When’s the last time you washed your bedding?
Just because bedding looks clean doesn’t mean it is clean. Beneath the surface, your cozy layers may be harboring all sorts of nasty things, like dust mites, body oils, and bacteria. Over time, all that buildup impacts more than just cleanliness – it triggers allergies, irritates your skin, and even impacts your quality of sleep.
We’re here to motivate you to wash your bedding more often (and we’ve included a helpful chart of when to wash your bedding at the end of the article!)
So, without further ado, here’s the gross truth about what may be hiding in your bedding.
Dust Mites (and Their Waste)
These microscopic critters love warm, humid environments – like the inside of your bedding. While you can’t see them, you’re definitely not alone at night: the average bed can harbor up to 10 million dust mites. Even worse? It’s not just the mites – it’s their droppings that trigger allergies, asthma, and other respiratory issues.
Dead Skin Cells
Your body sheds up to 500 million skin cells every single day – and a large portion of that ends up right in your bed. These skin flakes are basically an all-you-can-eat buffet for dust mites and other microbes. Over time, they build up in comforters, pillows, and mattress pads, even if your sheets are freshly washed.
Sweat and Body Oils
Even if you don’t notice it, your body naturally releases sweat and oils as you sleep – especially during hot summer nights or after a workout. These fluids seep into the layers of your bedding, leaving behind odor, discoloration, and a breeding ground for bacteria if not cleaned regularly.
Pet Dander
Love sleeping with your furry friend? You’re not alone – but neither are the allergens. Pet dander, hair, and even saliva can easily get embedded in bedding and circulate through your home. It’s especially problematic for allergy sufferers, but even non-allergic people can develop sensitivities over time.
Bacteria & Germs
Your bed can become a hotspot for bacteria and germs. Even pillowcases and comforters can hold onto microbes that cause skin irritation or reinfection. And once embedded in thicker fabrics, these germs are tough to eliminate without professional cleaning.
Mold and Fungus
In humid environments like south Louisiana, moisture from sweat, pets, or even the air itself can build up in your bedding over time. This creates the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew – especially in the inner layers of pillows and comforters that are rarely cleaned. Mold spores smell musty and impact your health and sleep quality.
So, How Often Should You Wash Your Bedding?
Feeling a bit grossed out?
We’re not painting the prettiest picture of your favorite spot. But don’t worry, there’s hope!
Here’s our guide to just how often different bedding items need to be washed:
| Bedding Item | Wash Frequency |
| Sheets | Weekly |
| Pillow Cases | Weekly |
| Comforters | 1-2 months |
| Duvet (if protected by cover) | 2-3 months |
| Duvet Cover | 1-2 months |
| Pillows | 4-6 months |
| Mattress pads | 2-3 months |
Overwhelmed by Washing Your Bedding? Kean’s can help!
We get it – comforters are bulky, pillows are awkward, and this is all just a lot of additional washing on top of your regular laundry. But that doesn’t mean you have to settle for sleeping in a bed full of dust, allergens, and other yuckiness.
At Kean’s, we specialize in deep-cleaning the bedding items your home washer struggles with. From comforters and duvet inserts to pillows, mattress pads, and more, we use professional-grade machines and techniques to eliminate what’s hiding beneath the surface, leaving your bedding fresher, fluffier, and cleaner than ever.
Drop off your bedding at any of our six convenient locations, or let us come to you with free pickup and delivery.
