You know how we have all this anxiety about washing our sheets every week or two? And when we change our pillowcases, we feel all high and mighty like we accomplish something? But the pillow stays put, right there under your head, night after night, trapping who knows what – that’s a little disgusting to think about, right? And yet, we barely think about it.
Pillows seem like harmless little scoops of comfort, but they don’t just trap cute dreams – they trap dead skin, sweat, oil, gunk. And dust mites? Dust mites LOVE pillows. You might even add in some late-night food or slobber spills, and definitely you’re smothering next to a bio-hazard at night for eight hours.
The General Rule: Wash Every 6-12 Months
So the basic answer, if you just want to move on with your life, is to wash your pillows every six months (six months to a year). But really, that’s just a general guideline. No one pillow is the same, so you can’t really go off that. Each pillow has its own schedule, depending on how much you use it, how much you sweat, or if you have allergies.
Let’s get into the details, because it is very easy to think you’re just fine, but you really are sleeping on a marsh.
Pillow Type
What type of pillow are you sleeping on?
First, down and feather pillows. These fluffy, squishy pillows are a little more delicate. Wash if you sleep on them occasionally, every six months. But if you consider those things your daily essentials, then you should wash them more like every three to six months, since they absorb everything faster than synthetics.
Synthetic pillows would be able to withstand more abuse. You’ll do better washing them every four to six months without ruining them. Those are tougher, but still don’t go a year without washing them, unless the idea of pressing your face into a buffet of bacteria is amusing to you.
Remember, memory foam pillows are a completely different kind of situation. Do not even think about putting them in the washer, unless you would rather end up with an all-new sponge with pillow dimensions that never dries out. Instead, spot clean stains with a cloth damp enough to wipe them with mild soap. Do get a pillow protector on these, because no other item will keep them from being a catastrophe of grime build-up. Also once you’re using them, regardless of how they look, replace your memory foam pillows every one to two years, because foam does not last forever and it traps odors.
Allergies and Sensitivities: Wash More Often
If you wake up sneezing, sniffling, or if your skin is breaking out for no apparent reason, your pillow could be the issue. If you have allergies or sensitivities you need to be washing your pillows more often, like at least every three to six months for example. Dust mites, allergens and the like build up faster than you think, and because of the nature of pillows, they are venturing into warm, moist places. Don’t wait for your nose to tell you.
Spills and Stains: Move Fast
No one expects to be accidentally spilling on the pillow, or drooling a miniature puddle, but sometimes it does happen. If it does happen, don’t just shrug it off and move on. Dab the affected area with a clean cloth. Spot clean it with a mild soap solution. Allow it to dry out completely before covering the pillow back up. If you do not allow it to dry, the moisture will sink into the pillow. This can lead to mystery stains that take on a weird scent over time.
Pillow Protectors: Your Best Friend
A good pillow protector can add time between washing because it is like a raincoat for your pillow. It absorbs sweat, oil, and any accidental spills before they can sink in. But don’t forget to wash the protector too! You should wash that at least every 1 – 2 months on its own so you don’t end up creating a breeding ground.
Taking care to invest in pillow protectors will preserve your pillow, and additionally, will make the task of cleaning your pillows easier as all you have to do is strip it off and toss it in the washing machine, without wrestling with the pillow itself. Pillow protectors are cheap insurance for a fresher smelling bed.
Smell and Appearance: Use Your Senses
Let’s leave the calendar aside for now. Is your pillow smelling like you threw it in the gym bag that you never washed since last week? Is the pillow covered in yellow spots you can’t explain? This is a clear sign to wash it. Don’t wait three more months just because you “think” you are on a cycle. Your senses can tell when there’s something wrong.
How to Wash Your Pillows: The Right Way
Before you start washing pillows, make sure to check the care label first. Some pillows can’t handle hot water or certain detergents. Always do what the care label states so you don’t wind up with lumps in your pillow or destroyed stuffing. Use a gentle detergent and less than you might normally use. When you use too much soap, there is going to be residual soap that can stick to pillow fibers. This can cause skin irritation later.
Wash two pillows together so your washing machine stays balanced. If you wash only one, the washing machine can get unbalanced and shake like a rocket before launch.
Rinse, rinse, rinse! Leftover detergent will cause itching or cause your pillow(s) to be crusty.
Dry thoroughly. Wet pillows can become a breeding ground for mold and mildew; once it’s there you might as well toss the pillow. Use tennis balls or dryer balls to fluff your pillows in the dryer and to keep the fill from clumping. Check the center of the pillow to be sure completely dry.
Keep Pillows Fresh Between Washes
Air out your pillows every time you make the bed. Fluff your pillows up. If sunshine is out, place pillows next to an open window or hang outside for a few hours. Sunlight kills some germs, and freshens the pillow fabric.
Use pillowcases and change them every one to two weeks. They are your first defense against sweat and oils.
Bonus: if you feel ambitious, vacuuming your pillows is a bonus activity. It takes like two minutes, and it will suck up dust and surface dust mites.
Replace Pillows Every 1-2 Years
No pillow lasts forever even with perfect care. Over time the filling can deteriorate and no longer provide support, and bacteria can build. Replace pillows every one to two years not just for sleeping comfort, but because your neck and back are worth it. (Your sinuses will probably thank you too!)
Give some love to Your Pillows
Your pillow works hard every night of the week! It deserves some little attention in keeping it fresh. Following cleaning schedules, spot cleaning accidents, replacing when needed, and a little love will help all go toward you getting better and cleaner sleep. These few habits should mean you never have to wonder what is lurking in your pillow case.
Before you lay your head down on your pillow tonight, consider what could possibly be living in your pillow, and how easy it is to get rid of with a good washing, and a little common sense.
