Frequently washing pillowcases and pillows with a gentle detergent can help to alleviate buildup, and replacing pillows regularly can offer a fresh start that won't irritate skin.
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.
Pillows start to turn yellow due to a variety of factors, most of which involve the accumulation of moisture. Sweat, drool, wet hair, and even skincare products can contribute to yellow stains on a pillow.
As a rule of thumb, if your pillow has a few yellow stains it is probably okay to keep sleeping on it. But if your pillow has turned completely yellow, or has developed some brown stains, it is probably time for a replacement.
Dissolve a scoop of oxygen bleach, such as OxiClean or Molly's Suds Oxygen Whitener, in hot water in your bathtub, laundry tub, mop bucket, or sink. Soak your pillow in the solution overnight. Launder and dry the pillow as usual.
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.
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.
Fill a bucket, bathtub or sink with a mixture of lukewarm water and a tablespoon of detergent; the water should be deep enough to completely submerge the pillow. While submerged, gently massage the pillow to circulate the solution through it.
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.
How Often You Should Wash Your Sheets (And How to Get Them Really Clean) Experts recommend washing or changing sheets once a week.
Depending on the material quality and type used to fill the pillow, it could need replacing any time between 1 to 10 years, or more. Just like your mattress, it's important to replace your pillows when they have reached the end of their lives.
Yellowing sheets are primarily due to body sweat and oils, including lotions we put on to rejuvenate our skin overnight, according to textile engineer Vikki Martin, vice president of fiber competition for Cotton Incorporated.
According to a survey of more than 1,000 people, the majority of folks change their sheets roughly every 24 days. But many experts recommend washing your sheets every week. You'll also def want to wash your sheets more often if you: don't shower before bed.
A Bedding Brush-Off
According to our findings, the average person changes sheets roughly every 24 days, or a bit less often than once every three weeks.
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.
Although luxury pillows may cost more than the average pillow, they are an investment. Since this type of pillow is often more durable, it retains its shape and has a longer than average lifespan. Luxury pillows are often made with breathable materials to help keep sleepers comfortable and prevent heat retention.
Pillows usually last between 18 months – three years, with poor quality pillows often having an even shorter lifespan.
Step 2: Put up to two pillows (for balance purposes) in the washing machine and wash in a mixture of detergent, vinegar, washing soda and dishwasher detergent. The added ingredients help whiten pillows.
Before washing, soak your pillowcases and other linens overnight in warm water with oxygen bleach or Borax. Wash your pillowcases using the hottest water cycle and the correct amount of liquid detergent. Line dry your pillowcases outside in the sun for pillowcases that look and smell brand new!
Wondering why pillows turn yellow in the first place? That dingy yellow hue that bed pillows tend to develop over time is caused by the moisture they absorb while you sleep, including sweat, saliva, natural oils from your hair and skin, and even skin and hair product residues.