Better hygiene – Pillows are a breeding ground for dust and bacteria that builds up over time, which is why it's important to know how to wash pillows properly. However, since pillows can be difficult to wash without damaging their quality, it's best to replace them after a couple of years.
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.
Pillows usually last between 18 months – three years, with poor quality pillows often having an even shorter lifespan.
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. And these stains are more than just unsightly.
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.
Over time, all pillows slowly become packed with dust mites, dead skin cells, and mold. You can use a pillow protector to extend your pillow's life. However, you should replace older pillows at least every 18 months to keep your bedroom clean and healthy.
Mattresses and bedding
"While it's true that washing sheets, comforters, pillows, and other used bedding can kill bed bugs, these unpleasant creatures could still sneak into your home if you don't launder your secondhand sheets right away, or you don't clean them thoroughly," Cheat Sheet noted.
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.
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. This is dependent on how, where, and how often they are used.
You can attempt to revive a flat pillow by shaking it and pushing the sides towards each other; then press the top and bottom together. "Another great trick is to give your tired pillow some fresh air," explains Durkin.
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.
Unfortunately old pillows like to hang out with dust mites which can cause a lot of allergies. Bacteria, viruses and mold could also begin to grow in the pillows. These can trigger allergies such as contact dermatitis, eczema, asthma and rhinitis.
Old, poor quality pillows can trap dust and allergens. If you are waking up with nose congested, sinus problems or a cough, you might be suffering from allergies. If you know you already have allergies, changing your pillows is even more critical.
The best disinfectant may not be the wash, but the drying process. Tumble-drying laundry, including pillows, on high heat for at least 30 minutes is sufficient for killing most influenza germs. Don't hesitate to tumble dry for longer, however.
Spray a light mist of vinegar over the pillow, then wipe it down with a mild dish soap solution and white cloth or a sponge. If spots remain, wipe them with rubbing alcohol on the tip of a cotton swab. Air out the affected pillow for a day or longer, if possible, in non-humid conditions to help remove lingering odors.
Pillows made from delicate fabrics like silk and wool, or those with down feathers, typically need to be dry-cleaned. Those made with foam or other washable materials, though, can be easily washed by hand or machine.
The first pillow is believed to have originated in ancient Mesopotamia (today's Iraq) around the year 7,000 B.C., making the pillow about 9,000 years old (not counting ancient civilizations we may have long forgotten).
If you feel like your pillows have become heavier over time, it is because they absolutely have! Your pillow can increase its weight up to 10% just with the build-up of dead skin cells, dirt, oil, hair product, perspiration, and saliva.
Many factors, such as the wrong pillow, can cause insomnia. If a pillow is providing poor spinal alignment, the body is actively working to correct it even in your sleep. This prevents the body from fully relaxing and interrupts the healing and rejuvenation that should occur during normal healthy sleep.
Recent reports have shed light (er, horror) on the fact that there are millions of tiny, dead bugs living in our pillows. And yes, it's true. They're called dust mites — they're actually arthropods, not insects, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. And they're munching on your dead skin cells.
A recent study found that even after a week of washing, the average pillowcase still has over 170,000% the number of bacteria as a toilet seat. Per square inch, they contain 24.90% bacilli, 40.76% gram negative rods, 11.58% gram positive cocci, and 22.75% gram positive rods.
Pillows turn yellow because of sweat. There are other reasons why a pillow may start to turn yellow including falling asleep with wet hair, lotions and oils on the skin, and moisture. When moisture or sweat remains on the pillow for long periods of time, the pillow will turn yellow.