Much is said about the importance of going to bed with well-cleaned and hydrated skin to make the most of the moment when cell regeneration occurs, but there is little point in getting into bed with a complete beauty routine if the pillow is dirty. .
If you think that changing your bedding once a week is enough to sleep on a clean surface, we are sorry to tell you that, according to experts, you are wrong.
Let's go by parts.
“The pillowcase must be changed at least every two days.
Although at first it may seem like something unimportant, throughout the night, the skin of the face is in contact with it and, in the end, it ends up becoming a deposit of bacteria that causes blackheads and pimples on the skin," says Estefanía Nieto. , technical director of Omorovicza.
But the pillowcase is not the only thing we should wash.
Because experts agree that the pillow also needs frequent cleaning because it accumulates dust, sweat, grease, saliva, dead skin and other bacteria that affect the condition of the skin and hair.
According to the study
Habits, attitudes and beliefs regarding cleanliness and well-being in Spanish homes
carried out by Vorwerk, manufacturer of Thermomix and Kobold cleaning systems, ceilings (79%) and mattresses (68%) are the surfaces that are rarely or never cleaned.
Not to mention the pillows, one of the most forgotten when we talk about cleanliness.
“It is advisable to wash your pillows once or twice a year.
Over time, they accumulate traces of sweat, sebum and dead skin cells;
also microorganisms such as bacteria or mites;
That's why they have to be washed and not just the covers.
The frequency depends on how dirty they get, how often the covers are washed, and whether the person is allergic, especially to mites.
But good hygiene helps prevent skin problems and allergic reactions.
It is also good to go to bed with a clean face and hair.
We must wash the skin with products that respect its pH and do not cause irritation because we can cause the opposite effect and alter the skin barrier with excessive or inadequate hygiene.
Regarding the frequency of hair washing, it will depend on the person, the activity they do and whether they have more or less seborrhea,” explains
Dr. Almudena Nuño, member of the GEDET (Group of Aesthetic and Therapeutic Dermatology) for
S Moda.
) of the AEDV.
We spend a third of the day with our face on the pillow and its condition not only affects beauty.
“Normal skin has a barrier function that, when in good condition, protects us from contact with bacteria.
But if the dermis is sensitive or has an acne tendency, the presence of these microorganisms worsens its condition, because this type of skin has an altered barrier function.
In these cases, the presence of dirt, bacteria and dust mites in the pillows causes inflammation and worsens their pathology,” explains Dr.
Nuño.
Something similar happens in the hair “The pillow accumulates oils, products, sebum and pollution that are transferred to the hair and scalp.
As a consequence, the hair follicle can become clogged, the hair grows weaker, is matte, dull, brittle and can fall out.
Additionally, the scalp may become itchy or irritated because dirt is a breeding ground for fungi and bacteria.
That is why it is necessary to wash the pillow regularly if we want to preserve our hair health,” says Conchi Arias, founder of Campos Curlyhair.
And that's not all, the presence of dust worsens allergies and makes breathing difficult.
Dr. Almudena Nuño is clear: “mites are common microorganisms that feed on human skin scales and accumulate in warm and humid places, such as pillows.
These tiny arthropods can trigger allergies that manifest in sneezing, itchy eyes, nasal congestion, and wheezing.
To reduce the presence of dust mites on pillows, it is important to wash them regularly at high temperatures.
Additionally, I recommend using hypoallergenic covers, as they create a physical barrier that helps prevent the buildup of dust mites and allergens inside.”
How often and how should we wash the pillow?
It is the million-dollar question, because before launching into the task, several aspects must be taken into account.
Washing the cover is not the same as the filling and each type of pillow requires a different way of washing.
Regarding the frequency of washing, “if we use a protective cover we can extend it a little longer, but the ideal is to wash the pillow every two or three months, as long as we clean the dust once a week and there are no stains.
The minimum is to clean it two or three times a year.
To do so, the first thing we have to look at is whether the pillow is suitable for machine washing or not.
If it is suitable for a washing machine, we will always use a delicate clothes program.
And it is very important to compensate for the load, that is, it is better to put two pillows, one on each side, and not just one because it unbalances the drum and can damage the appliance.
We can also compensate for the load by putting tennis balls.
If it is not suitable for the washing machine, we will have to clean it with a damp cloth and our usual detergent, rubbing little by little over the entire surface,” says Paula Saiton, expert in order and cleaning and creator of the Instagram account @paula.unsitioparacadacosa with more than 300,000 followers.
Saiton recommends basic care so that the pillow lasts a long time in perfect condition.
“There is one thing that we almost never do and that is to read the manufacturer's recommendations carefully.
This will give us the keys to extend its useful life and preserve it better.
I always recommend using a protective cover, washing it two or three times a year and, if we stain it, removing the stain as soon as possible.
The ideal is to dry it horizontally as soon as possible.”
Keep in mind that pillows become very heavy when they are wet, so whenever possible it is preferable to wash them by hand.
Down or feather: avoid deformation and mold
Many feather and down pillows indicate that they should be dry cleaned.
If that's the case, it's best to do it this way because both contain natural oils that cleaning products and high temperatures break down and leave your pillows lumpy, misshapen, and difficult to fluff.
If the label says 'hand wash' it is best to do so with warm water and add half a cup of vinegar to protect the fibers from mold or bacteria.
“If the label indicates that it can be machine washed, we will have to use a delicate laundry program, and make sure that the load is homogeneous.
If you have a top-loading washing machine, the ideal is to place them vertically, to prevent the pillows from bunching up and deforming.
When drying it, it is best to place it horizontally and fluff the feathers little by little.
You can also put it in the dryer at low temperature,” adds Paula Saiton.
Foam and memory foam: no washer or dryer
It is unanimous: foam and memory foam pillows cannot be put in the washing machine or dryer.
Agitation degrades the material, alters its shape and breaks down the padding.
For this reason, most of these pillows come with a fabric cover that can be washed according to the instructions.
So the ideal is to clean them the old-fashioned way: “we start by vacuuming up the dust and mites and then clean them by hand with a cloth soaked in warm water and the usual detergent.
Rinse with another damp cloth and try to dry them in the open air as soon as possible,” says expert Paula Saiton.
Fiber filling: in the washing machine, but with care
Pillows filled with synthetic polyester fibers are the easiest to put in the washer and dryer.
Paula Saiton is conclusive: “you have to wash two at a time (to balance the load) and use a high temperature program to eliminate mites and bacteria (between 40 and 60 degrees).
In addition, we can give a second rinse cycle to eliminate any remaining detergent and spin without using high revolutions, with 800 rpm sufficient.
Then we put it in the dryer on low heat until the pillow is completely dry.”
What to do with stains and yellow pillows
To clean the pillows, it is recommended to use natural products, thus avoiding irritation due to the use of chemicals.
“For sweat and saliva stains, it is best to use a mixture of baking soda, vinegar, and a little liquid detergent, whichever we use regularly.
This mixture is left to act on the stains for about 10 or 20 minutes and then rub with a brush until it is removed.
Rinse and dry.
If the pillow is yellowish, we can add half a cup of percarbonate to our wash, because at high temperatures it helps achieve the desired whitening,” says Saiton.
When is it time to change your pillow?
There comes a time when the most prudent thing is to stop washing them and get rid of them.
When should we buy a new one?
For experts there is a quick and easy trick.
Fold the pillow in half and if it doesn't return to its original shape, it's time to throw them away.
It is also recommended to change your pillow when the slightest smell of mold is detected.