How often should pillows be washed or replaced?
Daniel Moore
Published Jan 21, 2026
Most experts recommend replacing pillows every 1 to 2 years. Doing so helps to ensure that you're using pillows that are supportive, clean, and free of allergens. It is also important to care for the pillows you use to ensure their longevity.
How often should you be washing your pillows?
How Frequently Should Pillows Be Washed? The consensus among experts seems to be that the average person should throw their pillow in the washing machine two to three times per year (so about once every four to six months).
What happens if you don't wash your pillow?
1. Dirt And Oil Can Build Up. While your pillowcase may look clean at first glance, there's actually all sorts of tiny but nefarious things going on. "Not washing your pillowcase regularly results in a build-up of many things including oil, dirt, dead skin cells, and even breakout-causing bacteria," Axe says.
Should you wash pillows or buy new ones?
Although Greatist suggests you swap out pillows every six months, the National Sleep Foundation has a compromise for you, if you're fully unwilling to purchase a new pillow that often: Wash your pillow (yes, the full pillow, not just the pillowcase) once every six months, and then throw it out and buy a new one every ...
How often should sheets be washed?
Most people should wash their sheets once per week. If you don't sleep on your mattress every day, you may be able to stretch this to once every two weeks or so. Some people should wash their sheets even more often than once a week.
29 related questions foundWhen should you throw away pillows?
When Is It Time to Get Rid of Old Pillows?
- You've had the pillow for over two years.
- The pillow looks shapeless or feels lumpy, due to the lack of pillow stuffing.
- You experience head or neck pain that is most prominent right when you wake up.
- The pillow is excessively stained.
- The pillow is torn or stuffing is coming out.
Why does your pillow turn yellow?
Pillows turn yellow because of sweat. There are other reasons why a pillow may start to turn yellow including falling asleep with wet hair, lotions and oils on the skin, and moisture. When moisture or sweat remains on the pillow for long periods of time, the pillow will turn yellow.
How often should I replace sheets?
Sheets should be completely replaced after 2-3 years.
Visible signs of wear and tear (thinning, yellowing, fading) are the most obvious indicators your sheets are past their prime, but you might start to feel the decline as well, which can disrupt your oh-so-important sleep.
How often should you wash your sheets if you shower before bed?
Well, the short answer is once a week.
After all, we do rub our bodies all over our sheets every night for 8 hours at a time. Bacteria, fungi, and a whole host of allergens can build up in your bedding if you don't wash it regularly.
How often should you get a new duvet?
How long can you keep a duvet? The Sleep Council suggests duvets are replaced every two to five years, but it is possible to extend the length of your duvet's life. Duvet protectors are much easier to wash and can protect your duvet from stains and picking up dust mites.
How often mattress should be replaced?
Therefore, it's important to invest in the best mattress possible, and replace it according to expert guidelines. But when should you replace your mattress? Under normal conditions, mattresses should be replaced every 6 to 8 years. Of course, this is a general guideline and not a one-size-fits-all solution.
Is it safe to wash pillows in the washing machine?
Down or feather: Most down pillows can be put in the washing machine. But use cool water and a mild detergent, then dry on low heat. (High temperatures can damage the down.) Memory foam or latex: Washer agitation can break up foam, so these pillows will probably need to be hand-washed.
Why do pillows go lumpy?
Pillows get lumpy over time as their stuffing collects dirt, debris and moisture. These materials cause the pillow stuffing to clump together. No amount of scrunching or stretching will repair these lumps. To restore your pillow to its original shape, you must get rid of the moisture and the dirt inside.
Can you wash pillows in the washer and dryer?
Down pillows can be machine-washed and dried in the same manner as poly-filled pillows. However, they should only be washed on the gentle cycle and dried on medium or low heat. Down pillows can take up to three times longer to dry.
What should you do with old pillows?
What to Do with Old Pillows (Other Than Toss Them Out)
- Recycle or Compost Your Pillows. ...
- Use Them in the Garden. ...
- Reupholster Them to Use as Throw Pillows. ...
- Or Use Them for Outdoor Seating. ...
- Create More Floor Seating. ...
- Make Them into a Pet Bed. ...
- DIY Draft Stopper. ...
- Use Down Feathers as Fertilizer.
How long does a My Pillow last?
Why is MyPillow® going flat? The patented 3-piece interlocking fill used in MyPillow® is warranted to not go flat for 10 years. If you find your pillow is going flat, it may be due to the pillow needing to be laundered.
What happen if you put garlic under your pillow?
A fresh clove of garlic placed beneath a pillow is believed to bestow a calming effect on the nervous system, thanks to the sulphurous compounds which are released from the garlic. Of course, the garlicky scent may take some getting used to, but it's surely worth it for a good night's sleep!
Does putting pillows in the dryer fluff them?
Even just running the pillow through the dryer should fluff it up. You could put your pillows in the dryer once a month. Put the tennis ball in a sock, tie the sock at the end, and throw them both in a dryer for a few minutes. The pillow will be fluffed and perfect for a good night's sleep.
How do you reshape pillows after washing?
How to Fix a Lumpy Pillow After Washing
- Give the pillow a good manual fluffing. ...
- Set the pillow outside in the sun for a few hours. ...
- Place a tennis ball or two inside a clean sock, and then put your pillow in the dryer with the tennis balls. ...
- Place your pillow in the proper size pillowcase.
How do you keep pillows fluffy?
How to Keep Pillows Fluffy:
- Fluff Them Every Morning. A little maintenance goes a long way with your pillows, so it's important to fluff pillows each morning to prevent them from getting misshapen or lumpy. ...
- Dry Them With Tennis Balls. ...
- Try to Remove the Stuffing. ...
- Recycling Pillows and Down Pillows.
Should you wash new pillows before using them?
Always wash your new pillows before use. Most of the reasons that new pillows might be unclean are not apparent to the naked eye. While new pillows are rarely dirty, they can have chemicals, dust mites, and more.
Can I use baking soda to clean my pillows?
You can also use baking soda for washing your pillows. Just use a cup of baking soda on the first wash cycle instead of soap. Then use laundry soap on the next cycle like usual. Always wash your pillows with cold water on a gentle cycle.
What happens to a mattress after 10 years?
One frightening statistic: The average mattress will double its weight in 10 years as a result of being filled with dead dust mites and their detritus. Facts like these can send even the most skeptical consumer running for the dust mop.
Are you supposed to flip your mattress?
Should You Flip Your Mattress? Most mattresses should not be flipped. Unless the manufacturer specifically recommends otherwise, you should not flip your mattress. The majority of modern mattresses are designed to be one-sided, meaning that their design is not conducive to flipping.