How Often Should Hotels Replace Pillows & Duvets?

Essentials in hotel bedding, pillows and duvets hugely impact a guest’s comfort and quality of sleep. However, over time, they do succumb to general wear and tear from regular use and exposure to the likes of allergens and bacteria. Replacing them regularly ensures that bedding remains clean, fresh and hygienic, which is vital to maintaining a high standard with hotel guests and visitors.

Factors That Affect the Lifespan of Pillows & Duvets

There are several factors that influence how often you should replace pillows and duvets, including:

Frequent Use – Hotels that have a high guest turnover will likely need to replace bedding more often than those with lower occupancy as it will be getting more use and be washed and laundered more frequently.

Material & Quality – Higher quality bedding will generally last longer than cheaper alternatives. Durable pillows and duvets made from natural down or high-quality synthetic fibres tend to get more use. Not sure what will work best for your hotel or B&B? Check out our guide on the benefits of natural bedding and the pros of synthetic filled pillows, duvets and other filled goods.

Best Cleaning Practices – Items will degrade over time, as general wear and tear from washing and daily use is inevitable. But with regular professional cleaning techniques, you can extend the life of pillows and duvets.

How to Know When It’s Time to Replace Pillows & Duvets

It’s not always easy to tell, judging by appearance, when a pillow or duvet has reached the end of its lifespan but there are a few telltale signs and things to look out for.

Pillows

Look for lumps or sections of uneven filling. If the pillow has become misshapen, it’s likely no longer providing adequate support. Similarly, pillows that appear flatter and don’t regain their shape after plumping are too likely past their prime. Any visible stains or yellowing can indicate a buildup of sweat, bodily fluids and oils are also something to look out for.

Duvets 

Look for flattened areas and clumped sections of filling as this can mean the duvet no longer offers optimised warmth or comfort. Visible fraying, fabric tears or thinning also mean it’s time to replace the duvet with a new one.

With both pillows and duvets, look out for persistent unpleasant odours or stains that remain even after washing. This can indicate an accumulation of bacteria, dust mites and allergens which are a sign the bedding needs replacing.

What are the Best Practices for Maintaining Pillows & Duvets?

While replacing pillows and duvets regularly is necessary, there are some ways to extend their lifespan.

Use Protectors - Protective covers help safeguard against dust, allergens, and bodily fluids. This can extend the life of the pillow or duvet and ensure it remains cleaner for longer.

Adhere to Correct Laundering Processes - Hotels should follow the manufacturer’s care instructions when laundering pillows and duvets. Some items may require special cleaning or professional laundering services to prevent damage.

Fluffing and Airing - Fluff pillows regularly and air out duvets when possible. This helps to maintain their shape and ensures they don’t develop any unpleasant odours.

Rotate and Replace - Regularly rotating pillows and duvets helps to ensure even wear. It's also a good idea to periodically replace the entire set of bedding, even if individual items don’t show obvious signs of wear, to maintain a fresh and high-quality experience for guests.

Guidelines for Pillow & Duvet Replacement

At home, it is advised to replace pillows every 1-2 years. So, for hotels, where hundreds of guests are using the same pillows over time, it’s likely they will require to be replaced more often. They should be inspected regularly for signs of deterioration and damage, and washed regularly to avoid the accumulation of allergens and dust mites that can cause foul odours.

Check out our comprehensive buying guide for more information on the different types of pillows that are available.

Duvets generally have a longer lifespan than pillows as they don’t undergo the same level of compression. Most hotels opt to replace their duvets every 3-5 years. However, over time, duvets can lose their plumpness, the filling can shift, and fabric may begin to deteriorate. It’s worth regularly laundering and maintaining duvet covers as that can help extend the life of the duvet.

Maintaining a clean, comfortable and hygienic environment for your hotel is paramount to guest satisfaction. Replacing pillows and duvets at regular intervals ensures that guests will enjoy a restful and hygienic stay. Regular maintenance, careful monitoring and adherence to industry best practices can go a long way in keeping both guests and hotel staff happy.

Take a look at our full range of hotel quality pillows and duvets here.