A Washing Schedule for Pillows and Bedding

Sheets get washed regularly in most homes, but the layers underneath often do not. Pillows, duvets, mattress protectors and mattresses collect sweat, skin cells, oils and the dust mites that feed on them, which matters most for people with allergies or asthma. The schedule below is a practical starting point, based on common guidance from cleaning and allergy organizations. Always check the care label first, since some fillings cannot go in a washing machine.

Every week

Sheets and pillowcases. Wash in the warmest water the fabric allows. Pillowcases can be changed more often if you have acne-prone skin or have been unwell, since they sit against your face all night.

Every one to two months

Mattress protector. A washable protector shields the mattress from sweat and spills and is far easier to clean than the mattress itself. Wash it on the same cycle as your sheets, but check the label, since waterproof backings can be damaged by very hot water or a hot dryer.

Pillow protectors. Zippered covers under the pillowcase add another barrier and are worth washing about as often.

Every three to six months

Pillows. Most polyester and down pillows can be machine washed. Wash two at a time to balance the drum, use a small amount of mild detergent and add an extra rinse. Dry them thoroughly on low heat with a couple of clean tennis balls or dryer balls to break up clumps, and check the middle is completely dry before using them, since damp filling can grow mildew.

Memory foam and latex pillows usually should not go in a washing machine. Remove the cover and wash that, and spot clean the foam with a damp cloth and a little mild detergent, then air dry.

Duvets and comforters. If you use a duvet cover and wash it weekly, the duvet itself needs washing only a couple of times a year. Large duvets often do not fit a home machine with enough room to rinse properly, so a laundromat's bigger machines or a professional cleaner may be the better option.

Every six months

Mattress. Vacuum the top and sides with an upholstery attachment, and rotate it head to foot if the manufacturer recommends it. Sprinkling baking soda, leaving it for a few hours and vacuuming it up can help with odors.

Tips by filling

Down and feather pillows and duvets tolerate washing well but take a long time to dry. Use low heat, take them out every half hour to fluff them by hand, and expect two or three hours for a pillow. A musty smell afterward means the center is still damp.

Polyester and other synthetic fills dry faster but can clump if washed too often or too hot. A gentle cycle and thorough drying keep them even.

Buckwheat hull pillows should never be soaked. Empty the hulls into a bowl, wash the casing, and refresh the hulls by sieving out dust or adding new ones.

Between washes, airing pillows and duvets outside on a dry, sunny day, or simply leaving the bed uncovered for an hour in the morning so moisture can escape, helps keep them fresher.

When to replace rather than wash

A simple test for many fiber-filled pillows is to fold one in half. If it stays folded instead of springing back, it no longer supports your neck well. Yellow stains that don't wash out, lumps that won't break up and persistent smells are other signs. Many pillows last a year or two, while good memory foam and latex pillows often last several years.

If you have dust mite allergies

Allergy specialists often suggest zippered, mite-proof encasements for pillows and mattresses, washing bedding weekly in hot water around 130 degrees Fahrenheit (about 54 degrees Celsius) where the fabric allows, and keeping bedroom humidity below about 50 percent, since dust mites thrive in damp air.