30 Mar 2025 How Often Should You Wash Your Comforter? Experts Weigh In
Rest easy knowing that your comforter is clean.
See the full article on Real Simple
Key Takeaways:
- Most of us should watch our sheets no less than biweekly; if you don’t use a top sheet and/or a duvet cover, aim to wash your comforter once a week
- Use a duvet cover if you don’t want to wash your comforter regularly
- Make sure to dry your comforter at a low-heat setting
- It’s okay to avoid washing your comforter when you’re sick, since cold and flu viruses don’t stick to cloth for more than a few hours
Sure, your bedding might look clean, but is it actually clean? According to cleaning expert Robin Murphy, dust settles on your bed just like it does on furniture and other surfaces. “Even if your bedding looks clean, it’s quietly collecting things you don’t want to sleep in. Regular washing really does make a difference.” So, how often should you wash your comforter, and is there any way to stretch the time between cleanings? We asked the experts.
Meet The Expert:
- Robin Murphy, cleaning pro at Maid Brigade and author of Who Likes It Dirty
- Dr. Hayley Goldbach, MD, board-certified dermatologist and nontoxic lifestyle expert
How Often Most of Us Need to Wash Our Comforters
How often your comforter needs to be washed depends on several factors, according to Murphy. “If you’re using a top sheet, you may be able to wash the comforter monthly,” she says. However, if there’s no top sheet and no duvet cover, Murphy advises washing your comforter weekly. If that sounds like way too much laundry, she suggests washing it no less than biweekly. “That comforter is taking the brunt of everything—sweat, oils, dust, allergens—and it needs a little extra care to stay fresh and healthy,” she says
Still, there are a few other factors to keep in mind. “If you have pets, kids, or food in bed, it’s a good idea to wash it more often than that,” Murphy says.