How Often Should You Change Your Pillowcase?

Are you wondering how often you should swap out your pillowcase? It’s a question many people overlook, but it’s more important than you might think. When you’re tackling your bedroom chores, changing your pillowcase should be high on your list.

You might change your sheets regularly, but how about your pillowcase? It turns out, you should pay special attention to this small but crucial item and change them even more than your sheets if possible.

Save $500 On Any Mattress

Plus free shipping

Get $500 OFF Mattresses

Dermatologists suggest that you need to change your pillowcase at least once a week, ideally every two to three days if you can. But for some, that might not be enough.

Do you have oily skin? Do you drool in your sleep? Or maybe you like to slather on thick night creams before bed?

If any of these apply to you, you might need to change your pillowcase more often. Even if you don’t fall into these categories, weekly changes are still a must for good hygiene and skin health.

It’s a small change that can make a big difference in your personal hygiene and skin health. Verified Source National Library of Medicine (NIH) World’s largest medical library, making biomedical data and information more accessible. View source

How Often Should You Change Pillowcases

Did you know how often you should change your pillowcase? It’s more frequent than you might think! Just like you change your clothes daily, your pillowcase needs regular swapping too.

For the cleanest sleep, try to change your pillowcase every two or three days. This might seem like a lot, but it’s important. Your face rests on that fabric for hours each night, so it picks up oils, sweat, and dirt quickly.

If you have sensitive skin, you might want to change it even more often. It’s an easy way to keep your sleeping area fresh and clean. Washing your pillowcase once or twice a week can make a big difference.

Think about it – you wouldn’t wear the same shirt for a week, right? Your pillowcase deserves the same care. By changing it often, you’re not just making your bed more comfortable. You’re also taking good care of your skin.

You should also immediately change your pillowcase if you’ve been sick or if you slept in makeup. This ensures you handle any lingering bacteria and irritants quickly.

Account for Summer Sweat

Do you wake up sweaty on hot summer nights? Your pillowcase might need extra attention. Experts say you should change it more often in summer, especially if you’re a sweaty sleeper.

Why?

Sweat on your pillowcase can lead to bacteria growth in the bed. This can cause skin problems or breakouts. So, if you’re sweating a lot at night, swap out your pillowcase more frequently.

By changing your pillowcase often in summer and making your bed up for sweating, you’re helping your skin stay healthy. It’s a simple way to keep your sleep space fresh and clean, even on the hottest nights.

Bacteria on Your Pillowcase

Did you know your pillowcase can host different types of bacteria? Most are harmless, but some can be a problem.

Two types to watch out for are Pseudomonas aeruginosa Verified Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) The United States’ health protection agency that defends against dangers to health and safety. View source and MRSA Verified Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) The United States’ health protection agency that defends against dangers to health and safety. View source Pseudomonas aeruginosa can cause breathing issues. MRSA is tough to treat and can harm your skin.

But don’t worry too much! These bad bacteria are not common. Most bacteria on your pillowcase won’t hurt you.

The best way to stay safe? Just wash your pillowcase often. This simple habit keeps your sleeping space clean and healthy.

What Happens If You Do Not Change Your Pillowcase?

Do you sometimes forget to change your pillowcase? Your skin might notice before you do.

If you go too long without washing your pillowcase, you might see some problems. You could get skin rashes, itchy spots, or bumps. You might even get more acne Verified Source National Library of Medicine (NIH) World’s largest medical library, making biomedical data and information more accessible. View source or hair follicle infections. Verified Source National Library of Medicine (NIH) World’s largest medical library, making biomedical data and information more accessible. View source

In very rare cases, a really dirty pillowcase could even lead to skin infections. Verified Source National Library of Medicine (NIH) World’s largest medical library, making biomedical data and information more accessible. View source This is because dead skin cells on your pillowcase can hold tiny germs.

So, even if you forget sometimes, try to change your pillowcase often.

Picking the Best Pillowcase Material

When you choose a pillowcase, you want it to feel good on your skin. But that’s not all! You also need one that lets air through so you don’t get too hot at night.

Cotton

Cotton is a popular choice. It’s soft, lets air through, and is easy to wash. You can find cotton pillowcases in many colors and designs. They’re also not too expensive.

Silk

If you want something fancy, try silk. It’s very smooth and shiny. Silk costs more, but it’s worth it if you want something special.

Linen

Linen is another good option. Like cotton, it’s soft and lets air through. Linen might cost more than cotton, but it can last longer. You can find linen in different colors and patterns too.

Bamboo

Bamboo is great for pillowcases. It feels nice on your skin and lasts a long time. It also lets air through well, so you won’t get too sweaty. Bamboo is good for the earth too, because it grows back fast. If you want a pillowcase that’s good for you and the planet, try bamboo!

When to Replace Your Pillowcase

While regular washing is crucial, there comes a time when you need to replace your pillowcase entirely.

Here are some signs that it’s time for a new one:

• Visible wear and tear: If your pillowcase has holes, frayed edges, or thin spots, it’s time to replace it.
• Stubborn stains: When stains persist even after washing, consider getting a new pillowcase.
• Loss of softness: If your pillowcase feels rough or scratchy despite washing, it’s likely worn out.
• Discoloration: Pillowcases that have become permanently discolored should be replaced.
• Elastic wear: For pillowcases with elastic, replace them when the elastic loses its stretch.
• Broken zipper: If your pillowcase has a zipper and it breaks or no longer functions properly, it’s time for a replacement.
• Odors that won’t wash out: Persistent odors indicate it’s time for a new pillowcase.
• Allergies acting up: If you notice increased allergy symptoms, your old pillowcase might be harboring allergens.
• After illness: Consider replacing your pillowcase after recovering from a contagious illness.
• Age: Generally, replace your pillowcases every 1-2 years, even if they still look okay.
• New pillow purchase: When you buy a new pillow, it’s a good time to get new pillowcases as well.

Don’t hesitate to replace your pillowcase if you notice any of these signs, as it can affect both the functionality and comfort of your bedding.

Remember, a fresh pillowcase not only feels nice but also contributes to better sleep hygiene and skin health.

What About the Actual Pillows?

We recommend washing pillows (if you can) every six months with hot water and mild detergent. That’s right, many pillows can actually be washed! And it turns out…you should be doing that!

Generally, down/feather pillows and down-alternative pillows can go in the washing machine on the gentle cycle. Meanwhile, most foam pillows shouldn’t be machine washed, unless they contain shredded foam. Some pillows may do best when dry cleaned.

Make sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions and laundry care symbols for your specific pillow.

When it comes to replacing your pillows, we suggest swapping out pillows with new ones that aren’t full of dust mites and sweat every one to five years. How often you need to get new pillows will depend on the type of pillow you choose.

FAQs

Do I need to wash a pillowcase more in summer?

Yes, you should switch up your pillowcase more frequently in summer, especially if you sweat a lot at night. Sweat can cause bacteria and irritants to build up on your pillowcase, which might lead to skin problems. Changing it more often in hot weather helps keep your sleep space fresh and clean.

You can also use different fabric covers in summer to maximize sweat dispersal, like cotton or bamboo.

What germs live on pillows?

Most bacteria on pillowcases are harmless, but some can be problematic. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and MRSA are two types to watch out for, though they’re rare. Regular washing of your pillowcase is the best way to prevent harmful bacteria buildup.

What if I rarely change my pillow cover?

If you don’t change your pillowcase regularly, you might experience skin irritation, rashes, or acne. In rare cases, a very dirty pillowcase could even lead to skin infections. Changing your pillowcase often helps keep your skin healthy and happy.

What’s the best material?

That depends on your preferences, but popular choices include cotton, silk, linen, and bamboo.

Cotton is soft, breathable, and affordable. Silk is luxurious and good for sleeping with long hair but more expensive overall than most alternatives. Linen is durable and gets softer over time. Bamboo is eco-friendly and naturally breathable.

How can I keep my pillow fresh between washes?

To keep your pillowcase cleaner between washes, try to shower before bed and avoid using heavy face creams at night. You can also flip your pillow each night to use both sides before washing.

Remember, these tips don’t replace regular washing, but they can help maintain cleanliness.

Can acne be caused by a dirty pillow?

Yes, and changing your pillowcase frequently can help with that acne. Your pillowcase collects oils, dead skin cells, and bacteria, which can clog pores and cause breakouts.

By using a fresh pillowcase more often, you reduce the amount of these substances that come into contact with your skin.

How often should I swap out decorative covers?

Decorative pillowcases typically don’t need to be changed as frequently as the pillowcases you sleep on, since they don’t come into direct contact with your skin for extended periods. However, it’s still a good idea to wash them every 2-3 months to keep them fresh and free from dust and allergens.

If your decorative pillows are in high-traffic areas or are frequently touched, you may want to wash them more often, perhaps every 4-6 weeks.

Conclusion

Taking care of your pillowcase might seem like a small thing, but it can make a big difference in your sleep quality and skin health. By changing your pillowcase regularly – every few days or weekly at least – you’re creating a cleaner, fresher sleep environment.

Remember, your face spends hours pressed against this fabric every night, so it deserves some extra attention. Whether you choose cotton, silk, linen, or bamboo, the most important thing is to keep it clean.

So next time you’re doing laundry, don’t forget to toss in those pillowcases. Your skin, and your sleep, will thank you for it.