Bedding expert reveals how often you SHOULD be washing your pillows 

Expert reveals how often you should REALLY be washing your pillows and pillowcases?

Dirty pillows and pillowcases can lead to numerous issues including bad skin and poor sleep hygiene. Bedding expert Malik Karman from Eachnight Mattresses breaks down how and when to wash your pillows and pillowcases to ensure a better nights sleep. 

How often should you wash your pillowcases?

As a general rule, bedding should be washed once a week, and that includes pillowcases. However, some people may find themselves benefiting from washing their pillowcases even more often. Cleaning a pillowcase can eliminate skin oils and other allergens that collect in the fabric, ensuring the surface stays clean and comfortable.

How often should you wash your pillows?

You don’t need to wash your pillow too often as long as they’re kept covered in a clean pillowcase. The average pillow can be washed every four to six months to help it maintain its comfort and support.

We must note that not all types of pillows can be washed, such as solid foam pillows or buckwheat pillows. A rule of thumb is that a pillow that can be fluffed up is machine washable, such as feather pillows and shredded foam pillows. However, it’s important to double-check the pillow’s care tag to make sure it can go through the washer safely.

What can be expected if you don’t wash them regularly? (for example, skin reactions, allergic reactions, odors, etc)

Pillows absorb many things throughout the night, such as skin oils, sweat, dead cells, dust, and other allergens and irritants. The effects of a pillow left unwashed can be minor, such as a sleeper noticing they have more facial acne or their pillow has a funky smell. However, people with allergies may notice an increase in symptoms that significantly impact their quality of life.

What supplies are needed to wash pillows?

All you need to wash your pillow is a gentle detergent. Dryer balls or a few tennis balls can also be helpful when tossing the pillow in the dryer, as the balls can help the pillow dry faster and fluff it up, too.

If your pillow cannot be machine washed and you want to freshen it up, we recommend sprinkling baking soda across its surface and leaving the powder alone to soak up moisture and odors. Vacuum or shake off the powder and replace the pillowcase.

What are the steps required to wash pillows? Should you place them in a standard washing machine or are there certain types/fillings that should only be spot-cleaned?

Reading the included care instructions are the best way to understand how to wash your pillow. Not all pillow types are machine washable and can be damaged if placed through a washer. Memory foam pillows that are a single block of foam need to be gently spot-cleaned and freshened up with an occasional coat of baking soda.

Meanwhile, buckwheat pillows aren’t washable at all. Instead, sleepers will need to refresh the filling with new hulls and wash the pillow’s cover.

Size is also important to consider. King size pillows typically need to be washed in an industrial washing machine, so you likely won’t be able to wash them at home.

If your pillow can be washed at home, remove any protective coverings and place the pillow in the washer. If your washing machine has an agitator, it’s best to wash two pillows to better maintain balance. Once the pillow has been washed with gentle detergent, tumble dry it on low heat.

Further information can be found at   Eachnight Mattresses who provided the expert commentary.