pick the right setting.
How to Wash Bedsheets Properly
- Read the care label for the maximum temperature and whether the bedding can be tumble dried.
- Do not overload the drum. Sheets and duvet covers need room to move, or they come out creased and poorly rinsed.
- Fasten duvet covers and turn them inside out so smaller items do not get trapped inside and roll around unwashed.
- Measure your detergent. Too much leaves a residue that can feel stiff against the skin and hold on to smells.
- Dry completely before putting sheets away. Bedding stored even slightly damp soon smells musty.
- Keep at least two sets per bed, so there is always a clean set ready on wash day.
How Often to Wash the Rest of Your Bedding
Pillowcases
At least weekly with your sheets. Your face and hair rest on them all night, so many people swap them more often.
Duvet Covers
Weekly or fortnightly along with your sheets, sooner if you sleep without a top sheet.
Mattress Protector
Every month or two, and straight away after spills or accidents.
Pillows and Duvets
A few times a year if the label allows. Larger duvets may need a big-drum machine at a launderette.
Our Pick for Bedding Wash Day
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A bleach-free detergent made with enzymes, described for everyday use on both whites and colours, with a light, lasting fragrance. Because it contains enzymes and fragrance, anyone with sensitive skin may prefer a fragrance-free non-bio for bedding.
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Detergents, stain removers and laundry essentials for every wash day.
Shop Laundry CareFrequently Asked Questions
Is washing sheets every two weeks bad?
For most healthy adults in cooler months, every two weeks is unlikely to cause problems. Weekly is better if you sweat at night, have allergies or asthma, or share the bed with pets.
What temperature should I wash bedsheets at?
40°C suits most routine washes. Use 60°C if you have a dust mite allergy or someone has been ill, as long as the care label allows it.
Should you wash new bedsheets before using them?
Yes. A first wash removes dust from storage and packaging and softens the fabric before you sleep on it.
Sources: Allergy UK, House dust mite allergy factsheet; NHS, Allergic rhinitis; NHS, Norovirus.