Doctor Gareth Nye and sleep hygiene experts have issued a stark warning about the dangers of not washing pillowcases weekly. Unwashed pillowcases can harbour around three million bacteria colonies per square inch after just one week of use, according to mattress specialists at WinstonsBeds.com.
Why Weekly Washing Is Essential
Dr Gareth Nye explained to the Mirror that the buildup of sweat, skin flakes, and microorganisms is the primary reason for weekly washing. He noted that sweating rates vary: men typically sweat less, while women going through menopause sweat the most. This accumulation presses against your face every night, potentially triggering breakouts and irritation, especially for those with sensitive skin.
Expert Recommendations
Rebecca Swain, mattress expert at WinstonsBeds, said: "Our faces come into contact with our pillows every night for eight hours and if it's not clean, it can cause skin irritation and breakouts. Your pillow harbours a lot of built up, grease and oils from your scalp, not to mention dead skin and drool."
Swain added that people with longer hair who wash it once or twice a week will find their pillowcases dirtier due to greasy hair. Most people wash bedding every two weeks, but this is insufficient for pillowcases. She recommends chucking pillowcases into regular laundry loads whenever possible.
Pillow Maintenance Tips
The experts also advise washing pillows themselves once or twice a year to remove sweat and buildup that seeps through the pillowcase. This can be done in a washing machine, but always check the care label first.
