How to Take Care of Your Bedding (So It Lasts and Feels Amazing)

April 29, 2025By Somn Home

Let’s be honest—there’s nothing better than crawling into a clean, freshly made bed. It’s cozy, it smells good, and if you’ve invested in good bedding (especially linen), you want to keep it looking and feeling its best for as long as possible.

This guide is all about helping you do just that—simple tips, real advice, and a few "a-ha!" moments to make bedding care less of a chore and more of a habit.

First Up: How Often Should You Actually Wash Your Bedding?

We spend about a third of our lives in bed. That’s a lot of time under the covers—so keeping your bedding clean is more important than you might think.

Here’s the breakdown:

• Sheets & pillowcases → Once every 1–2 weeks
• Duvet covers & pillow inserts → Every 6 months
• Blankets & throws → Every 3 months (or seasonally)

If you sleep hot, have allergies, or share your bed with a pet, it’s okay to wash more often.

How to Care for Linen Sheets (Without Ruining Them)

Linen is one of those materials that gets better with age—but only if you treat it right. It’s durable, yes, but it also has a natural, open weave that needs a gentler touch than synthetic blends.

Here’s what to know:

DO:

• Wash in cold or lukewarm water (30°C max). Hot water = damage.
• Use a mild, enzyme-free detergent—nothing too harsh.
• Air dry when possible. Or tumble dry low, and take them out while still a little damp.
• Store in breathable cotton bags, not plastic. Linen likes to breathe.
• Use a flat sheet to protect your duvet or fitted sheet from extra wear.
• Use a gentle stain remover, like BunchaFarmers all natural 100% biodegradable environmentally friendly stain remover stick for spot cleaning.

DON’T:

• Don’t overload the washer. Linen needs space to move.
• Don’t wash with jeans, towels, or anything other than the bedding itself.
• Skip fabric softener—yes, skip it. It coats the fibres and reduces that natural softness.
• Don’t bleach. Just don’t.
• Never put linen away damp—it’ll mildew or yellow before you know it.
• Don't pair your linen bedding with polyester shell duvets or pillows, it will shed like crazy.

Noticing Wear in Certain Spots? Here’s Why

If your linen sheets are starting to wear thin in certain areas, you’re not imagining it—and you’re definitely not alone.

This usually happens because:

• We all have friction zones—think elbows, knees, heels. These spots rub the fabric night after night.
• Dry skin or rough nails can snag linen’s loose weave.
• Even your pyjamas (or lack of them) make a difference—zippers, buttons, or jewelry can wear down fabric.
• Skin products like retinol or acne treatments can actually weaken fibres over time.
• Your washing machine might be a little too aggressive. Older top-loaders, especially, can be rough on fabrics.

Want to avoid those worn patches? Rotate your bedding, use a flat sheet, and go easy on the nighttime routines that involve rough scrubs or strong creams.

Don’t Forget Your Washer & Dryer

This is one most people overlook, but it’s a game-changer.

• Clean your dryer duct every 6–12 months. A clogged vent can make your dryer overheat, which isn’t great for delicate fabrics (or fire safety, for that matter). As well it wont allow lint to exit the machine leading to more lint in your house.
• Run a cleaning cycle on your washing machine once a month. Gunk builds up, and it can transfer to your sheets or anything you put in there. Gross, but true.

Easy Ways to Keep Bedding Fresh Between Washes

Don’t want to wash your sheets every few days? (Same.) Here are a few habits that help stretch the time between full laundry days:

• Use a top sheet—it keeps your duvet cleaner, longer.
• Open your windows in the morning and air things out.
• Flip your duvet when dressing your bed in the morning.
  
• Run an air purifier at night to reduce dust and allergens.
• Spritz with lavender or eucalyptus linen spray for a little refresh.

Lastly

Caring for your bedding doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few thoughtful habits and the right routine, your sheets—especially linen—can last for years and get better with every wash.

So go ahead: turn down the bed, fluff your pillows, and enjoy that clean-sheet feeling. You earned it.

Need more help or curious about product care?
👉 Check out our full Linen Care Guide or reach out—we’re happy to help.