How Often Should You Change Your Sheets & Bedding

How Often Should You Change Your Sheets & Bedding

Wondering when it's time to wash or replace your bedding? It can be tricky to know exactly when your sheets, quilt covers and pillows need a refresh. Leave them too long, and your bedding can collect sweat, body oils, dust, allergens and everyday grime, making your bed feel less fresh and comfortable.

Luckily, it's easy to stay on top of your bedding care! In this guide, we'll walk you through how often to wash and replace your sheets and bedding, plus share handy tips for keeping everything clean, fresh and feeling its best.




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How Often To Change Bed Sheets

Your bed sheets work hard every single night, so even with regular washing, they'll naturally wear out over time. As a general guide, it's a good idea to replace your bed sheets every two to three years to keep your bed feeling fresh and comfortable.

Keep an eye out for:

  • Thinning fabric that feels weak
  • Stubborn stains that won't wash away
  • Fraying edges where the material is beginning to unravel
  • Pilling, which creates little fabric balls that make your sheets feel rough

When you notice these signs, it's the perfect time to treat your bed to a fresh new set of bed sheets!



How Often To Replace A Quilt & What To Look Out For

Over time, your quilt will need a refresh too! It's recommended that you should replace your quilt every 5 to 10 years, depending on its condition. High-quality quilts, especially those made with down or wool fillings, can easily last up to 10 years when properly cared for.

Signs it's time to replace your quilt include:

  • Lumps or uneven filling, which can reduce comfort
  • Leaking filling through the fabric, like feathers escaping through small holes
  • Stubborn yellowing that remains after washing
  • Losing warmth, where your quilt no longer provides the cosy insulation it once did

If you notice these signs, it's time to replace your quilt with a new comfy quilt!

How Often Should I Replace My Quilt Cover?

Your quilt cover should generally be replaced every 2 to 3 years, although high-quality fabrics may last even longer with proper care. Keep an eye out for signs such as faded colours, thinning fabric, fraying seams, stubborn stains that won't come out or worn patches.




When To Replace A Pillow For Better Everyday Comfort

Your pillow plays a big role in your everyday comfort, so it's important to know when it's time for a fresh one. As a general guide, you should replace your pillow every 1 to 2 years, depending on its quality and condition.

The main signs that it's time to replace your pillow are:

  • It has lost its shape, feels flat or lumpy, and no longer provides the support you need
  • Has visible stains or odours
  • Doesn't bounce back when folded

These are all signs your pillow may be ready for an upgrade to a new one!

When Should I Replace My Pillowcase?

Your pillowcase works hard to keep your pillow protected, so it's a good idea to replace it every 1 to 2 years depending on its quality and how often it's used. Keep an eye out for signs like thinning fabric, fraying seams, faded colours or a rougher feel when you lie on it.




How Often Should You Wash Your Sheets For A Fresh Bed?

For a fresh and comfy bed, aim to wash your bed sheets once a week. Because your sheets collect sweat, body oils, dead skin cells and everyday dust while you sleep, regularly washing them will help keep your bed feeling clean and fresh. However, if you sweat heavily, have allergies or sleep with pets, you may want to wash them more frequently.

How To Wash Your Sheets

  1. Check the label: Before washing, check the care label for the recommended water temperature and washing instructions.
  2. Load the machine: Place your bed sheets loosely in the washing machine and add a suitable amount of mild laundry detergent.
  3. Choose your cycle: Select the recommended wash cycle and temperature, avoiding overloading the machine so your sheets can wash properly.
  4. Dry thoroughly: Remove your sheets promptly and either tumble dry according to the care label or hang them outside to air dry.


How Often Should You Wash Your Pillow For A Fresher Sleep?

Unlike your pillowcase, your pillow itself doesn't need washing as often. It's best to wash your pillow every 3 to 6 months, always checking the care label first depending on the type of pillow you have. Regular washing helps remove sweat, body oils and other everyday build-up that can collect inside the pillow. Keeping your pillow clean helps maintain a fresher, more comfortable sleep environment while also helping extend its lifespan.

How To Wash Your Pillow

  1. Check your pillow's care label first to make sure it's suitable for machine washing.
  2. Place your pillow in the washing machine and use a gentle cycle with mild detergent, following the recommended temperature.
  3. Run an extra rinse cycle if needed to remove any leftover detergent from the filling.
  4. Dry your pillow according to the care label, using a low-heat dryer or air drying. Make sure it's completely dry before using it again.

How To Wash Your Pillowcase

  1. Read the label first to confirm the recommended washing temperature and instructions for your pillowcase.
  2. Put your pillowcase in the washing machine with similar colours and add a suitable amount of laundry detergent.
  3. Select the recommended cycle and temperature, avoiding overloading the machine so your pillowcase can wash thoroughly.
  4. Remove it promptly and either tumble dry according to the care label or hang it outside to air dry completely.



How Often Should You Wash Your Quilt & How Do You Clean It?

You should wash your quilt every 6 to 12 months, depending on use and when the label recommends. It may need washing sooner if you notice certain signs such as odours, visible stains, yellowing or a build-up of sweat and body oils. If your quilt starts feeling less fresh or has been used heavily, it's a good time to give it a proper clean!

How To Wash Your Quilt

  1. As always, look at the quilt's care label first to make sure it's suitable for machine washing and note the recommended temperature.
  2. Remove the quilt from its cover and check for any loose stitching or damaged areas before washing.
  3. Place your quilt in your washing machine and use a gentle cycle with mild detergent, following the label instructions.
  4. Use an extra rinse cycle (if recommended) to help remove any leftover detergent from the filling.
  5. Dry your quilt according to the care label, either in a dryer on the recommended setting or by air drying. Make sure it is completely dry before putting it back on your bed.

How To Wash Your Quilt Cover

  1. Confirm your quilt cover is machine washable by checking the label, then choose the recommended water temperature and washing instructions for your quilt's specific filling and fabric.
  2. Put it inside a suitably sized washing machine without overcrowding it. Add a gentle laundry detergent, then select the recommended cycle for thorough, careful cleaning.
  3. Once the wash finishes, check that your quilt is thoroughly rinsed and free from detergent. If needed, run an additional rinse cycle to remove any remaining residue.
  4. Dry your quilt according to its care label, using a suitable dryer setting or air drying method. Also make sure the filling is completely dry before using it.



Discover The Best Bedding & Bed Linen At Harris Scarfe Today

Keeping your bed linen clean and knowing when it's time for a fresh replacement can make your bedroom feel more comfortable and inviting. From washing your bed sheets regularly to caring for your pillows and quilt, a little maintenance goes a long way. Use these tips to keep your bedding feeling fresh, cosy and ready for a better night's sleep!

Visit us online or in-store and head over to our Home Hub for more helpful ideas and inspiration so you can get creative with your bedding! Some great articles you'll love include:

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