Frequency of Pillowcase Washing Suggested by Our Expert Consultant
Frequency of Pillowcase Washing Suggested by Our Expert Consultant
Pillowcases get dirty fairly swiftly. The primary reason behind this is that they endure approximately eight hours every night in contact with various substances, such as the natural oils and sebum present on our skin and scalp, along with the cosmetic products we use to maintain our skin and hair's lustrous appearance. As a result, laundry consultant Mary Gagliardi advises that it's crucial to wash these bed linens routinely. Subsequently, we spoke with Gagliardi about how frequently pillowcases should be cleaned and some effective cleaning strategies.
Mary Gagliardi, popularly known as "Dr. Laundry," functions as a scientist in research and development for laundry products at Clorox.
Wash Pillowcases Every Week
According to Gagliardi, a practical guideline is to clean your pillowcases each time you wash your other bed sheets, which should be done at least once a week. She explains that some individuals may prefer washing their pillowcases more frequently if they perspire during sleep, have oily hair or skin, or apply makeup before bed. However, the majority of people can adhere to the standard schedule. "Eight hours multiplied by seven days equals 56 hours of use—even if you don't sweat or have oily hair, that's enough 'wear' to warrant washing them alongside the remainder of the sheets," she clarifies.
Different Fabric Types
Gagliardi points out that the type of material used for your pillowcase does not significantly impact the frequency with which it needs to be washed. "Pillowcases used for sleeping should be washed regularly, so soils, body oil, sweat, and makeup do not accumulate and become more challenging to remove," she says. "Satin sheets require washing just as frequently as cotton percale or cotton flannel sheets."
The Suitable Laundry Cycle and Detergent
It's essential to utilize the appropriate laundry cycle and detergent for bedding, asserts Gagliardi; this is an area where most of us falter. "Frequently, I offer advice to individuals struggling to clean their pillowcases, only to discover they are washing them in cold water and failing to incorporate the appropriate bleach with their detergent," she explains. "Pillowcases demand thorough cleaning, so using hot water, a more vigorous washing cycle, a highly effective detergent with enzymes, and the right bleach for the fabric and color will bring about significant improvements."
What About Pillow Shams?
Some seldom-used items can be washed less frequently. "Decorative pillowcases (those that match a comforter cover) aren't usually employed for sleeping directly, so they only need to be washed together with the comforter cover to maintain the color uniformity," Gagliardi says. Regarding keeping the color uniform: Gagliardi advises washing your pillowcases and sheets together to preserve the overall condition of your bedding for a more extended period. If more frequent changes are required, maintain a spare set on hand to change them midweek; store the original pieces aside to wash your entire bedding load together at a later time.
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In alignment with Martha Stewart's principles of organization and cleaning, it's beneficial to allocate a dedicated space for storing freshly laundered laundry linens, such as pillowcases, to maintain their pristine condition.
To guarantee effective cleaning and prolong the life of your pillowcases, Martha Stewart recommends using fabric-specific detergent, hot water, and a more vigorous washing cycle, followed by air drying or tumble drying on a low heat setting to prevent shrinkage.