Maintain cleanliness of your pillows using advice from professionals.
Everyone appreciates sinking into a pristine bed at night, especially when everything is freshly laundered. However, it appears that not many people regularly refresh their most crucial element—their pillows—making them feel like new again.
Frequent laundering of your pillows doesn’t just maintain them in pristine condition; it also prolongs their lifespan, guaranteeing you a hygienic spot for resting your head each night. Discover the frequency at which you ought to cleanse your pillows to sustain a tidy and peaceful bedtime ritual.
Meet the Expert
Becky Rapinchuk
owns the Clean Mama cleaning blog and runs a franchise for natural cleaning products.
How Frequently Should You Clean Your Pillows?
Typically, it’s advisable to clean your pillows every three to six months as suggested by Becky Rapinchuk from Clean Mama. This practice aids in eliminating various irritants such as dust mites, perspiration, and dead skin cells that accumulate over time.
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Indicators It’s Due for a Pillow Cleaning
Several clear indications suggest it’s due for some thorough cleaning include your pillows needing a wash:
1. They look dingy.
2. You notice an odor.
3. There are visible stains.
4. You’ve had them for over six months without washing.
-
Visible stains:
If you spot yellow or brown discolorations, those likely indicate sweat, sebum, and possibly some saliva. These spots not only appear unsightly but may also foster bacterial growth and trigger allergies. Whenever such markings become visible, it’s best to launder your pillow. -
Odor:
Pillows may retain scents from your body and external factors. Should your pillow emit a moldy smell or an overall unappealing odor, it might have soaked up perspiration or similar liquids, indicating that it needs cleaning. -
Loss of fluff
Your pillow needs to be both supportive and cozy. Fluffing and cleaning it regularly can help maintain its fullness. -
Time since last wash
If you can’t recall when you last cleaned your pillow, it’s certainly time to tackle that task. Consider setting reminders on your calendar either twice a year or every three months to stay consistent with washing it.
Regular washing not only
keeps your pillows fresh
Moreover, this feature not only makes them sanitary but also extends their lifespan. Consequently, you can count on having a fresh, comfy, and reliable pillow to sleep on every evening.
At What Point Should You Change Your Pillow?
Despite frequent cleaning, pillows have a limited lifespan.
Regardless of how frequently you do it
wash your pillows
They can still turn into a magnet for soaking up perspiration and cosmetics. If your pillow fails to return to its initial form when folded in half, or if you find yourself waking up with discomforts and pain, it might be time for an upgrade.
new one
.
Purchasing a high-quality pillow and changing it frequently can greatly enhance your sleep quality and general well-being.
Tips for Longer-Lasting Pillows
To make the best use of your pillows, consider these useful suggestions to keep them feeling clean and supportive for an extended period:
-
Use pillowcases:
According to Rapinchuk, these barriers prevent elements such as dust, sweat, and spills from reaching your pillow. Typically, they can be easily washed using a washing machine, simplifying the process of maintaining cleanliness. Opting for high-grade, hypoallergenic covers would be ideal. -
Spot cleaning:
In case of spills or minor stains, gently cleanse them using a gentle soap and a clean piece of fabric. It’s important not to drench the pillow since excessive dampness might cause it to become overly firm when drying without being put into a dryer. Intermittent cleaning like this will maintain your pillow’s freshness in terms of both appearance and odor until the next thorough washing session. -
Follow care instructions:
“To clean your pillows effectively, you first need to identify the kind of pillow you have,” according to Rapinchuk. He recommends checking the care guidelines provided by the manufacturer based on your specific pillow type. -
Dry thoroughly:
Once you have washed them, ensure your pillows are entirely dried out to avoid mold and mildew growth. Set your dryer’s temperature to low and add clean tennis balls or specialized dryer balls to aid in plumping up the pillows during the drying process. If some of your pillows cannot go into the dryer, opt for hanging them in a bright, airy spot outdoors for natural drying. -
Rotate pillows:
When using several pillows, make sure to switch them around periodically. This rotation ensures an even distribution of wear and tear across all the pillows, preventing any one from becoming excessively flattened or deteriorated rapidly. By doing this, you can keep their form and supportive properties intact for a much longer period.
By adhering to these suggestions, you can prolong the lifespan of your pillows and sustain a cleaner sleeping area. Consistent maintenance and oversight guarantee that your pillows keep offering the ease and backing required for a peaceful night’s slumber.
Read the initial article on
The Spruce
