You may already know that bed linens need to be changed regularly. But experts also warn against neglecting pillowcases to prevent bacterial growth and buildup. Studies have shown that a pillowcase used for a week can harbor more bacteria than a toilet seat.
Why are pillowcases so dirty?
Dr. Gareth Nye, a senior lecturer at the University of Chester in the UK, explains that previous studies estimated that, on average, a person sweats between 500 and 700 ml per night, with about 200 ml of sweat soaking through pajamas and bedding.
“In addition to sweating, the body’s skin cells will continue to shed and regenerate. Humans lose about 500 million skin cells per day, and most of them will fall off at night. The body also produces other secretions, such as sweat and saliva.
All of these create an ideal environment for bacteria and other harmful agents to thrive, especially dust mites. Dust mites feed on dead skin cells, and their excretions can cause allergies, asthma, and other health issues,” says Dr. Nye.
When it comes to bacteria, a pillowcase used for a week can harbor more than 17,000 bacterial colonies, more than a toilet seat. Another study found that, on average, a pillow contains up to 16 different species of fungi with millions of fungal spores. Therefore, pillowcases are considered dirtier than toilet seats if not washed regularly.
How often should you wash your pillowcases?
Experts recommend washing pillowcases once a week and pillow fillings every three months to prevent the buildup of germs, bacteria, and fungi over time, which can be harmful to your health.
To deep clean your pillowcases and remove stubborn stains like oil and yellowing, you can add some special detergents to your washing machine. Mix one tablespoon each of salt and baking soda with the appropriate amount of white vinegar, stir well, and pour into the drum. Then, add detergent/laundry detergent and wash as usual.
White vinegar is effective in removing musty odors from pillowcases and helps kill bed bugs hiding in the fabric. Baking soda, on the other hand, is a powerful stain remover, far more effective than regular detergent. Salt can enhance the cleaning power of detergents and help remove fine fibers and impurities from pillowcases.
In addition to regularly washing your pillowcases, you should also change your bed linens frequently to maintain a fresh and clean sleeping environment. It is best not to fold the blanket immediately after waking up but to wait for about 15 to 30 minutes to allow the moisture absorbed by the bed linens at night to dissipate, slowing the growth of mold, bacteria, and dust mites.
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“Lack of regular cleaning of bed linens and pillows can lead to a host of health issues, including skin problems, respiratory illnesses, and gynecological infections. These issues can cause a lot of discomfort and may even lead to more serious complications if left untreated.”
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