How Often Should You Change Your Pillows? 3 Cleaning Tips To Keep Them Fresh

Pillows are an important part of a restful night's sleep but they're often overlooked in terms of washing and replacing them. It's one thing to wash your bed sheets and pillow cases, but you should also consider your pillows at least once in a while. They accumulate sweat, oil, dead skin cells, dust mites and bacteria over time and this can impact your health and quality of life.

Pillows can be more than a fluffy surface on which to rest your head. They help with spinal alignment, neck support and promote good sleep hygiene. Here is when you should replace your pillows and why it is important.

How Frequently Should You Replace your Pillows?

It is critical to replace your pillows periodically to ensure adequate sleep and overall health. The broad recommendation is to replace pillows every 1 to 2 years but this varies by the type of pillow and upkeep.

Down and Feather Pillows should be replaced every 1-2 years, mostly because they will lose shape and loft.

Memory Foam Pillows can last 2-3 years but the pillows deteriorate when losing responsiveness.

Polyester Pillows do not last long, only around 6 months to 1 year.

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Latex Pillows do an average of 2-4 years, probably of all materials, being relatively long-lasting. Regular replacement will give you better support and hygiene and a more comfortable pillow.

Why Is It Important?

Pillows will accumulate dust mites, dead skin, sweat and oils that foster allergens and bacteria. This may lead to allergic reactions, asthma or irritate the skin. You can wash them regularly but for true hygienic cleanliness, pillows need to be replaced. In addition, as pillows become more compressed, they lose shape and firmness. A pillow that is no longer maintaining good shape and firmness may disrupt good spinal alignment and contribute to neck and back pain. All in all, replacing your pillow helps ensure adequate support for the head and neck and good sleep. Changing pillows on a regular basis supports a clean and comfortable sleep space.

Best cleaning methods that actually work (Image Credits: Canva)

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Cleaning Tips For Pillows

1. Machine Washing

Place two pillows in the washing machine on warm with a gentle laundry detergent after verifying the care label. Rinse it twice and add tennis balls when drying to fluff it up.

2. Spot Clean (For Foam or Latex Pillows)

If your pillow is made of foam or latex do not wash but instead use a mild detergent with some warm water and spot clean stains. Use a soft cloth to dab the stain without soaking it. Using a clean, dry cloth, remove excess detergent and then air dry. This method can easily damage foam or latex pillow filling.

3. Use Baking Soda and Sunshine

To keep your pillow fresh, if you have time, sprinkle some baking soda on the pillow and let it sit for about 30 minutes. Remove excess baking soda with a vacuum. Lay your pillow in the sunshine to further disinfect it and to remove moisture and odour.