{"id":5888,"date":"2024-09-12T13:26:38","date_gmt":"2024-09-12T11:26:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mindthebed.com\/how-often-should-you-replace-pillowcases\/"},"modified":"2024-10-04T22:09:27","modified_gmt":"2024-10-04T20:09:27","slug":"how-often-should-you-replace-pillowcases","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mindthebed.com\/en\/how-often-should-you-replace-pillowcases\/","title":{"rendered":"How often should you replace your pillowcase?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>Change a pillowcase once a week to avoid yellow discoloration and a hotbed of bacteria.\nChange a pillowcase more often, up to 2 or even 3 times a week if you suffer from acne, profuse sweating or if you let pets sleep on your bed.\nA clean, hygienically fresh pillowcase is essential for a <a href=\"https:\/\/mindthebed.com\/en\/category\/improve-my-sleep\/\">better night&#8217;s sleep<\/a>.  <\/strong><\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"724\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/mindthebed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Kussensloop-vervangen-hoe-vaak-en-welke-regelmaat.webp?resize=724%2C1024&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Pillowcase replacement how often and what regularity\" class=\"wp-image-5756\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mindthebed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Kussensloop-vervangen-hoe-vaak-en-welke-regelmaat-724x1024.webp 724w, https:\/\/mindthebed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Kussensloop-vervangen-hoe-vaak-en-welke-regelmaat-480x679.webp 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 724px, 100vw\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator aligncenter has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Content:<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #003f73;color:#003f73\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #003f73;color:#003f73\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/mindthebed.com\/en\/how-often-should-you-replace-pillowcases\/#Why_replace_once_a_week\" >Why replace once a week?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/mindthebed.com\/en\/how-often-should-you-replace-pillowcases\/#How_long_do_pillowcases_last\" >How long do pillowcases last?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/mindthebed.com\/en\/how-often-should-you-replace-pillowcases\/#Still_continue_to_sleep_on_a_yellow_or_yellowed_pillowcase%E2%80%A6\" >Still continue to sleep on a yellow or yellowed pillowcase&#8230;.<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/mindthebed.com\/en\/how-often-should-you-replace-pillowcases\/#Pros_and_cons_of_changing_a_pillowcase_often\" >Pros and cons of changing a pillowcase often<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/mindthebed.com\/en\/how-often-should-you-replace-pillowcases\/#What_if_you_dont_replace_your_pillowcase\" >What if you don&#8217;t replace your pillowcase?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/mindthebed.com\/en\/how-often-should-you-replace-pillowcases\/#Why_put_2_pillowcases_around_a_pillow\" >Why put 2 pillowcases around a pillow?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/mindthebed.com\/en\/how-often-should-you-replace-pillowcases\/#How_do_bacteria_get_on_a_pillowcase\" >How do bacteria get on a pillowcase?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/mindthebed.com\/en\/how-often-should-you-replace-pillowcases\/#Dead_skin_cells\" >Dead skin cells<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/mindthebed.com\/en\/how-often-should-you-replace-pillowcases\/#Body_fluids\" >Body fluids<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/mindthebed.com\/en\/how-often-should-you-replace-pillowcases\/#Skin_Care\" >Skin Care<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/mindthebed.com\/en\/how-often-should-you-replace-pillowcases\/#Pets\" >Pets<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/mindthebed.com\/en\/how-often-should-you-replace-pillowcases\/#How_do_you_get_into_a_routine_of_changing_your_pillowcase\" >How do you get into a routine of changing your pillowcase?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/mindthebed.com\/en\/how-often-should-you-replace-pillowcases\/#How_often_to_change_pillowcases_%E2%80%93_Conclusion\" >How often to change pillowcases &#8211; Conclusion:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/mindthebed.com\/en\/how-often-should-you-replace-pillowcases\/#Frequently_asked_questions\" >Frequently asked questions:<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/mindthebed.com\/en\/how-often-should-you-replace-pillowcases\/#How_often_do_you_wash_pillowcases\" >How often do you wash pillowcases?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/mindthebed.com\/en\/how-often-should-you-replace-pillowcases\/#Why_are_men_more_likely_to_have_a_yellow_pillowcase\" >Why are men more likely to have a yellow pillowcase?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_replace_once_a_week\"><\/span>Why replace once a week?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n<p>After a week of sleeping on your pillowcase, the growth of bacteria on a pillowcase increases exponentially. <strong>Up to even over 17,000 more bacteria than on a toilet seat<\/strong>, according to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thensf.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">National Sleep Foundation<\/a>.\nMost of these bacteria are totally harmless, but the risk of harmful infections does increase.\nSo avoid leaving a pillowcase around a pillow for long periods of time, especially if you don&#8217;t use an extra pillow protector.  <\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_long_do_pillowcases_last\"><\/span>How long do pillowcases last?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n<p>Pillowcases fade, wear out or get stained.\nStains are often caused by the penetration of sweat, dust and dead skin cells.\nA pillowcase lasts an average of 2 to 4 years depending on quality and frequency of washing and use.  <\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Still_continue_to_sleep_on_a_yellow_or_yellowed_pillowcase%E2%80%A6\"><\/span>Still continue to sleep on a yellow or yellowed pillowcase&#8230;.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n<p>A yellowed pillowcase just doesn&#8217;t look attractive. Especially when you know that the stains are an indication of bacteria acting on moisture and dead skin cells. Not really a nice idea when you go to sleep.<\/p>\n\n<p>Also, yellowing often indicates an old pillowcase, and then it&#8217;s better to replace it.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Pros_and_cons_of_changing_a_pillowcase_often\"><\/span>Pros and cons of changing a pillowcase often<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Advantages<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Cons<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Pillow is less likely to turn <a href=\"https:\/\/mindthebed.com\/en\/how-do-you-get-yellow-stains-out-of-your-pillow\/\">yellow<\/a><\/td><td>You spend a little more money on new<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Less chance of harmful bacteria, more hygienic<\/td><td>Slightly higher energy consumption due to more frequent washing<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Better sleep<\/td><td>Print and colors fade  <\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_if_you_dont_replace_your_pillowcase\"><\/span>What if you don&#8217;t replace your pillowcase?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n<p>Not replacing a pillowcase results in a buildup of bacteria. Bacteria can form that are harmful to our bodies. If you have sensitive skin, you run the risk of your skin suffering from blemishes (pimples, accumulations) more quickly. Dirt creeps into the pores when a pillowcase is not changed for weeks.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_put_2_pillowcases_around_a_pillow\"><\/span>Why put 2 pillowcases around a pillow?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n<p>We regularly see stories about doubling pillowcases.\nThis has a number of advantages: <\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Less damage to the cushion and <a href=\"https:\/\/mindthebed.com\/en\/which-pillow-filling-is-the-best\/\">cushion padding<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>No open side on either side<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lower chance of yellow deposits on the pillow<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>The downside is that you have more laundry, especially with a large family and when you wash pillowcases twice a week. An alternative is to use a pillow protector. They are often thicker and have a specific treatment to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria. Do you really want to be sure? Then choose a boil-proof pillow protector and wash it consistently at temperatures higher than 60\u00b0C.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_do_bacteria_get_on_a_pillowcase\"><\/span>How do bacteria get on a pillowcase?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n<p>Bacteria can be found everywhere and therefore also on your bed textiles. Without bacteria, we simply cannot live. What you want to avoid is concentrations that can harm our bodies. We don&#8217;t want bacteria that make us sick or trigger allergic reactions.<\/p>\n\n<p>Dead skin cells, flakes, body fluids and oil are the main causes of the multitude of bacteria on your textiles.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Dead_skin_cells\"><\/span>Dead skin cells<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n<p>Every hour we lose about 30,000 to 40,000 dead skin cells.\nThey are left in your bed, and therefore on your pillowcase, without your noticing.\nThe accumulation of these combined with body fluids such as sweat creates an ideal base for the rapid growth of bacteria.  <\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Body_fluids\"><\/span>Body fluids<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n<p>Through our breathing, we breathe in up to 300 to 400 milliliters of moisture per 24 hours, often through our demolition. So count on about 100 to 130 milliliters during your sleep. Combined with sweat, mucus, saliva and tears, a lot of body fluids come into almost direct contact with a pillowcase.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Skin_Care\"><\/span>Skin Care<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n<p>Many skin care products have a positive effect on the skin, but a negative effect on the durability of a pillowcase.\nThe oil used to keep a skin care product somewhat liquid sometimes creates yellow stains on a pillowcase and pillow. <\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Pets\"><\/span>Pets<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n<p>No matter how sweet our pets are, on the bed there quickly develops a source of bacteria from our four-legged friends. Again, most of it is harmless to us. If your pet frequently comes into contact with the bed, it is wise to change your pillowcase at least twice a week.<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/mindthebed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/huisdieren-in-bed-bacterien.webp?resize=640%2C427&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"pets in bed bacteria\" class=\"wp-image-4736\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mindthebed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/huisdieren-in-bed-bacterien.webp 640w, https:\/\/mindthebed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/huisdieren-in-bed-bacterien-480x320.webp 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 640px, 100vw\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-16018d1d wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\"><strong>Also read: Do you sleep better with a pet in bed?<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator aligncenter has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_do_you_get_into_a_routine_of_changing_your_pillowcase\"><\/span>How do you get into a routine of changing your pillowcase?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n<p>First, ask yourself who in your family suffers from acne or who sweats a lot while sleeping. Change their pillowcases more often, preferably twice a week. Are any pets climbing on the bed or sleeping in bed with you? Then change all pillowcases every few days.<\/p>\n\n<p>Example: change pillowcases on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays to prevent accumulation of bacteria, dander, sebum and oils.\nThis improves bedroom hygiene, not to be confused with <a href=\"https:\/\/mindthebed.com\/en\/what-is-sleep-hygiene\/\">sleep hygiene<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_often_to_change_pillowcases_%E2%80%93_Conclusion\"><\/span>How often to change pillowcases &#8211; Conclusion:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n<p>It&#8217;s best to change your pillowcase once a week. Change the pillowcase 2-3 times a week if you suffer from acne or excessive sweating. Also, if your pets come into the bedroom or you sleep with them, it is best to change them two to three times a week.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_asked_questions\"><\/span>Frequently asked questions:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list \">\n<div id=\"faq-question-1725884934226\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_often_do_you_wash_pillowcases\"><\/span>How often do you wash pillowcases?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Washing a pillowcase should ideally be done at least once a week.<br \/>\nIf pets get on the pillow or you suffer from acne, wash a pillowcase at least 2x a week. <\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1725888544387\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_are_men_more_likely_to_have_a_yellow_pillowcase\"><\/span>Why are men more likely to have a yellow pillowcase?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Men sweat more than women at night per sweat gland. As a result, a man&#8217;s kisses turn yellow faster than a woman&#8217;s.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Change a pillowcase once a week to avoid yellow discoloration and a hotbed of bacteria. Change a pillowcase more often, up to 2 or even 3 times a week if you suffer from acne, profuse sweating or if you let pets sleep on your bed. A clean, hygienically fresh pillowcase is essential for a better&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":35,"featured_media":4731,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[57],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5888","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-improve-my-pillow"],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/mindthebed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/hoe-vaak-moet-je-kussensloop-vervangen.webp?fit=640%2C427&ssl=1","author_info":{"display_name":"Johnno van den Brink","author_link":"https:\/\/mindthebed.com\/en\/author\/johnnovdb\/"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/mindthebed.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5888","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/mindthebed.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/mindthebed.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mindthebed.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/35"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mindthebed.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5888"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/mindthebed.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5888\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6093,"href":"https:\/\/mindthebed.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5888\/revisions\/6093"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mindthebed.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4731"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/mindthebed.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5888"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mindthebed.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5888"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mindthebed.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5888"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}