When Should I Wash That?
by Marissa Zumbo, May 2022
There’s a lot of non-clothing items that need to be washed regularly, but do you know how regularly? It’s probably more than you think.
Follow the instructions below for machine washing, but always remember to check the care label instructions first, as your item might be made of an unusual material that needs special treatment. Likewise, keep in mind that it’s best to separate colors and whites, and use bleach or fabric softeners when applicable.
Check out our guide and explanations below.
Bed Sheets
EVERY WEEK
Wash your bed sheets every week, or every two weeks at the most. Bacteria, fungi, and dirt from your skin can cling to the sheets and get on your skin contributing to dandruff, acne, and other problems.
Wash in warm or hot water on a delicate setting
Comforter
COVER: WEEKLY
COMFORTER: TWICE A YEAR
Unless something spilled on the duvet, or it has been extremely soiled, you don’t need to wash it more than once or twice a year. HOWEVER, the duvet cover (or entire comforter if you don’t use a duvet and cover) should be washed weekly. If you always use a top sheet, you may be able to wash the comforter/cover every four to six weeks instead.
Wash in cold or warm water on a delicate setting
Pillowcases
EVERY WEEK
Pillowcases should get the same treatment as bed sheets. Pillowcases in particular can collect the oils and dirt from our hair, so it’s important to wash them every week.
Wash in warm or hot water on a delicate setting
Pillows
EVERY THREE TO SIX MONTHS
Like a duvet, pillows are protected by a case and don’t need to be washed as frequently. Washing them every three to six months should suffice, as long as they haven’t sustained any major spills or soilings.
Wash in warm water on a delicate setting. Read our article on washing pillows first!
Curtains and Throw Pillows
EVERY THREE TO SIX MONTHS
Similar to bed pillows, wash curtains and throw pillows every three to six months. Again, read the care instructions first, as curtains and throw pillows are often made out of materials that are best suited to hand wash or dry cleaning. But all the others can be treated similar to bed pillows.
Wash in warm water on a delicate setting.
Mattress Pad
EVERY MONTH
Using a mattress pad or cover can extend the life of your mattress and offer you extra support. But this item should also be washed regularly. The mattress pad should be removed and washed once a month.
Wash in warm water on a delicate setting.
Bath Towels
EVERY THREE USES
The rate at which bath towels should be washed depends how often they are used and the room they hang in. Bath towels can become loaded with bacteria and fungi, especially if the towel doesn’t fully dry. Some recommend washing your bath towel every other day, but generally, you can wash them every three uses. If your bathroom doesn’t have good ventilation, consider washing them more frequently.
Wash white towels in hot water, color towels in warm water on a normal cycle.
Bath Mats
EVERY WEEK
Before washing in a machine, shake any dirt off the mat outside. Make sure the load is balanced before washing. If the mat is made out of foam, you may want to dry it in a sunny place where it can lay flat and conform to its usual shape. Most of the time it’s better for bath mats to be air-dried, especially if they have any sort of plastic or rubber backing.
Wash in cold water on a delicate setting.
Hand Towels/Dish Towels
EVERY THREE DAYS
Your kitchen towels collect bacteria and germs every time you handle food and wash your lands. Likewise, bathroom hand towels become dirty every time you use them. Wash hand and dish towels every few days. If you handled raw meat and then used a kitchen towel, wash it immediately.
Wash in warm or hot water on a normal setting.
Throw Blankets
EVERY THREE MONTHS
Even blankets that are minimally used need to be washed on occasion. It’s best to wash them at least every three months, unless, of course, something spills on them. Then wash immediately. If a blanket is used daily, you may want to wash it every one to two weeks instead.
Wash in warm water on a delicate setting.
Hopefully this demystified some aspects of washing non-clothing items. Stay clean!
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Sources Cited for Article:
https://www.nbcnews.com/better/pop-culture/how-often-you-should-wash-everything-your-home-according-science-ncna826271
https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/a37480/how-often-you-should-wash-everything/
https://www.thespruce.com/how-often-to-wash-bedding-1900210#:~:text=Comforters%20and%20Duvet%20Covers&text=Unless%20the%20comforter%20has%20something,every%20two%20to%20four%20weeks.