Most Do This Wrong: Here’s How Often to Refresh Bedding, Towels & More

We all love the feeling of fresh, clean sheets and fluffy towels, but how often should you actually be washing and replacing your household essentials? Surprisingly, many people get this wrong—and it can impact your health, hygiene, and even sleep quality. From bedding and towels to pillows and bath mats, here’s a simple guide to how often you should refresh everything.

Bedding: Sheets, Pillowcases & Comforters

Your bed is where you spend nearly a third of your life, so it’s no surprise that sheets and pillowcases can quickly collect sweat, oils, skin cells, and even dust mites.

Sheets & Pillowcases: Wash once a week. If you sweat at night, have allergies, or let pets sleep with you, wash every 3–4 days.
Duvet Covers: Every 2 weeks, unless you use a top sheet—then once a month may suffice.
Comforters & Blankets: Wash every 2–3 months, or seasonally if rarely used.
Pillows: Wash every 4–6 months, replace every 1–2 years (they lose support and collect allergens).

👉 Tip: Use pillow protectors and a mattress cover to extend freshness.

Towels: Bath, Hand & Kitchen

Towels absorb moisture and can become breeding grounds for bacteria and mildew if not washed frequently.

Bath Towels: Wash after 3–4 uses. Always hang them to dry fully between uses.
Hand Towels: Replace every 2 days—these get dirty faster than you think.
Washcloths: Daily, since they directly contact your skin.
Kitchen Towels: Daily or even multiple times a day if used for messy spills.

👉 Tip: Avoid fabric softener on towels—it reduces absorbency.

Bathroom Essentials

Bathrooms are warm and humid, the perfect environment for germs. Keeping these items clean matters.

Bath Mats: Wash weekly, especially if your bathroom stays damp.
Shower Curtains & Liners: Wash or replace every 1–2 months to prevent mold buildup.
Loofahs & Bath Sponges: Replace every 2–4 weeks. Switch to a washcloth if you want something longer-lasting.

Around the Home

A few overlooked household items also need regular refreshing:

Throw Blankets: Wash monthly, or more often if used daily.
Couch Cushion Covers: Every 2–3 months (or sooner if you have pets or kids).
Rugs: Vacuum weekly, deep-clean every 6–12 months.

Final Thoughts

Most people underestimate how often they should refresh their bedding, towels, and other household items. Regular washing not only keeps your home fresh and inviting but also helps reduce allergens, bacteria, and odors. By following this simple guide, you’ll sleep better, feel cleaner, and extend the life of your linens.

Fresh sheets, fluffy towels, and a clean home? Totally worth the effort.