When it comes to washing bed linens, people seem to have a solid handle on the idea that you should be swapping those out every week or two. But no matter how long you spend washing and folding your pillowcases, top sheet, and the dreaded fitted sheet, you're missing one key element of getting your sleep space clean if you're not washing your pillow itself. "People typically wash their clothes at least once per week and probably have more than one outfit," says Natalie Barret, cleaning supervisor and expert at Nifty Cleaning Services. "On the other hand, many people lay every night on the same pillow, and their cushion never gets the same care despite hours and hours of use." Read on to find out how often your pillow needs a wash and for more cleaning tips, find out The Body Part Doctors Say You Should Never Clean.
According to Barret, you should be washing your actual pillow at least every three to six months. For most people, twice a year will suffice. But in certain circumstances, you may want to clean it more often.
"If you sweat more during the night, have more sensitive skin, or have allergies, you should wash your pillows more often—about every three months or more, if you feel the need," Barret says.
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Why does your pillow need a wash if it's covered in a case? "Pillows are perfect hosts for debris, dead skin cells, sweat, moisture, skin oils, and so on," explains Alex Savy, a certified sleep science coach and founder of SleepingOcean. "If you leave all of that stuff be, it may attract dust mites. And sharing your sleeping space with those guys can cause allergies, itchy or watery eyes, skin rashes, and even increased risk of asthma."
As for the best way to wash your pillow, Barret says it depends on what type you have. Down and synthetic down pillows typically can be washed in your laundry machine, while foam pillows should only be spot cleaned. And putting a memory foam pillow into the washing machine is going to mess it up because it can absorb all the water from the cycle.
"Read the tag first, as most manufacturers offer suggestions of the appropriate water temperature and washing cycle for each specific pillow type," Savy suggests.
Even if you're washing your pillow regularly, you still need to change it out often. Barret and Savy note that you should replace your pillow entirely every one to two years.
Read on for signs you need to replace your pillow, and for more items you should be changing on the regular, check out This Is How Often You Should Really Be Changing Your Underwear.
1 | Take note of misshapen pillows.
iStockSavy says noticeable lumps in your pillows are a good sign they need to be replaced; and according to Barret, the same goes if your pillow feels too flat. And for more things to swap in your bedroom, find out if you have The Bedroom Wall Color That Is Ruining Your Sleep.
2 | Check for permanent stains.
Shutterstock/ieangIf your pillow is permanently stained, it may be time for a new one. Barret says any pillows that have formed a yellowish color that isn't gone after washing should be replaced. And if you're already doing some scrubbing, make sure you tackle The One Thing in Your Home You're Not Cleaning That's Making You Sick.
3 | Look out for any stubborn odors.
iStockWhile some odors disappear when you wash your pillow, others may stick around. Savy says that lingering, stubborn odors are a "good sign that your pillow is probably way too old for you." And for more helpful tips and tricks for your everyday life, sign up for our daily newsletter.
4 | Try the fold test.
ShutterstockThe National Sleep Foundation has an easy test for seeing if you need a new pillow. According to the organization, you should fold your pillow in half and see if it stays folded while you're not holding it. If it does, you need to replace it. And for another object that needs more cleaning attention, check out The Filthiest Spot in Your Home Is 12 Times Dirtier Than a Toilet Seat.
