How to Keep Your Bedding Fresh & Clean During the Hot Summer Months

As temperatures rise, so do the challenges of keeping your bedding feeling light, fresh, and comfortable. Summer brings heat, humidity, and a little extra sweat - all of which can take a toll on your sheets, pillows, and comforters. But with a few innovative strategies, your bed can stay as crisp and inviting as a cool breeze. In this blog, we’ll break down why summer bedding care requires a different approach, how to prevent odours and sweat buildup, the best washing and storage practices, and a few easy refresh hacks to help you sail through the season in comfort.

Why summer care is different

Summer isn’t just a temperature change; it’s a shift in how your body interacts with your bed. Unlike cooler months, when warmth and layering matter most, hot summer nights require breathability, moisture control, and lightweight comfort. Sweat, body oils, and dust accumulate faster, making your bed sheet, pillow covers, and bedding more prone to odours and wear. This is why your home bedding needs a seasonal switch, not just in material but also in care.

From choosing aesthetic bedsheets that feel light and airy to washing them more frequently, summer bedding is all about staying cool, dry, and fresh without sacrificing style.

Best Ways To Prevent Sweat & Odours

Hot summer nights often come with extra moisture, so your bedding set, from your bed sheet to pillow covers, can quickly start to feel less than fresh. But a few mindful swaps and habits can go a long way in keeping your sleep space cool, clean, and breathable.

Layer Smartly:

Instead of sleeping under a comforter, opt for a breathable top sheet. A crisp top sheet like Flirty Red or Melted Caramel, among other colour options from Stoa Paris, is a summer must-have. It works beautifully as a layer beneath a light quilt, keeping things clean and stylish without weighing you down.

Acting as a breathable barrier between you and your heavier bedding, it absorbs sweat, oils, and skin cells, keeping your quilt or comforter cleaner for longer. It gives you the right amount of coverage without the heat and can be washed easily.

Choose Breathable Materials:

Regarding summer bedding, fabric choice can make or break your sleep. Natural materials like cotton and linen are ideal because they’re breathable, lightweight, and moisture-wicking, helping regulate body temperature and prevent the build-up of sweat and heat. These fabrics allow for better airflow, making your bed sheet, pillow covers, and bedding set feel cooler against the skin. For an elevated touch, look for aesthetic bedsheets in breathable weaves like percale or satin-finish cotton, which combine comfort with a polished, stylish look. 

Use Mattress & Pillow Protectors: 

Think of these as the silent guardians of your bedding set. During hot summer, we tend to sweat more; that moisture doesn't just stay on your bed sheet or pillow covers. Over time, it seeps into your mattress and pillows, making them breeding grounds for bacteria, allergens, and unpleasant odours. Using breathable, washable mattress and pillow protectors adds an extra layer of hygiene without affecting your comfort. They help prevent sweat, oils, and dust mites from settling into your bedding's core layers, extending the life of your bed and keeping it fresher between deep cleans. Choose protectors made with moisture-wicking fabric to stay calm and comfortable while keeping your bedding summer-ready.

Shower Before Bed: 

It might sound simple, but taking a shower before slipping into bed can make a difference, especially in summer. Not only does it help you cool down after a hot day and rinse off sweat, sunscreen, pollutants, and body oils that would otherwise transfer directly onto your bed sheet and pillow covers. By going to bed clean, you significantly reduce how quickly your bedding set collects grime, helping it stay fresher for longer. It’s a small habit that pays off for your skin and the hygiene of your comfortable bedding.

Washing & Storing Techniques

Keeping your bedding fresh in summer isn’t just about how often you wash it and how and where you store it. Heat, sweat, and humidity can make even the most beautiful aesthetic bedsheets feel worn out too quickly if not cared for properly. The good news? With a few mindful practices, your bedding set can stay crisp, clean, and comfortable all season long.

Wash Frequently But Gently:

In the hot months, your bed sheet and pillow covers should be washed at least once a week. Summer sweat and skin oils build up faster than you think, leading to dullness, bacteria, and odour. Use a mild detergent and wash in cool or warm water to avoid fabric damage, especially for delicate finishes like satin or Ultrasatin.

Air Dry When Possible:

Line drying your summer bedsheets is not only energy-efficient but also naturally refreshing. Sunlight is a natural disinfectant; that crisp, sun-dried feel is unmatched. Just avoid direct midday sun for dark or coloured sheets to prevent fading.

Iron If Needed, But Keep It Light:

If you love the clean look of pressed sheets, use a quick, low-heat iron or steam, especially for satin-finish fabrics that show creases more easily. It adds that hotel-bed feel with minimal effort.

Store Smartly:

When rotating between bedding sets, fold the clean ones neatly and store them in breathable cotton bags or fabric bins, not plastic. This prevents mustiness and allows airflow. Tuck in a small lavender sachet or cedar block for a fragrant touch to keep things fresh.

Quick Refresh Hacks 

Not every hot day calls for a complete bedding overhaul, but sometimes, your bed just needs a little pick-me-up. Whether short on time or between laundry days, these simple yet effective refresh hacks will help your bedding set feel cleaner, cooler, and more inviting in minutes. 

Spritz With A Fabric Mist:

A light water mist mixed with essential oils like lavender, eucalyptus, or lemongrass can instantly lift the mood and mask minor odours. Spray lightly over your summer bedsheets and pillows to give them an incredible, clean scent. Want a DIY version? Mix 1 part witch hazel with 3 parts water and a few drops of your favourite essential oil in a spray bottle.

Lay Down A Fresh Top Sheet:

Not ready to change your full bedding set? Swap in a clean top sheet. It takes seconds to replace and instantly upgrades your bed's freshness, especially on hot nights when you’re not using a comforter. It’s one of the easiest, most hygienic ways to feel crisp and clean without starting a load of laundry.

Rotate Pillow Covers:

Your face rests on your pillow every night, so it's one of the first areas to show signs of sweat and oils. Keep extra pillow covers handy and rotate them mid-week. It helps maintain hygiene and keeps your sleep environment feeling luxe.

Let Your Bedding Breathe:

Fold back your top sheet and blankets each morning to let air circulate. This reduces trapped moisture and helps prevent musty smells. Bonus: it gives your bed a hotel-fresh feel every time you walk in.

**These hacks are perfect for busy weekdays or those in-between days when your comfortable bedding needs a little love. They're quick to do but profoundly effective.