You're Probably Not Washing Your Pillows the Right Way, According to a Microbiologist all-available

August 2, 2023

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Every so often, there are findings released from various studies that make you do a double take. So, get ready to sit down for this one (maybe away from your bedding). According to a recent study from Amerisleep, pillowcases, just one week after being washed, can harbor up to 17,000 times the bacteria that the average toilet seat carries.

While incredibly shocking to many of us, there are some individuals who are not surprised at all—microbiologists. And fortunately, Shaun Veran, microbiologist and CEO of OURA, took the time to speak with Parade about why pillowcases can gather so much bacteria in such a short amount of time, how to properly wash your pillowcases and even when you’re supposed to replace your pillows themselves. Ready to roll up your sleeves (and sheets) and get on a cleaning spree? Here’s exactly how to wash your pillows the right way, according to a microbiologist.

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Findings From the Recent Amerisleep Study

Along with the study’s finding that pillowcases can contain up to 17,000x the bacteria of an average toilet seat after just one week post-wash, after three weeks, the bacteria found on pillowcases is 405 times more than what’s found in an average kitchen sink.

Pillowcases. Where we rub our faces each night.

This news might unsettle a lot of us, but Veran says it’s not that surprising. “While it may sound shocking, our bodies, including our faces, are teeming with bacteria,” he tells Parade. “Most of them are harmless but some can lead to acne and breakouts. So every night, when you lay on a pillow, these bacteria get transferred over to the pillowcase and start multiplying to form colonies.”

How To Wash Your Pillows the Right Way, According to a Microbiologist

“Washing pillowcases frequently is certainly helpful and should be done, but it may not completely rid them of bacteria because some microorganisms can survive in water, even hot water, and soap doesn’t necessarily kill bacteria,” Veran explains. “Moreover, bacteria from our bodies can rapidly recolonize clean pillowcases once you start to use them.”

So, what can you do to help keep your pillows and bedding as clean as possible? Veran has some tips.

Swap out your bedding on a regular basis

“You should swap out pillowcases, sheets and other bedding on a weekly basis,” Veran suggests. “This helps to remove any oils, dead skin cells, makeup, sweat, allergens, dust mites and other microbes that may have ended up on your pillow. Just think about how many hours we sleep: eight hours, seven days a week means your bedding gets 56 hours of usage every week. How many of your clothes would you wear for that much time before tossing them in the hamper?”

Sanitize if needed

“Regular laundry detergents are generally effective enough for the standard cleaning of pillows and bedding,” Veran says. “Some people also add white vinegar or baking soda to the wash for their natural sanitizing properties.”

Wash and replace your pillows themselves

“The pillows themselves should be washed at least twice a year,” says Veran. “However, if you want to keep them in their best condition, you should wash them every three to four months. Pillows should be replaced every one to two years.”

Check the care labels and dry thoroughly

“To clean pillows, first check the care label, as the washing instructions can depend on the material,” Veran explains. “Generally, most down and fiberfill pillows can be washed in a machine with warm water on the gentle cycle, using a small amount of detergent. Two pillows should be washed at once to keep the washer balanced. They should be dried thoroughly to prevent mildew. Some pillows, such as foam, may require spot cleaning or airing out. Bedding should also be washed according to the care instructions, typically in warm or hot water, then dried thoroughly. The entire process, including drying, can take a few hours.”

Recommended Pillowcases and Bedding

According to Veran, bacteria growth happens extremely quickly with pillowcases and bedding. “This is due to the fact that once these germs get into the fibers of a pillowcase or your bedding, they start forming colonies that can be very difficult to remove by washing,” he explains. “All textiles will face this problem, including cotton. However, certain types of materials are more susceptible to these stubborn colonies, with polyester being the worst. (Have you ever put on a clean gym shirt and noticed that it still smelled funky? That’s the leftover odor-causing bacteria you’re smelling.)”

So, what type of bedding is ideal? “The best way to combat this type of bacterial growth is to look for pillowcases and bedding that are infused with germ-killing compounds like copper,” Veran says.