Does Bedtime Need a Refresh?

Pour a coffee, dear reader…A little bit of bedtime math is coming up! Did you know that getting the recommended 8 hours of sleep a night means spending 56 hours a week on your pillow? That’s a lot of snoozing and let’s face it, we are all guilty of hitting the hay without taking off our makeup, right? On top of that, while we sleep, our bodies can produce sweat, oils, and other funky stuff that our pillows absorb throughout the night. It doesn’t sound all that refreshing, eh? Don’t worry if you have been a bit slack till now. From when to wash your pillowcases to how on earth to wash your pillow, it’s hard to know where to start when it comes to keeping bedtime fresh. 

This is why this handy pillow guide is here to clean things up!

How often should you wash your Pillowcases?

The experts recommend washing pillowcases at least once a week to maintain hygiene and ensure a fresh sleeping environment. This frequency can vary based on individual use and skin sensitivity. Why? Well, much like you hang out in your clothes all day, pillowcases bear the brunt of bedtime. All that contact means your pillowcases need to be washed more than other bedtime superstars! Natural fabrics can keep things fresher that bit longer. Did you know bamboo is naturally hypo-allergenic, moisture-wicking, and anti-bacterial? Guilty of skipping a few washes? Bamboo pillowcases will fend off those bed bugs. Though you might not want to skip too many… The pillow heroes are known to get softer with every wash.

How often should you wash your pillow?

Depending on the type of pillow you have, it is recommended to wash it every 6 to 12 months. Whether you’ve invested in a memory foam bamboo pillow or have kept the same polyester one for years, we all adore our pillows! Though how do we show them some love and keep them clean? Here is a list of the leading contenders and some tips on how you should treat them:

• Foam Pillows - If you have gone for Memory Foam, good news… Your pillow only needs to be cleaned around once a year. And no washing machine is required! Spinning a memory foam pillow can impact its ability to adapt to the contours of your head. Don’t worry, cleaning doesn’t need anything too fancy- grab yourself a sponge, wash it in warm soapy water, and let it air dry naturally. Easy-peasy!
• Down and fiberfill Pillows - These can be popped in for a spin… though it’s best to do two at a time to keep the washer balanced. Go for 3-4 times a year to keep things super fresh. They may need washing a little more regularly than memory foam.
• Polyester - These pillows are also machine-friendly… There’s nothing worse than a cold, wet pillow! Washing your pillow 2-3 times a year is recommended to keep things fresh. Make sure you set it on a cold to warm spin, then let it air dry thoroughly before putting it back on your bed.

Fresh Dreams

Remember to always scroll through the wash care labels of your pillow before you get cleaning. A little like us sleepers, every pillow is different when it comes to TLC. And you'll be pleased you made the effort!  Is there anything better than that fresh bed feeling?  There’s a reason we love it so much. Studies show that fresh bedding can ease you into deeper relaxation and set you up for a much better night's sleep. Regular good snoozing will make your days feel that bit brighter and keep your morning nice and fresh … Just like your pillow! 

Sweet dreams.