How Often Should You Wash Sheets, Towels and Pillows?

Clothes go in the hamper when they look or smell worn. Household linens are trickier, because towels and sheets can look perfectly clean while collecting sweat, skin cells, body oils and bacteria. And since we use them every single day, they can quietly go weeks longer than they should between washes.

Here’s a practical, realistic guide from The Elementals Laundry in Acworth to how often to wash the things you use every day, plus a simple schedule you can actually stick to.

Bed sheets and pillowcases: about once a week

Most experts recommend washing sheets weekly, or every two weeks at most. You spend roughly a third of your life in bed, and sheets absorb sweat and oils every night. Wash more often if you sweat at night, have allergies, or let pets on the bed. Pillowcases touch your face and hair every night, so some people change them even more often, especially if they’re prone to breakouts.

In a Georgia summer, when nights stay warm and humid, weekly is the minimum for most households.

Bath towels: every three or four uses

Towels stay damp, which makes them a comfortable home for bacteria and mildew. Hang them fully open to dry between uses, not bunched on a hook, and wash them after a few uses. If a towel smells musty, wash it right away. Hand towels and kitchen towels need washing more often, every day or two, since they’re used by everyone and handle food and dirty hands.

Bath mats: weekly

Bath mats get wet, walked on and rarely dry fully. Wash them weekly, or more often in busy bathrooms, and check the backing, since rubber backings can break down in hot dryers.

Duvet covers and blankets: every few weeks

A duvet cover can usually go two to four weeks between washes, especially if you use a top sheet. Throw blankets used on the couch every day may need washing more often, particularly if pets or kids use them.

Mattress protectors: every month or two

A washable mattress protector is one of the best investments for your bed. It keeps sweat, spills and dust mites out of the mattress. Wash it every month or two, and immediately after any spill or accident.

Pillows and comforters: a few times a year

Pillows and comforters themselves don’t need weekly washing, but they do need cleaning a few times a year. Always check the care label first. Many are too bulky for a home washer, and overstuffing a machine can leave them unevenly cleaned or still damp inside, which leads to mildew. See what to do when a comforter won’t fit in your washer.

A simple schedule

• Every day or two: kitchen towels, hand towels
• Every 3 to 4 uses: bath towels
• Weekly: sheets, pillowcases, bath mats
• Every 2 to 4 weeks: duvet covers, throw blankets
• Every 1 to 2 months: mattress protectors
• A few times a year: pillows, comforters, duvet inserts

When to wash more often

• Someone in the house has been sick. See how to handle sick-day laundry safely.
• You have allergies or asthma.
• Pets sleep on the bed or couch.
• It’s peak summer and you’re sweating at night.

A few tips that help

• Keep two sets of sheets so one is always clean.
• Wash towels separately from clothes to reduce lint.
• Go easy on fabric softener with towels. It can reduce absorbency.
• Make sure everything is completely dry before folding and storing.
• Pick a laundry day for linens so it becomes a habit, not a decision.

Common questions

What water temperature is best for sheets? Use the warmest water the care label allows. Warm or hot water is better at removing body oils.

Why do my towels smell even after washing? Usually detergent build-up, overloaded machines, or towels left damp. Wash with less detergent, skip softener, and dry them completely.

Can I send bedding out instead? Yes. Many households in Acworth send sheets, towels and bulky bedding out to save time.