4. Duvet Covers: Every 2 Weeks
Your duvet cover protects your comforter, but it doesn’t stay clean on its own. Since it touches your body nightly, it collects oils, sweat, and dust.
Laundry tip:
- Wash duvet covers every two weeks.
- Use warm water and mild detergent.
- Check that your washing machine can handle the bulk—larger covers may need a laundromat washer.
- Washing regularly helps preserve fabric softness and color.
5. Bath Mats: Wash Weekly
Think about what lands on your bath mat: wet feet, soap scum, and bathroom moisture. That makes it the perfect breeding ground for mold and bacteria.
Laundry tip:
- Wash bath mats once a week.
- Use warm water with a mild detergent.
- Dry them fully before putting them back—especially if they have a rubber backing.
6. Kitchen Towels: Wash Daily
Kitchen towels are hardworking tools. They dry your hands, clean spills, and sometimes touch food directly. Because of this, they collect germs quickly.
Laundry tip:
- Wash kitchen towels every day.
- Use hot water with a strong detergent to sanitize them.
- Stock up on extra towels so you can rotate them daily without stress.
7. Reusable Grocery Bags: Once a Month
Reusable grocery bags are great for the planet, but they can carry bacteria from produce, raw meat, or packaged foods. Without cleaning, they become germ carriers.
Laundry tip:
- Wash fabric bags monthly on a gentle cycle.
- Wipe plastic-lined bags with a disinfectant or warm soapy water.
- Dry thoroughly before reusing.
8. Couch Covers: Once a Month
Your couch handles daily wear—food crumbs, pet hair, and accidental spills. Covers protect the fabric, but they still need care.
Laundry tip:
- Wash couch covers once a month.
- Use cold water and a gentle cycle to prevent fading or shrinking.
- Having two sets lets you rotate them and always keep your couch looking fresh.
9. Rugs and Carpets: Every 3 Months
Rugs and carpets act like giant dust traps, holding onto dirt, allergens, and odors. Without regular cleaning, they affect indoor air quality.
Laundry tip:
- Clean rugs and carpets seasonally, about every 3 months.
- Small rugs can often go in the washing machine.
- Larger rugs or wall-to-wall carpets may need professional cleaning or a deep steam clean.
- Vacuum weekly between washes.
10. Laundry That Gets Overlooked
Besides the big items, there are smaller things you might miss:
- Pet beds: Wash every 2 weeks to remove fur, dirt, and odors.
- Oven mitts and pot holders: Toss them in the wash monthly.
- Fabric shower curtains: Wash every month to stop mildew.
Adding these to your routine keeps your whole home fresher.
11. How to Stick to a Laundry Schedule
Keeping track of so many different items might feel overwhelming, but a little planning makes it easy.
Here are a few strategies:
- Set phone reminders: Create repeating alerts for weekly or monthly tasks.
- Use a laundry calendar: Mark down when items like curtains or rugs are due for cleaning.
- Group tasks together: For example, wash couch covers and throw blankets on the same day each month.
- Keep extras: Having backup pillowcases, towels, or covers means you won’t feel rushed.
Once you get into the habit, it feels natural—and your home will feel noticeably fresher.
Final Thoughts
Your laundry routine doesn’t have to stop at clothes and sheets. By giving attention to these often-forgotten items, you’ll reduce allergens, eliminate bacteria, and extend the life of your home essentials. It’s a small investment of time with a big payoff for your comfort and health.
Call to Action
Now it’s your turn: take a walk around your home and check which of these items could use a wash today. Start with one or two, and build your routine from there. You’ll be surprised how much cleaner and fresher your home feels.
👉 If you found this guide helpful, share it with friends or family who might be missing a few of these laundry tasks. And don’t forget to bookmark this page so you can come back whenever you need a reminder!
