How Often Should You Change Your Pillowcase?

We humans sweat a lot; even when we see or feel it, our body is constantly sweating out, especially during summer. Thus, when you wake up on a summer morning you are surely going to see a patch of sweat on your pillowcases. It might not be that significant, which would urge you to change the pillowcase, as you might think sweat will go away with time, and the water does evaporate. 

But all the harmful bacteria and germs that were taken out from your body in the form of sweat do stay on the pillowcase, and it can easily cause a breakout if you are not careful enough. If you are seeing pillowcases turning yellowish, that means your pillowcases are in desperate need of washing. 

If you are not waking up refreshed and ready to take on the world, then there are some issues with your sleeping routine. In most cases, inconvenience is related to mattresses, sheets, and pillowcases. 

If these three are not cleaned enough or you are not changing them on a regular basis, then both sweat and dirt are going to build up, which can leave you with a scratchy throat or sniffles. 

With time and with the inclusion of dirt, germs, bacteria, hair, and all the other things that like to cling to your pillowcase will start to release some really peculiar unwanted smell. As a result, when you go to bed at night, you will be laying your head on a pillow cover, which is a breeding haven for bacteria and germs. 

Just think about all the dead skin, dribble, sweat and germs that are floating freely and are multiplying themselves right at the place where you rest your head. 

According to Liz Trains, who is a certified lifestyle coach, not changing your pillow covers weekly can easily lead to acne and even a duller or more uneven face complexion. This is something not desirable at all, it can easily make you feel uncomfortable and unconfident. Changing pillow cases will eliminate all the germs and bacteria which can cause skin problems. 

If you do not clean your pillowcases or change, then they will start harboring bacteria and yeast, which can get inside your body as you breathe during the night. The insertion of bacteria and germs can weaken your immune system’s guard and cause bacterial infections. 

There are times when you are too drunk or feeling too exhausted to take off your makeup. When that happens, all the makeup you have put on will slowly be transferred to your pillowcase. Then in the morning, when you wake up you are going to find lots of things sticking to your pillowcase, when that happens you must take the covers off and wash them up properly in order to re-use them.

This might not come as straight to you in comparison to other issues, but it does rack up as the most prominent one in terms of affecting your overall life and health. With bacteria, dead skin, body oils, and whatnot lurking on your pillowcase, you will start having issues during your sleep. As a result, it will cause your mental health to take a backseat, and you will start feeling down and sad. 

Now, coming to the factors that affect your pillowcase cleaning frequency, let’s start with the most obvious one: if you take a shower before going to bed at night and avoid eating on the bed, then you can take longer to change the pillowcases compared to those individuals who have different habits. 

Your sleeping hygiene also depends on the changing of seasons; for example, if the outside is too hot or humid, then you will be sweating a lot, and in that case, you have to change your pillow covers more often than your regular cycle. 

In case you are sharing your bed with pets such as dogs and cats, then you are exposing your pillowcase to allergies and pet hair. In addition to this, if you use moisturizer or hair oil before sleep, then again, it is required for you to change your pillowcases as frequently as possible. 

Fabrics like Silk and bamboo require washing more frequently than linen, cotton, and others because if you do not wash them often, you won’t be able to get their luxurious feel and aesthetic appearance. 

The choice of pillowcase material you will be purchasing can play a huge role in acne prevention, better sleep quality, and a less frequent washing regime. Below, we have provided information on how different pillowcase materials can be helpful for you: 

Cotton is known to be the best fabric if you wish to have something that can last long. It is known to be the most durable fabric for your pillowcases, and at the same time, it is comfortable, breathable, and, most importantly, affordable. 

You should be using cotton pillowcases if you are living in a warm place; they help in cooling down temperature, allowing you to have a relaxing sleep at night. 

Linen pillowcases are recommended if you want to experience the most lightweight fabric. This particular fabric is good for warm climates. It helps in controlling the overheating of your head throughout the night. 

Furthermore, if you sweat a lot while you sleep, then using linen will make things easier for you as it absorbs your sweat and gives you a comforting headrest for the night. 

Bamboo isn’t a new fabric, but its usage has certainly been; bamboo fabric comes from nature, and it is manufactured specifically to give relief to individuals who are suffering from skin problems. 

It is a hypoallergenic material, and it also comes with antibacterial properties, so when you lay your head down on the pillow, which is made from bamboo fabric, you are going to experience ultra softness and comfort. It is one of the few fabrics which completely comes from nature and the entire manufacturing process is also pretty safe for the environment. All of this makes it the most unique renewable fabric in recent years. 

Satin is famous for its adaptability; it keeps you cool during the winter, and you will feel its warmth during the winter. When you compare satin with other fabrics of pillow covers you will find that satin fabric is pretty absorb resistant. Thus, it will keep your hair and skin hydrated during the night. This will prevent any form of damage that your hair and skin have to go through. 

Besides this, satin and Silk are the two luxurious fabrics that can elevate the overall decor of your room. It is also used in throwing a somewhat bohemian look to the entire place.

The best fabric we kept for the last, Silk is like a king of fabrics, Silk has become a quintessential part of our bedding if you have the deep pockets to purchase it. This fabric helps in managing hair fall; it is quite soft, and as a result, it does not make your hair frizzy or tangle it up as you sleep on it. 

Also, a silk pillowcase will bring the epitome of luxury to your bedroom decor; that’s why it is considered to be a must-have if you want to experience ultimate luxury. 

Regular changing of pillow covers is essential for maintaining a healthy environment around yourself when you are sleeping. By adhering to the guidelines, tips, and vital information that we have shared here, you can consistently keep yourself safe from germs and bacteria that linger in your bedding.

 1 Week(Recommended): So there you have it; you need to change your pillowcases every once a week. 

 2 Days: On the other hand, if you are someone who sweats a lot, has pets at home who sleep with you in bed, and if you are suffering from skin problems, or in any other case, you have to change pillowcases after 2 days of use. 

 2 - 3 Weeks:  On the contrary, if you have a hectic schedule or you live alone all by yourself having no pets, then you can change your pillowcase after two weeks. 

However, you should know if you want to keep your pillowcases for 2 weeks, you should maintain all types of different sleep hygiene, like regular bathing before going to bed and vacuuming your bedroom. All this can easily compensate for less frequent change of pillow covers. 

 3 - 4 Weeks: If you have a guest bedroom that you don’t occupy for your personal use and it's left only for guests, then you can change the pillow covers after they leave or, in general, 3 - 4 weeks, meaning once a month. Again, we would like you to be mindful of hygiene; if you feel like your pillow covers have started smelling, you should change them instantly. 

As Needed: In certain situations, it is you who needs to take the call for changing pillowcases; if you have someone who is on bed rest or sweats excessively, in that case, you should find a balance between hygiene and the schedule of changing your pillowcases. 

Prioritize cleanliness and comfort to prevent the spread of germs to make sure you are sleeping in a healthy environment. 

So next time, don’t wait too long to change your pillow covers; do it frequently and sleep peacefully.