Cleaning whizz shares the six gross reasons why you need to wash your pillows properly – and not just the pillowcases

MOST of us wash our pillowcases – but how often do you chuck the actual pillow inside the washing machine?

Well, after reading this, you might make it a regular chore, as one cleaning whizz has shared the gross consequences of sleeping on a stained pillow.

TikTok / @drjennyliu

The whizz took to TikTok to explain why you should wash your pillows and not just pillowcases[/caption]

TikTok / @drjennyliu

According to the pro, not only can it trigger allergies but also lead to different skin conditions, such as rosacea[/caption]

According to the pro, Dr. Jenny Liu, not only do yellow pillows make for an unsightly bedroom, they also harbour millions of nasty bacteria your skin will not appreciate.

But what’s the cause of the grim colour? The stains, the whizz explained in her video, are a result of dirt, oil, dead skin, drool and sweat, whether that’s from a hot summer evening or a steamy night of passion with our favourite sex positions.

This, in turn, can lead to clogged pores and even breakouts, as your skin is soaking up the grim ‘leftovers’.

What’s more, the moisture that’s trapped inside the pillows can also foster the growth of mould, mildew and dust mites – three elements which often have a negative impact on your sleep and even trigger allergies.

According to the doctor, who posts under the username @drjennyliu, those with respiratory issues can also find themselves with asthma.

”Also, damp pillows can exacerbate skin conditions, like rosacea and eczema,” she said.

”Dust mites love to eat our dead skin cells and our pillows are infested with them.”

However, if it’s too late and your pillows are already stained, the whizz advised to simply replace them with a new set.

How Often Should You Replace Your Pillows?

Most experts recommend replacing pillows every one to two years, Sleep Foundation reported.

Doing so will ensure you’re getting a good night’s rest on pillows that are supportive, clean, and free of allergens.

Meanwhile, pillowcases should be washed whenever you put your bedding in the washing machine – a chore that should be done once a week.

Pillow Care and Replacement Guidelines

However, when it comes to prolonging the lifespan of your pillow, it’s key to remember that each material requires different care.

Memory foam

For instance, a memory foam pillow cannot be washed and people should look after it in different ways, such as spot-cleaning the stains the second you see them.

Experts advise to thoroughly hand wash the pillow every two months with a gentle detergent and let it air dry.

Memory foam pillows should be replaced every two to three years.

Polyfoam

As with memory foam pillows, polyfoam pillows are best spot-cleaned when needed and hand washed in a gentle detergent every two to three months, before letting itair dry.

Polyfoam pillows usually will last two to three years before needing to be replaced.

Down/Feather

Most down and feather pillows can be machine washed, but some should be dry cleaned – check the instructions on the label.

When chucking it inside the machine washing, use the gentle cycle, warm water, and a mild detergent.

You might find that it’s necessary to run the rinse cycle more than once to get rid of all the detergent.

You can then air dry the pillows – alternatively, place them in a dryer on a low setting for about 20 minutes.

Wash these pillows every three to six months, before replacing them every one to three years.

”You can tell it’s time for a replacement if the pillow doesn’t spring back to its normal shape after you fold it in half,” the pros noted.

Polyester and Down Alternative

Down alternative and polyester pillows can be machine washed on the gentle cycle with mild detergent and cold water, and dried in a dryer on a low setting.

These pillows, which should be washed every three to six months, usually last approximately one to two years.

Meanwhile, polyester pillows are among the least durable in the market and should be swapped with a new set every 6 months to 2 years.