When was the last time you washed your pillows? If the answer is never, you might find the following pretty gross. As much as you love your pillows, so do other guests. We’re talking about the invisible kind. The ones you don’t know are there but can profoundly affect the quality of your sleep and your health. From dead skin to fungus and mold, if you’re not washing and replacing your pillows regularly, you’re sleeping with all kinds of nasty stuff.
Here are five reasons why you need to take pillow hygiene seriously:
Reason 1: Dead Skin Cells and Dust Mites
The average person sheds thousands of skin cells every night. That’s pretty gross, but it gets worse. All those skin cells become food for dust mites. While you’re snoozing away, they’re crawling around, getting their fill at the dead cell buffet.
Dust mites love bedding and pillows. We’re not talking about a couple of mites, either. We’re talking about millions. Yes, millions of these little creatures (they’re too small to see with the naked eye) are hanging out on your unwashed pillows. The Canadian Lung Association notes that dust mites thrive in warm, humid settings – like your pillow. Dust mites aren’t parasites, meaning they don’t bite, but their poop, urine and even their decaying bodies can aggravate allergies. They’re also a major trigger for people with asthma.
Reason 2: Bacteria and Mold Growth
While you’re sleeping away at night, your sweat, saliva and skin’s natural oils are making their way to your pillows. Over time, this stuff builds up, creating a fertile ground for bacteria.
According to a study by Amerisleep, millions of bacteria can be found in your bed and on your pillow. Many of those bacteria are pretty common, but research has shown that in addition to the harmless bacteria, highly toxic and dangerous bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli can grow. These little nasties can make you sick and, if you have acne or cuts on your skin, can lead to infections.
Related: How to Clean Your Mattress Properly (And Why You Really Need To More Often)
Reason 3: Fungal Spores
Because they thrive in warm, moist environments, different types of fungal spores can be found in pillows and bedding. Research by health agencies like the National Institutes of Health reveals that pillows can harbour nearly twenty fungal species. One of these, Aspergillus fumigatus, is a particularly unpleasant species that can aggravate asthma.
Reason 4: Oils, Makeup Residue and Acne
If you go to bed without thoroughly washing off makeup and skincare products, the residue builds up on your pillows. And those dirty pillows can lead to clogged pores, which can cause skin problems to flare up and acne to worsen.
Related: How to Arrange Pillows on Your Bed and Sofa, According to a Decor Expert
Reason 5: Allergens and Respiratory Issues
Over time, allergens like pet dander (sorry, Fido), pollen and those dust mites we mentioned earlier, collect on unwashed pillows (and the rest of your bedding) and can aggravate symptoms for people with allergies, asthma and other respiratory issues. Studies have shown that frequently washing bedding (more on that below) significantly reduces allergy symptoms.
Now that we’ve sufficiently grossed you out (sorry), here are some ways to keep your pillows (and bedding) less yucky.
Experts recommend washing your pillowcases weekly and pillows at least every three months. This will reduce allergens and bacteria. Use a gentle detergent to avoid irritating your skin.
Related: 10 Things You’re Probably Not Cleaning — and Why You Should
Washing your pillows not only extends their life, it contributes to a healthier, more restful sleep. But be sure to follow the pillow manufacturer’s washing instructions.
Other steps you can take include using pillow protectors. These act as an additional barrier against allergens, mites, fungi and bacteria. You can wash these more frequently, especially if you have allergies or other respiratory issues.
Putting your pillows in sunlight during the day is also a good idea. This will help keep them dried out, preventing bacteria and mold growth. If your pillows are difficult to wash, this is a great option.
You should also replace your pillows regularly. Even with regular washing, your pillows will accumulate dirt and other contaminants. Depending on the type of pillows, you should replace them every year or two.
Related: Don’t Make These 11 Mistakes When Buying Bedding
By washing and replacing your pillows more often, you’ll create a cleaner sleep environment, which is better for your skin and health and will contribute to a more restful slumber.
