We spend about a third of our lives in bed, so it’s worth knowing how often your bedding actually needs a wash. Leave it too long and sheets collect sweat, skin cells, oils and dust mites — a real issue if anyone in the house has allergies or sensitive skin. Here’s a simple guide.
How often to wash what
| Item | How often |
|---|---|
| Sheets & pillowcases | Weekly (fortnightly at the very least) |
| Towels | Every 3–4 uses |
| Doona / quilt cover | Every 1–2 weeks |
| Doona or quilt (the insert) | Every 3–6 months |
| Pillows | Every 4–6 months |
| Mattress protector | Monthly |
Wash more often if you sweat heavily, sleep with pets, have allergies, or someone’s been unwell.
A few tips to get it right
- Wash sheets and towels warm enough to clean properly, but always follow the care label — bright colours and some fabrics prefer cooler water.
- Go easy on fabric softener with towels. It builds up over time and actually makes them less absorbent. A little white vinegar in the rinse keeps them soft and fluffy instead.
- Dry everything fully. Bedding and towels that go away even slightly damp are how musty smells start.
- Wash new sheets before first use to remove manufacturing finishes and lock in colour.
The easy way to stay on top of it
The slow part of bedding day is usually capacity — a household’s sheets and towels can mean load after load in a home machine. Our larger Speed Queen washers and XL dryers let you do it all in one or two goes, then dry it properly so nothing goes back on the bed damp.
And because Fresh Lab is open 24 hours, 7 days a week, you can fit bedding day around your actual schedule — early, late, or on the way home. See what’s free right now, tap to pay, and save 10% with the app.