Do you wash your bed pillows?

A Scientific Guide to Pillow Cleaning

Pillows are breeding grounds for bacteria and dust mites, making regular cleaning crucial. However, it's important to note that the internal materials of pillows (such as memory foam or down) are generally not recommended for direct washing, as this can damage the structure.

Key recommendations for cleaning pillows:

1. Regularly wash pillowcases:

Pillowcases are in direct contact with the skin and should be washed weekly with a mild detergent. Avoid using bleach to maintain fabric softness and prevent color fading.

2. Common mistakes when cleaning pillow fillings:

While keeping pillows clean is important, the pillow filling itself should not be soaked in water. Washing can cause the internal filling (such as down or memory foam) to lose its elasticity and even breed mold. For memory foam pillow fillings, it's recommended to gently wipe surface stains with a damp cloth and then allow them to air dry completely.

3. Thorough drying is key:

After washing, pillows must be completely dry before use. If moisture remains inside the pillow, it easily becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and mold, which is counterproductive.

4. Use high temperatures to sterilize:

If possible, wash pillowcases with hot water above 55℃ or expose them to sunlight (for at least 3-4 hours) to naturally sterilize and prevent dust mites from breeding.