Sure, your bedding might look clean, but is it actually clean? According to cleaning expert Robin Murphy, dust settles on your bed just like it does on furniture and other surfaces. “Even if your bedding looks clean, it’s quietly collecting things you don’t want to sleep in. Regular washing really does make a difference.” So, how often should you wash your comforter, and is there any way to stretch the time between cleanings? We asked the experts.

How Often Most of Us Need to Wash Our Comforters

How often your comforter needs to be washed depends on several factors, according to Murphy. “If you’re using a top sheet, you may be able to wash the comforter monthly,” she says. However, if there’s no top sheet and no duvet cover, Murphy advises washing your comforter weekly. If that sounds like way too much laundry, she suggests washing it no less than biweekly. “That comforter is taking the brunt of everything—sweat, oils, dust, allergens—and it needs a little extra care to stay fresh and healthy,” she says

Still, there are a few other factors to keep in mind. “If you have pets, kids, or food in bed, it’s a good idea to wash it more often than that,” Murphy says.

Don’t Want to Wash Your Comforter Very Often? Use a Duvet Cover

However, this is a bit of a trade-off because you still need to wash the duvet cover. “Treat it like your sheets and toss it in the wash once a week (or at least biweekly),” Murphy says. The comforter inside can be washed seasonally (about every three months) according to Murphy. “The duvet cover acts as a protective layer, so the comforter stays cleaner, longer.” And yes, it’s still recommended that you use a top sheet. “Even with a duvet, it’s an easily washable buffer between you and the comforter,” Murphy says.

What’s the Best Way to Wash Your Comforter?

The best way to wash your comforter depends on what type you have—Murphy suggests checking the label before putting it in the washing machine. “Most comforters can be washed in a large-capacity front-loading washer on a gentle cycle using mild detergent,” she explains.

How Should You Dry Your Comforter?

While you might be tempted to use high heat to dry that comforter, Murphy suggests going low and slow. “Use a low-heat setting and give it time—comforters take longer to dry than you think,” she says. Murphy also suggests using dryer balls. “Keep the dryer balls in to help with airflow and maintain the fluff. Make sure it’s completely dry before putting it back on the bed to avoid mildew.” If the weather’s nice, you might even want to hang it outside. “The sunshine is a great natural refresher,” Murphy says.

How Often Should You Wash Your Comforter If Someone Is Sick?

You might be in a rush to wash your bedding if you’re sick with a cold, even if you aren’t really up to it. Still, according to Dr. Hayley Goldbach, MD, board-certified dermatologist, it’s okay to wait until you are feeling better to do this. “The good news is that typical cold and flu viruses don’t live for very long on porous surfaces like cloth,” she says. “Many studies suggest they only stay viable on cloth for mere hours. Therefore, your sheets and blankets are unlikely to make someone else sick.” You also don’t need to wash on hot or use any laundry sanitizers. “I would simply follow the manufacturer’s instruction on washing linens after a cold,” Dr. Goldbach suggests.