How Often Should You Change Your Pillowcase?

how often should you change your pillow cases image

Changing pillowcases regularly if you are having any sleep disturbances and even if you are not is one easy fix for your sleep hygiene practices and your overall health and beauty.

How Often Should You Change Your Pillowcase? Once a week along with your sheets. However, if you suffer from skin and hair problems I would suggest that you change your pillowcases more regularly. If you suffer from acne, or if you have oily or dry skin changing your pillowcase twice or three times a week could improve your skin and give you a better night’s sleep.

There are four very important reasons to keep your pillowcases clean these are outlined below as well as how often you should wash your pillowcases if you suffer from any of those conditions.

If you do not suffer from allergies that could affect your pillowcase you should be changing your pillowcases and sheets at least once a week. As you read the article you will see that there are not only our allergies to consider for a great night’s sleep…

Five Important Reasons to Change Your Pillow Case Regularly

1. Allergies

Allergies such as asthma affect all areas of the life of someone who suffers from them. So while they are asleep they have relief from their allergies for at least a while. They need the best sleep they can get.

The pillowcase should be changed weekly at a minimum – you could experiment by changing them more to see if you get more allergy relief.

2. Skin Conditions

If you suffer from acne or oily skin you will see the oil and possibly blood on your pillowcase. Sometimes even after just one use. Sleeping on pillowcases which are less than hygienic is not good for your skin.

Your pillowcase should be changed every day. The pillow itself should have a pillow protector as well. This should be changed daily too.

3. Hair and Scalp Conditions

There are many hair conditions that compromise a clean pillowcase. Dandruff and scalp psoriasis are just two. The head becomes inflamed and itchy and flakes, blood, and more.

Your pillowcase should be changed every day. The pillow itself should have a pillow protector as well. This should be changed daily too.

4. Sweating

We all sweat at one time or another while sleeping. But some people sweat all the time whether asleep or not. {My brother sits at our kitchen table and dabs his sweat with a handkerchief.}

Changing pillowcases every night would be on the agenda for me if I suffered from this condition.

5. Better Sleep

If suffering from allergies, skin conditions, and hair or scalp conditions and your sleeping environment is clean you can expect a better night’s sleep.

The cleaner your pillowcase is the better sleep you will derive as your allergies will not be aggravated.

Black Luxury Pillow Case Set
Black Luxury Pillow Case Set – Click on image to check them out at Amazon – 19 colors

How Often Should You Change Your Pillowcase? - Tip Top SleepOther Reasons Why You Should Change Your Pillow Case More Often

Time We Spend in Bed

We spend approximately 30% of our lives in bed sleeping. A lot of people these days also spend a lot more time in bed reading, watching television, or using electronic devices.

It makes sense that the more time we spend in bed the more unhygienic it would become.

The bed should be a clean environment for sleeping.

Hair

If you have brittle hair it can break off during a night of normal relaxed sleep. Imagine if you have a night where you are hot, dreaming and tossing and turning. All of this ends up on your pillowcase and if you do not change it these will turn into bacteria.

Body Oil

Similar oils are excreted from our bodies just the same as from our face and hair. These can also end up on your pillow.

Dead Skin Cells

Dead skin cells will definitely be throughout the bed! Your bed linen acts as a full-body loofah while you sleep scrubbing all the dead skin cells off you and into your bed!

Beauty Products

Any products we have on our bodies contribute bacteria growing on linen especially when our natural oils, hair, and dead skin cells are added to the mix.

  • Skincare
  • Haircare
  • Makeup not removed

Eating In Bed

Food particles from your snacking in bed depending upon how long they are there will rot and go moldy.

Also, there is the possibility of attracting little critters the eye can barely see! At least you won’t have to sleep alone 🙂

Pets

Dribble, drool, food, hair, little paws that have been who knows where while we are not around! Who cares if our pets want a snuggle in bed who are we to say no!!

Children

Children love to come to spend some time with us in bed. They love is because they see us relax and it is an open window for them to get some attention.

So whether it is for a cuddle or just to jump around or all over us these little people carry any number of germs wherever they go.

how often should you change your pillow cases
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio

Dust Mites

There are 100’s of thousands of dust mites in and around beds. We will never be able to get rid of them but they can certainly be reduced with a good bed hygiene regime.

Bed Bugs

Argh…

If you do not have bed bugs there are ways to avoid them, one is with once again “good bed hygiene”.

If you or anyone you know suffers from a bed bug infestation you need to read this. I had no choice but to extensively research this particular topic if you know what I mean.

I say Argh…

Benefits of Changing Your Pillow Cases Regularly

You will absolutely benefit from changing your pillowcases regularly! Check out this list for some motivation:-

  • Crisp, Clean and Fresh
  • Allergies are not aggravated
  • NO critters scrounging for crumbs while you sleep
  • Fewer dust mites
  • NO bed bugs

What Can You Do To Keep Your Bed Linen Clean For Longer

Having a shower before bed. I cannot start my day without that morning shower or a cup of coffee. But I do not suffer from allergies. If I did I would have a shower in the evening and make sure all the oils, products, sweat that had accumulated during the day were washed off.

Bonus!

Another benefit from an evening shower is the relaxation it induces – so you will sleep better!

Changing bed linen and washing it regularly – once a week, twice a week, or even daily. Whatever your personal needs require.

Purchase good quality linen with 2 to 3 spare sets – then there is no excuse for not keeping up to date with the linen changes.

Purchasing extra single pillowcases if you suffer from skin or hair problems – and change them daily. They can be washed once a week with the sheets.

Waterproof pillow protectors put an awesome barrier between the pillowcase and the pillow which is being protected. They zip on and off for easy washing. If you are a sufferer these to should be changed to suit your needs.

You will need to have a couple of spare pillow protectors as well.

Regular maintenance by washing your pillows and duvets will keep these fresh as well.

Satin Pillow Covers with Envelope Closure, Silver Grey
Satin Pillow Covers with Envelope Closure, Silver Grey – Click image to check them out at Amazon

How Often Should You Change Your Pillowcase? - Tip Top SleepWhat Pillowcase Should You Choose

If you check around my site you will learn that I am all about natural fibers. So because the fabric of a pillowcase is next to my skin for long periods of time I like:-

  • Pure cotton
  • Silk
  • Satin
  • Bamboo

The benefits of natural materials include:-

  • Temperature control meaning that they regulate with your body temperature
  • Absorb moisture then disperse it into the air
  • Even when tightly woven they are breathable
  • Strong
  • Look good for longer
  • Easy to clean

Avoiding polyester and blend type fabrics will benefit those with skin problems. (everyone really)

Should You Wash New Pillow Cases

Yes absolutely! You should wash all linen bedding before you use it.

The first thing you will notice when you unpack your new linen is the lovely aroma that some with them. This will be a combination of starches to make them look crisp and other chemicals.

When we receive any new fabric items we can not possibly know how many or what chemical treatments have been used on the material. Chemical treatments are used before manufacture, during manufacture, and even when products are packed and shipped.

Tip

When purchasing check the labeling if the words “easy care” or “wrinkle-free” appear these products are usually treated with formaldehyde. Steer clear!

Color dyes {which are chemicals} can also be a problem because the dye can rub off the linen onto your skin, clothing, and bedding if left unwashed before use. It can’t be good for your skin to have these chemicals on your body for extended periods of time.

Final Thoughts – How Often Should You Change Your Pillowcase?

So how often are you going to be changing your pillowcase from now on?

Takes a while but just get yourself into the habit of ensuring you have a hygienic sleep space you will be glad you did!

As always here’s to better sleep!

How Often Should You Change Your Pillowcase? - Tip Top Sleep
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Categorized as Bedroom

By Michelle D.

Meet Michelle, founder of Tip Top Sleep, a website dedicated to helping you achieve the best sleep possible. With over 50 years of combined experience in the realm of sleep, Michelle and her team provide easy-to-follow tips and strategies to help you feel better, function better, and live better through optimal sleep. Let us help you prioritize your sleep and discover the power of a good night's rest.