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Lifespan of pillows?
Signs your pillow needs to be replaced
How to prolong the lifespan of your pillows?
Washing Tips for Pillows and Pillowcases
There’s no strict rulebook for pillow care, but following a few basic tips can help keep yours in good shape. The ideal replacement timeline depends on the material and how well you care for it. It’s always wise to check the manufacturer’s label for specific care instructions.
When to Replace Your Pillow?
- The lifespan of a pillow depends on its material.
- Inexpensive polyester pillows (commonly found in Indian homes) should ideally be replaced every 6 to 12 months.
- Cotton, wool, or down-filled pillows can last 3 to 5 years if well maintained.
- Memory foam and latex pillows, which are becoming popular in India, may last up to 5 years with proper care.
How can you tell if you need to replace your pillows?
Not sure whether your pillow has reached the end of its life? Here are a few simple ways to check:
- The Fold Test: Fold your pillow in half and release it. If it doesn’t return to its original shape, it’s time to buy a new one. (This test doesn’t apply to memory foam pillows.)
- Persistent Stains: If the pillow has stubborn stains that remain even after washing, it may harbour bacteria or mould.
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Lumps or Loss of Shape: A pillow that has become lumpy or feels uneven inside will no longer provide the proper neck and head support.
To extend the life of your pillow:
- Wash your pillows regularly.
- Air them out once a week to expose them to fresh air and sunlight this helps to kill germs and reduce odour.
- Keep them in pillowcases (washed regularly) and pillow protectors.
Washing tips for your pillows
Believe it or not, up to 10% of your pillow’s weight could be made up of dead skin cells, dust mites, and even bed bugs. In India’s warm and humid climate, this buildup can be worse—especially in cities with high pollution or homes without regular dust control. For those with allergies or asthma, an unwashed pillow can lead to sneezing, wheezing, or restless sleep.
If you frequently wake up congested or reach for your inhaler, your pillow might be the hidden culprit.
Washing your pillow
Before washing your pillow, check the label to see if it can be washed in a washing machine. If it can, follow these steps:
- Wash your pillows once every 3 to 6 months.
- Use hot water to kill germs and dust mites.
- Select the gentle or delicate cycle on your machine.
- Use mild liquid detergent (don’t use fabric softener).
- Run the pillow through a second rinse cycle with plain water to remove all the soap.
Tip: Wash two pillows at the same time to keep the machine balanced.
Also, it’s better to use a washing machine without an agitator (the central spinning post), as that can damage the pillow.
If Your Pillow Can’t Go in the Machine
Some pillows, like foam or traditional cotton (kapok) pillows, are not machine washable. In that case, wash them by hand:
- Soak the pillow in lukewarm water with a little mild detergent.
- Gently press and squeeze to clean (don’t twist or wring).
- Rinse with cool water, pressing the pillow again to remove soap.
- Press out as much water as possible.
- No matter how you wash it, drying your pillow properly is very important:
- Don’t hang the pillow to dry – it can lose its shape.
- Instead, lay it flat on a clean surface, either outside in the shade or in a cool, dry room inside.
- Some pillows can be dried in a clothes dryer – but only if the label says it’s safe.
- Use the lowest heat setting
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Check and fluff the pillow every now and then so it dries evenly
How often should you change your pillowcase?
Your pillowcase helps absorb sweat, skin flakes, and dust before they reach your actual pillow. This means you don’t have to wash the pillow as often, and it lasts longer too.
Try to wash your pillowcases once a week, especially in hot or humid weather like we have in many parts of India.
