Even a regularly washed pillowcase is porous, so it won't protect your pillow from accumulating dirt and bacteria over time. That's why it's important to also wash the pillow itself. One thing to remember: Your pillow might accumulate different levels of dirt and allergens depending on what material it's made from.
Remove any pillow cases before washing, as they must be washed separately. Place no more than two pillows into the washing machine at a time to give it proper space to be washed. Ensure that the machine is large enough to fit two pillows. Typically, a 50-pound and above washing machine is recommended.
If your pillow can be washed, it should be washed at least twice a year. If you eat in bed, have pets, or sweat a lot, you should wash pillows quarterly. Special pillows like body pillows or throw pillows should be cleaned every 3 to 6 months.
Most pillows are fine to wash at home, though a few may be dry clean only. Memory foam or latex pillows cannot be washed and must be steamed instead. Remove the cover from the pillows and wash it separately with sheets, following the above instructions. Place the pillows in the washing machine.
Why wash your pillows. While you sleep, your body sheds thousands of dead skin cells. They in turn attract dust mites, which, although harmless, do produce droppings that contain allergens. Letting these build up can trigger anything from asthma and rhinitis to itchy eyes.
Most experts recommend replacing pillows every 1 to 2 years. Doing so helps to ensure that you're using pillows that are supportive, clean, and free of allergens. It is also important to care for the pillows you use to ensure their longevity. Generally, you'll be able to tell when it's time to replace your pillows.
Sweat. We all sweat at night, and over time sweat can seep through your pillowcase and onto your pillow. Eventually, this will cause your pillow to yellow. Sweat stains are the most common reason for pillow yellowing.
Down or feather: Most down pillows can be put in the washing machine. But use cool water and a mild detergent, then dry on low heat. (High temperatures can damage the down.) Memory foam or latex: Washer agitation can break up foam, so these pillows will probably need to be hand-washed.
Most people should wash their sheets once per week. If you don't sleep on your mattress every day, you may be able to stretch this to once every two weeks or so. Some people should wash their sheets even more often than once a week.
To avoid the three evil M's: mildew, mold, and mites, it is important to thoroughly dry your pillow. This can take several hours or more. Again, read all care instructions. Place pillows in dryer with several dryer balls (you can also use a tennis ball or two).
They can be cleaned in a washing machine at any washy cycle temperature, but be aware that warm water and hot water can potentially shrink the fabric. Use a mild powder soap and add an extra rinse cycle to rid your pillows of remaining soap.
The Cleaning Institute recommends washing bath towels after three uses. If you shower every day, that means laundry almost twice a week. Regular laundry is sufficient to clean towels and remove any germs that are starting to accumulate.
Is it okay to change your bed sheets once a month? While your specific sheet changing habits might vary a little bit depending on your lifestyle, your body, and your preferences, most experts agree you should change your sheets every week or every two weeks.
Sheets are usually changed between guests, and sometimes state law requires it, but there's no guarantee that they will be. As for bedspreads, forget it. As countless hidden-camera investigative TV programs have confirmed, they aren't washed regularly.
Wash two pillows in a single load to balance the washer. Use only a tablespoon of detergent to prevent over-sudsing and detergent buildup inside the pillow. Use the washer's gentle cycle and the warmest water temperature recommended on the pillow's care tag.
Always wash your duvet and pillow at 60 degrees to get them properly clean. 60 degrees is also the temperature that kills house dust mites.
Over time, bed sheets (especially white ones) might start turning yellow-ish - and that's normal! Bedding may turn yellow for a variety of reasons, such as body fluids, sweat, even the body lotion we use!
If you're wondering how to whiten yellow-stained pillows, it's pretty simple. All you need is dishwasher detergent, laundry detergent, bleach and borax, plus a little hot water to make them look as good as new!
Hotel pillows are often more comfortable than the pillows people have on their beds at home because they are replaced more often, use more expensive and longer lasting materials, and they support the head in different places than the pillows that people have at home.
“Open up an older pillow, and it's a cesspool of mold, mildew, fungus, dust mites and mite feces,” said bedding expert Dan Schecter. That's a problem for people with allergies.
Dr. James says any time there's an increased presence of moisture (like when you're not fully dry after a shower) can create a potential breeding ground that's favorable to yeast.