When it comes to creating a clean and comfortable bedroom, one of the most common questions people ask is: "How often should I change my bedding?" While your bed may look clean, invisible allergens, sweat, and bacteria can build up faster than you think, making regular sheet changes essential for both hygiene and sleep quality.

In this guide, we’ll answer how often to change your bedding, why it matters, and share expert tips for keeping your bed fresh and inviting.

How Often Should You Change Your Bedding?

Most sleep and hygiene experts recommend changing your bedding once a week.
This includes your bed sheets, pillowcases, and duvet covers. Washing your bedding regularly helps remove:

• Sweat and body oils

• Dead skin cells

• Dust mites and allergens

• Bacteria build-up

If you suffer from allergies, night sweats, or have pets that sleep in your bed, you may want to wash your sheets every 3–4 days for maximum freshness.

Why Bedding Hygiene Is So Important

Sleeping in unwashed sheets doesn’t just feel less fresh — it can affect your health and sleep.

Regularly changing your bedding can:

• Improve air quality in your bedroom

• Reduce allergy symptoms caused by dust mites

• Prevent skin irritation and breakouts

• Promote better, deeper sleep

Clean bedding isn’t just about comfort, it’s about creating a healthier sleeping environment.

How Often to Wash Each Bedding Item

Here’s a quick guide to keep your entire bed fresh:

• Bed sheets & pillowcases: Every 7 days (more often if needed)

• Duvet covers: Every 1–2 weeks

• Pillows: Every 3–6 months (check manufacturer’s care label)

• Duvets: Every 6 months

• Mattress protectors: Every 2 months

Top Tips for Keeping Bedding Fresher for Longer

1. Shower before bed – keeps sweat and oils from transferring to your sheets.

2. Keep pets off the bed – as cute as they are, they bring in dirt, hair, and dander.

3. Air your bed daily – fold back the covers for 20 minutes to release moisture.

4. Use a mattress and pillow protector – extra protection against allergens and spills.

5. Choose breathable fabrics – cotton and linen bedding helps reduce overheating.

The Bottom Line

So, how often should you change your bedding?

The golden rule is once a week, but if you want the cleanest, freshest sleep possible, washing more often during warmer months or allergy season is ideal.

Keeping your bedding clean is one of the easiest ways to improve your health, sleep, and comfort, and it’s a simple habit that makes your home feel instantly more inviting.

Visit us in Clonmel, Co. Tipperary or online at www.larryokeeffe.com, to explore our carefully curated range of bed and bedding!