A person is placing a freshly laundered white sheet into a front-loading washing machine.

Cosy Care 101: How to Wash Your Bedding

There’s nothing more disappointing than crawling into bed expecting comfort… only to find sheets that feel stiff, scratchy, or just off.

The good news? That worn-out feeling usually isn’t a sign you need new bedding.

More often, it comes down to one simple thing: Consistent, correct care.

This guide walks you through:

  • How to wash your bedding properly

  • How often to clean each piece

  • How to care for different Cosy House materials

So your bed stays soft, fresh, and comfortable night after night.

Why Washing Your Bedding Matters More Than You Think

You spend about a third of your life in bed. Over time, sheets, pillowcases, and blankets naturally collect sweat, body oils, dust, and dead skin cells.

If that buildup isn’t washed away regularly, it can:

  • Affect how your bedding feels

  • Reduce breathability

  • Make your sleep environment feel less comfortable overall

Regular washing helps keep fabrics fresh, soft, and supportive of better rest. Most experts recommend washing sheets and pillowcases weekly, with other items adjusted based on use and season [1].

Cleaner bedding simply feels better, and better sleep starts there.

The Right Way to Wash Bedding

Before getting into material-specific care, these universal rules apply to most bedding types.

1. Separate Your Laundry

  • Wash sheets and pillowcases separately from towels or clothing

  • Group similar fabrics and colors together

  • Towels create friction that can roughen sheet fibers over time

2. Use Cold Water

Cold water helps:

  • Preserve fabric structure

  • Prevent shrinkage

  • Maintain softness

Hot water is rarely necessary for everyday bedding care.

3. Choose a Gentle Detergent

  • Use a mild, low-sudsing detergent

  • Avoid harsh additives

  • Too much detergent can leave residue that makes sheets feel stiff or dull

4. Select the Right Cycle

  • Choose a gentle or normal cycle

  • Skip heavy-duty cycles unless absolutely necessary

5. Dry With Care

  • Use low heat whenever possible

  • High heat can damage fibers and shorten the life of your bedding

How Often Should You Wash Bedding?

For most homes, this schedule keeps bedding fresh without over-washing:

  • Wash sheets and pillowcases weekly

  • Increase to every 3–4 days if you sleep hot or it’s summer

  • Clean duvet covers every 2–4 weeks

  • Wash comforters and quilts every 2–3 months

During Warmer Months

In summer, bedding absorbs sweat and oils more quickly, especially if you sleep warm or keep windows open. Washing sheets every 3–4 days can help maintain freshness and comfort.

During Cooler Months

When sweating is less common, most people can comfortably wash sheets once a week. That said, factors like pets, heavier blankets, or warmer indoor temperatures may call for more frequent washing.

Year-round tip: Breathable bedding makes upkeep easier in every season. Lightweight options like 100% Bamboo Sheets help promote airflow and manage moisture, while a waterproof mattress protector adds extra protection against spills and everyday wear.

Common Bedding Washing Mistakes to Avoid

Even clean bedding can feel uncomfortable if these habits sneak in:

  • Washing sheets with towels

  • Using too much detergent

  • Relying on fabric softener regularly

  • Drying on high heat

  • Washing foam inserts or weighted fillings

Avoiding these mistakes helps your bedding stay softer, longer!

A stylish bed adorned with gray 100% Bamboo sheets and a textured pink throw blanket, complemented by decorative pillows.

Your Cosy Care Quick Guide

100% Bamboo Bedding 

(Sheets, Pillowcases & Duvet Covers)

  • Wash cold, gentle cycle

  • Mild detergent only

  • Tumble dry low

  • No bleach or dry cleaning

  • Iron on low if needed

Tip: Wash before first use. Secure duvet corners and zip fully.

Luxury Bedding

(Sheets, Comforters, Quilts, Duvets & Mattress Protectors)

  • Gentle cycle, cold or warm water

  • Mild detergent

  • Tumble dry low or air dry

  • Avoid bleach & high heat

  • Do not iron (comforters/quilts excepted)

Wash comforters separately.

Pillows

Luxury Pillow

  • Wash removable cover only

  • Cold, gentle cycle

  • Air dry or tumble dry low

  • Do not wash foam layers

Blankets

Fleece

  • Cold wash, low dry

Weighted

  • Wash removable cover

  • Hand wash or dry clean insert

Suggested Reads:

A hand is dropping essential oil onto three stacked wool dryer balls placed on a marble surface.

Laundry Day, Made More Cosy

All-Natural Wool Dryer Balls

A simple upgrade that helps laundry dry faster and feel softer, without  extra products.

Why You’ll Love Them

  • Responsibly sourced wool from humanely sheared New Zealand sheep

  • Helps reduce drying time by up to 30%

  • Reusable for up to 1,000 loads

  • Naturally softens fabrics and reduces static

How to Use

  • Add to dryer with wet laundry

  • Optional: Add a few drops of essential oil for light fragrance

Ultrasonic Diffuser

Turn wash day into a calmer moment. The Cosy Ultrasonic Diffuser fills your space with gentle fragrance while you clean.

Have questions about caring for a specific product?
Visit our FAQ page or contact our team anytime. We’re always happy to help.

Ready to Refresh Your Home?

Enjoy 10% off your first order with code BLOG10 at checkout!

 

Resources:

1. Wheeler, R. B. (2023). Health Hazards When You Don’t Wash Your Sheets. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/ss/slideshow-dirty-sheets-skin-problems

Marge Hynes

Written by Marge Hynes

A Senior Content Writer and cozy enthusiast, Marge loves to craft informative articles that resonate and connect with readers. When she’s not behind the keyboard, you’ll find her exploring the great outdoors with her hound dog and seeking out the next adventure.