04 Aug 2026
smol cheat sheet for clean bedding:
- Wash pillows every 6 months and duvets at least once a year
- Always check the care label for dos & don’ts
- Foam pillows = sponge clean
- Polyester, feather or down = washing machine (if it fits!)
- Always dry completely before putting back on the bed
- Let your bedding breathe every morning to cut dust mites
Most of us have no problem popping our sheets in the wash every week or two. But the same can't be said for our pillows and duvets because, quite frankly, how are you supposed to wash items that are so large and bulky?
Turns out many of us just don’t.
A survey from Laundrapp found that 1 in 5 people have never washed their duvet. Ever.
But just because we can’t see the grime doesn’t mean it isn’t there.
The dirty truth.
According to research by the University of Worcester, a duvet that hasn’t been cleaned for 6 months can house up to 20,000 dust mites, alongside dead skin, bacteria and fungal spores.
So if your bedding could do with a bit of TLC, here's everything you need to know.
Duvet duty.
How often should you wash your duvet?
At a minimum: once a year. If you suffer from allergies, or your pets sleep on the bed then aim for at least every 6 months.
For synthetic duvets:
- Check the care label to see if the duvet can be machine washed etc
- Check it fits in your drum (without cramming it in). If not, head to a launderette with larger machines.
- Pop your smol Laundry Capsule straight into the empty drum then add the duvet
- Choose a gentle cycle, at a temperature the care label recommends
- Normal spin speed is fine
- Air dry completely before using again (dust mites LOVE damp duvets)
For feather or down duvets:
- Check it fits your drum. If it doesn’t, it’s a job for the launderette
- Add your smol Non-bio Capsule to the drum (non-bio’s best for natural fillings)
- Put the duvet on top of the capsule and pick a gentle, low-heat cycle
- Normal spin speed is OK
- Dry thoroughly (air drying is safest, but some down duvets can be tumble dried on low with a tennis or dryer ball to fluff things up. Never use high heat though as it can ruin the feathers.)
N.B. If your care label says dry clean only, stop right there. Take it to the pros.
Pillow talk.
How often should you wash your pillows?
Aim to wash your pillows every 4 to 6 months (can be more often if you’re a night-time dribbler or prone to breakouts).
For memory foam, latex or gel pillows:
- These usually can’t go in the washing machine
- Mix a bowl of warm water with a few drops of smol Washing up Liquid
- Dip in a cloth and spot clean gently
- Leave to air dry completely (sunshine is a bonus)
For polyester or feather pillows:
- Machine washing is usually fine, but check the care label
- Add your smol capsule to the back of the drum
- Wash two pillows at once if possible as this helps to balance the machine
- Use a cool or gentle cycle
- Air dry flat (some can be tumble dried on low but check!)
Extra bonus tip for a fresher bed.
You don’t need to wash your bedding every day to keep things feeling fresh each bedtime.
Just pull back your duvet each morning to let the mattress and sheets breathe. That’s right, we’re giving you permission to NOT make your bed.
This simple hack means the moisture evaporates from your bedding and the dust mites will flee!
Even 30 minutes of airing can make a big difference.
Duvet & pillow cleaning FAQs.
Catherine Green, Cleaning Expert
Catherine has been on a mission to revolutionise the way we tackle chores since the dawn of smol and is an advocate for making more sustainable living accessible to all, with a strong focus in cleaning that’s heavy on dirt, lighter on the planet and gentle on the skin. Catherine has tested hundreds of hacks to make tackling chores easier, safer, and better for the planet and our homes.
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