How often should I wash my quilt cover?
10th Nov 2025
Let’s be honest — washing your quilt cover probably isn’t your favourite Sunday activity.
But if you’re wondering how often you actually need to do it (and if it’s OK to stretch the time between washes), we’ve got you covered. Literally.
Just like your sheets and towels, your quilt cover collects a sneaky build-up of body oils, sweat, dust, and bacteria over time (even if it looks clean!). The good news? You probably don’t need to wash it as often as your sheets… especially if you’re using a top sheet… more on that in a sec.
What affects how often you should wash your quilt cover?
You might need to wash your quilt cover more often if:
• You sleep without a top sheet
• You’re a hot or sweaty sleeper
• You sleep with pets or kids in the bed
• You wear body lotion, fake tan, or makeup to bed
• You have allergies, asthma, or sensitive skin
You can probably wash it less often if:
• You sleep with a top sheet
• You shower before bed every night
• You don’t sleep with pets
• You rotate your quilt covers between washes
Pro-tip: Using a top sheet acts like a buffer between your body and your quilt cover. So you can stretch the time between washes by a week or two. Less laundry? Yes please!
Our Picks
What happens if you don’t wash your quilt cover often enough?
• Build-up of sweat, oils, and dead skin
• Dust mites and allergens thrive (not ideal for allergy-prone sleepers)
• Bacteria growth (especially if you sleep with pets)
• Faster fabric deterioration. Even high-quality quilt covers can wear out faster if not cared for properly
Our Picks
How to wash your quilt cover properly
Want to keep your quilt cover looking (and feeling) its best for longer? Here’s how to do it right:
• Wash every 2-4 weeks (weekly if no top sheet or during hot weather)
• Turn inside out to protect colours and textures
• Use a gentle, skin-friendly detergent (we love Canningvale’s Signature Laundry Concentrate)
• Wash in cold or warm water. Avoid hot!
• Don’t overload your machine (your quilt cover needs room to rinse)
• Line-dry where possible to maintain softness and shape
• Avoid harsh stain removers. Opt for gentle products like Canningvale Stain Remover
Our Picks
So, how often should you wash your quilt cover?
The short answer
Every 1-2 weeks: if you sleep without a top sheet
Every 2-4 weeks: if you use a top sheet
Quilt covers act like a protective barrier for your quilt insert, so regular washing helps keep your bedding hygienic and fresh. But how often you really need to wash depends on your habits.
Need help choosing your next favourite quilt cover? We’re here to help you make every bedtime beautiful.
Explore quilt covers now.