---
title: "How to Wash Sheets, Duvets and Pillows"
description: "Plain guide to washing UK sheets, duvet covers, duvets, pillows and protectors — temperatures, drying and common mistakes."
url: "https://bedguide.co.uk/bedding/washing-bedding-and-pillows/"
category: "bedding"
primary_entity: "washing bedding pillows duvets"
date_published: 2026-08-03
date_modified: 2026-08-03
---

# How to Wash Sheets, Duvets and Pillows

> Clean bedding means following fibre care labels, not guessing. Cotton sheets usually take a warm wash. Many duvets and pillows need lower heat, gentle spin and full drying. Hot washes can help reduce dust mites when the label allows. Check the sewn-in label first. Mattress protectors are often the easiest high-wash layer in an allergy plan.

Materials covered: cotton sheets, polyester mixes, duvet fills, pillow fills, waterproof protectors.

## Layer-by-layer basics

| Item | Typical approach | Watch for |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Sheets & pillowcases | Warm/hot wash if labelled; tumble or line dry | Shrinkage on some cottons |
| Duvet covers | Same as sheets | Zippers / buttons catching |
| Duvets | Follow fill label; often lower heat, thorough dry | Clumping if left damp |
| Pillows | Fibre pillows often washable; foam often not | Loss of loft if overloaded |
| Mattress protectors | Usually frequent wash — check waterproof membrane rules | Heat that damages coating |

## Allergy-friendly habits

1. Fit a washable [mattress protector](/bedding/mattress-protectors-encasements)
2. Wash pillowcases and sheets on the hottest **safe** cycle for that fabric
3. Dry completely — mites like moisture
4. See [dust mites ecology](/health/dust-mites-ecology) for the wider system

## Duvet and TOG note

Washing does not change a duvet’s [TOG rating](/glossary/tog-rating) permanently if the fill recovers, but overheating or damaged baffles can ruin loft. When in doubt, use a professional cleaner listed as safe for that fill.

## Common mistakes

- Boiling every pillow regardless of foam cores
- Leaving a damp duvet in a heap overnight
- Ignoring protector care and washing the whole mattress instead

## Related BedGuide entries

- [Bed sheets materials](/bedding/bed-sheets-materials)
- [How to choose a duvet](/bedding/how-to-choose-a-duvet)
- [How to choose a pillow](/bedding/how-to-choose-a-pillow)
- [Cleaning mattress by type](/care/cleaning-mattress-by-type)

## Frequently asked questions

### What temperature kills dust mites on bedding?

Guidance often cites washing at 60°C where the item’s care label allows it. Not every duvet or pillow can take that heat. Use a washable protector and labelled-safe cycles as your practical system.

### Can I put a memory foam pillow in the washing machine?

Usually no. Many foam pillows are spot-clean only. Machine washing can break foam cells. Check the label and maker care sheet.

### How often should I wash sheets?

Many households wash sheets weekly. Hotter rooms, allergies or illness may mean more often. Protectors and pillowcases pick up skin oils quickly.

---

Source: https://bedguide.co.uk/bedding/washing-bedding-and-pillows/ · BedGuide — educational encyclopedia, no affiliate commission. Facts checked against official sources where possible; see https://bedguide.co.uk/editorial-policy. Report an error: https://bedguide.co.uk/corrections.