Washing Bedding in Your Washing Machine
Washing bedding properly takes a bit more care than everyday laundry. Bed sheets and duvet covers are bulkier, absorb more sweat and allergens, and need the right settings to stay fresh. Knowing how often to wash your bed sheets and what temperature to use helps keep them clean and comfortable night after night.
This guide explains the best ways to wash bed sheets and duvets for lasting freshness and hygiene, along with which Beko washing machines are most practical for larger, regular bedding loads.
How often should you wash your bed sheets?
The short answer is weekly, as regular washing prevents a build-up of sweat, dust, and allergens that collect while you sleep. For some homes, though, the question of how often to wash bed sheets depends on lifestyle. If pets share the bed, if allergies are an issue, or if you tend to overheat at night, washing every three or four days can make a noticeable difference.
Pillowcases and duvet covers usually need the same weekly clean, but duvets can be washed two or three times a year. Blankets and throws vary depending on use. The closer the fabric is to your skin, the more often it should be refreshed.
Frequent washing doesn’t have to mean endless laundry days. For bedding, the Cotton programme is the best choice, as it’s designed to handle heavier, bulkier items while delivering a thorough clean.
What temperature to wash bed sheets?
The right cycle depends on the fabric. Cotton sheets can usually be washed at 40°C for routine cleaning, while 60°C is recommended when you need a deeper hygienic wash, for example, during flu season or if someone suffers from allergies. Synthetics and blends should stay at 30-40°C to protect the fibres, and delicate materials like silk often require cooler, gentler cycles. Always check the care label before choosing a programme.
Where allergies are a concern, machines with a dedicated anti-allergy cycle are particularly useful. By holding a consistent temperature for longer, they reduce pollen, pet dander, bacteria, and fungi in your bedding. If your machine doesn’t include this programme, washing sheets at 60°C is still the most effective way to keep them hygienic.
Drum size and load distribution
A frequent worry when it comes to bedding is whether the drum is large enough. Everyday laundry is easy to manage, but bedding can strain a machine if the drum is too small.
- 8kg drums can cope with single duvets and basic sheet sets but may struggle with larger loads.
- 9kg drums are better suited to double sized bedding.
- 10–12kg drums handle king duvets and heavy winter sets with ease.
Distribution is as critical as drum size, as stuffing bedding tightly into the drum prevents water and detergent from moving through the fabric, leaving damp patches behind. Instead, load items loosely, leave a hand’s width at the top of the drum, and add towels if you’re washing a duvet on its own to balance the weight. These steps protect the appliance as well as improve wash results.
Which Beko washing machines are best for bedding and duvets?
A 9kg washing machine can wash up to three sheets, one double duvet cover and three pillowcases at once, while 10–12kg models comfortably take on king duvets and bedding. For allergy-prone households, the Anti-Allergy Programme reduces triggers in each wash. SteamCure™ technology helps lift odours and cut down on creases.
For households that regularly launder larger sets, Beko’s large capacity washing machines, including models with duvet programmes, could be the best option. The extra drum space and tailored cycles give sheets and duvets room to wash through properly and spin dry without putting strain on the machine.
Bed sheets cleaning tips
Good hygiene doesn’t end when the cycle finishes. If you’re wondering how to clean bed sheets properly, a few small steps before and after the wash can make them last longer and feel fresher:
- Treat stains early with diluted detergent or stain remover so they don’t set into fibres.
- Pick the right detergent: non-bio for sensitive skin, bio for stronger stain removal.
- Dry completely to avoid musty smells. Line drying outdoors or Beko’s washer dryers and tumble dryers provide great alternatives when the weather doesn’t cooperate.
- Store in a dry place: only fold sheets once they are fully dry, and avoid plastic bags that trap moisture.
These habits extend the life of your bedding and make each set more comfortable to sleep in.
With the right wash routine, correct temperature, and enough drum space, keeping bed sheets and duvets fresh becomes much easier to manage. Choosing a washing machine designed to handle regular bedding loads helps protect your fabrics, improve hygiene, and keep your bed comfortable night after night.