Pillows – the unsung heroes of our sleep. They provide us with comfort, support, and a cozy place to rest our heads at the end of a long day. But while we may pay attention to the quality of our pillows, how often do we think about washing them?
According to recent studies, we may not be washing our pillows as often as we should. In fact, we may be unknowingly harboring allergens, bacteria, and fungi in our pillows. So, how often should we be washing them and how should we go about it?
First of all, let’s address the good news for jeans lovers – we don’t need to wash our jeans as often as we think. In fact, Levi Strauss’s former CEO Charles Bergh stated in a 2014 CNBC interview that true denim enthusiasts never put their jeans in the washing machine. But while we may be over-washing our jeans, we might be neglecting our pillows altogether.
Experts recommend washing bedding, including pillowcases, once a week. However, pillows themselves should be washed every three to six months. This may seem like a long time, but it’s important to note that this frequency should be increased if you have allergies or asthma.
Why is it important to wash our pillows? Well, just like the rest of our soft furnishings, pillows can harbor allergens, bacteria, and dead skin cells. In a BBC interview, Professor David Denning, an expert in infectious diseases and global health, revealed that all the pillows he took from people’s homes for research had fungi in them. This is because our heads sweat at night, providing a warm and moist environment for fungi to thrive in.
But don’t panic, the expert also pointed out that this is not a cause for concern for most of us. However, it’s still important to wash our pillows regularly to maintain good hygiene and a healthy sleep environment.
So, how should we go about washing our pillows? The first step is to check the care instructions on the label, as different types of pillows have different needs. Memory foam, down, and cotton pillows all require different washing methods.
For machine-washable pillows, make sure your washing machine has enough room for the pillow to move around freely. Cover the pillow with a pillowcase to prevent its filling from snagging. Use the recommended temperature and settings on the care label and ensure that the pillow is thoroughly dried.
If the care instructions allow it, you can place the pillow in a tumble dryer on the recommended setting. Then, let it dry in the airing cupboard for an additional two days. If tumble drying is not an option, air-dry the pillow in a room with good airflow or outside in the sun.
While it may seem like a hassle, washing our pillows regularly can help improve our sleep quality and overall health. A clean and fresh pillow can also make a huge difference in how we feel when we wake up in the morning.
In conclusion, it’s time to start paying more attention to our pillows and give them the care they deserve. By washing them every three to six months, we can ensure a clean and hygienic sleep environment. So, let’s add pillow washing to our list of household chores and give our pillows the love they need. Sweet dreams!
